John Lithgow could very well play the new Albus Dumbledore as the Oscar nominee reportedly circles HBO’s hotly anticipated “Harry Potter” series.
The 79-year-old “Conclave” star, who is also a six-time Emmy winner, is in final talks to play the Hogwarts headmaster in what HBO promises will be “a faithful adaptation” of J.K. Rowling’s fantasy series, Deadline reports.
“We appreciate that such a high-profile series will draw a lot of rumor and speculation,” the network said in a statement to Deadline. “As we make our way through pre-production, we will only confirm details as we finalize deals.”
The series, set to span more than 10 years, is currently expected to debut late next year or in early 2027, over a quarter of a century after the first big screen blockbuster in 2001.
“Harry Potter” books and films were a worldwide phenomenon until the finale “Deathly Hallows,” which hit shelves in summer 2007. The two-part “Deathly Hallows” film hit theaters in November 2010 and July 2011.
The films starred Daniel Radcliffe in the titular role alongside Rupert Grint and Emma Watson as Harry’s best friends Ron and Hermione. Richard Harris was the first to take a crack at Dumbledore, a role he portrayed in the first two films, prior to his 2002 death. The late Michael Gambon took over the role for the remaining films while Jude Law portrayed young Dumbledore in the “Fantastic Beasts” prequels.
An estimated 32,000 children have thrown their hats in the ring to play the lead trio.
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