John Lithgow to appear as the third Dumbledore
By Jess McHugh
Picture of John Lithgow by Jamie McCarthy, Getty Images
The new HBO Harry Potter series is set to have Hollywood award-winning actor John Lithgow play Dumbledore.
The 79-year-old Hollywood star is known for roles such as, Winston Churchill in Peter Morgan's historical drama The Crown (2016–2019) on Netflix, even voicing Lord Farquaad in the beloved children’s movie Shrek.
If cast, he will be the third to inherit the role of Dumbledore, following in the footsteps of Richard Harris and Michael Gambon who played his character in the film series.
The Harry Potter TV series received the thumbs up and was first announced on April 12, 2023, and production is set to begin summer 2025. The TV series will be based on the books with no changes to the storyline or the characters. The series is scheduled to run for seven seasons each one will be based on a novel from the franchise. The series will have all new cast.
Image from the original Harry Potter film series
Many fans are questioning if the author J.K. Rowling will play a part in the making of this TV due to controversy surrounding her.
J.K. tweeted controversial comments regarding the trans community during 2020. These left fans feeling conflicted about the story and left castmates with the same feeling. After the controversy Daniel Radcliffe who plays Harry in the film series, spoke out by writing an open letter for a LGBTQ+ organisation.
Emma Watson also responded to Rowlings comments towards the trans community with a tweet saying: "Trans people are who they say they are and deserve to live their lives without being constantly questioned or told they aren't who they say they are.
"I want my trans followers to know that I and so many other people around the world see you, respect you and love you for who you are".
Rupert Grint also said: "I firmly stand with the trans community... Trans women are women. Trans men are men. We should all be entitled to live with love and without judgment."
The clashes between J.K Rowling and the star cast leave many speculating if that is why the original cast might not make an appearance in the new TV series.