John Lithgow Faces Dumbledore Challenge in New ‘Harry Potter’ Series: “I Know People Are Appalled”

In a bold move that’s already generating buzz and debate across the internet, HBO’s Max has cast veteran American actor John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore in its upcoming Harry Potter series reboot. The announcement, made April 14, drew mixed reactions from fans—especially those who consider Dumbledore the quintessentially British headmaster of Hogwarts.

Lithgow, never one to dodge tough conversations, addressed the casting controversy head-on during an appearance on the BBC’s The One Show on April 16. “It’s an enormous thrill,” he said of landing the role. “But I know there were plenty of people appalled that an American should be hired to play the ultimate English wizard. But, I will do my best.”

The Harry Potter fandom is famously passionate—and protective. Following in the footsteps of Michael Gambon and Richard Harris, who each brought wisdom and gravitas to the role in the film franchise, Lithgow acknowledges the pressure.

“I’m not an Englishman, although I’ve played one on TV,” Lithgow joked. “I remind everyone that I did play Winston Churchill on The Crown and did just fine.” The actor’s turn as Churchill earned him critical acclaim and a Primetime Emmy Award, and now he’s preparing to step into the shoes of another towering fictional figure.

In a more lighthearted conversation on the SmartLess podcast in March with Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett, Lithgow seemed more relaxed about taking on Dumbledore. “You know, Dumbledore, he’s kind of this nuclear weapon,” he said with a laugh. “He only goes off very, very occasionally. And I don’t think it’s gonna be that hard a job.”

Still, Lithgow is realistic about the weight of the role. He called the “logistics” of filming a multi-season fantasy epic “scary,” but added that the opportunity offers something special: “If this is indeed a seven or eight-year long job, it’s a wonderful way to grow old as an actor. I mean, the alternative is to just be hauled out once a year to play an Alzheimer’s patient with an awful lot of weeping middle-aged children, you know.”

Surprisingly, the actor revealed he hasn’t actually finished reading the Harry Potter series. “I seem to be behind everybody,” he admitted. “I’m halfway through the second of these seven novels.”

Still, his commitment to the role is clear, and fans are eager to see how his interpretation of Dumbledore unfolds over time—especially since the series is billed as a “faithful adaptation” of J.K. Rowling’s beloved books.

Lithgow isn’t going it alone. The series has assembled an impressive cast, including Janet McTeer as McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Snape, Nick Frost as Hagrid, Luke Thallon as Quirrell, and Paul Whitehouse as Filch.

“We’re delighted to have such extraordinary talent onboard,” said showrunner Francesca Gardiner and director Mark Mylod in a joint statement. “We can’t wait to see them bring these beloved characters to new life.”

With seasoned actors and a new generation of Hogwarts students to be announced, Max is aiming to revive the wizarding world with the depth and detail only a multi-season TV series can provide. The show promises to explore “every corner of the wizarding world,” giving fans a deeper look into the magic beyond the classroom.

Of course, the decision to cast Lithgow as Dumbledore is bound to remain polarizing. While some purists argue the role should stay in the hands of British actors, others are curious to see what a seasoned performer like Lithgow can bring to the character. After all, the actor’s career spans stage, screen, and voice work—with everything from 3rd Rock from the Sun to Dexter on his résumé.

If Lithgow can channel the same humanity and complexity he brought to Churchill, this American Dumbledore might just win over the most skeptical fans.

John Lithgow’s casting as Dumbledore marks a daring, unconventional choice that could redefine the way audiences connect with the beloved headmaster. Whether he’s warmly welcomed or fiercely critiqued, one thing is certain: all eyes will be on Hogwarts when the new series hits Max.

As fans prepare for a new era of magic, one question remains: will Lithgow’s Dumbledore cast the same spell on audiences that his predecessors did?