US actor John Lithgow is reportedly in final talks to take on the role of Albus Dumbledore in the upcoming Harry Potter TV series.
According to entertainment outlets Variety and Deadline, the Oscar-nominated actor is close to signing a deal to play the legendary Hogwarts headmaster.
Lithgow, best known for his role in the sitcom 3rd Rock from the Sun, has an extensive career spanning both drama and comedy.
His notable performances include voicing Lord Farquaad in Shrek and portraying Winston Churchill in The Crown, for which he earned an Emmy and a BAFTA nomination.
If confirmed, Lithgow will follow in the footsteps of Richard Harris and Michael Gambon, who previously portrayed Dumbledore in the Harry Potter film series.
The new TV adaptation will feature a completely fresh cast and is expected to begin filming this summer.
Described by HBO Max as “a faithful adaptation” of JK Rowling’s iconic books, the series is planned to run for a decade.
While no official casting announcements have been made, an open casting call was recently held to find the three young leads.
“We understand that such a high-profile series will spark plenty of speculation,” HBO told Deadline. “Details will only be confirmed once deals are finalized.”
John Lithgow has long been one of America’s most respected actors, with a career that includes two Oscar nominations in the 1980s for The World According to Garp and Terms of Endearment.
He won three Emmys for his portrayal of Dick Solomon in 3rd Rock from the Sun and has delivered memorable roles in Dexter, Perry Mason, and most recently as an FBI boss in The Old Man.
His role as a scheming cardinal in Conclave has also generated significant Oscar buzz this year.
At 79, Lithgow possesses the perfect combination of gravitas, warmth, and humor to bring Dumbledore to life.
However, if the series does span a full decade, he would be nearly 90 by the time it concludes.
Fans eagerly await official confirmation and the chance to see him step into the beloved wizarding role.
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