Oscar-nominated actor confirms he’s been cast as Dumbledore in Harry Potter series

The iconic role has previously been played by Richard Harris, Michael Gambon and Jude Law.

In an exclusive interview with ScreenRant, the 3rd Rock From the Sun star confirmed that he said "yes" to taking on the task of playing the headmaster of the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

The 79-year-old revealed that the he was taken by surprise when he was approached by HBO.

"It came as a total surprise to me," said Lithgow. "I just got the phone call up at the Sundance Film Festival. It was not an easy decision.

"It's going to define me for the last chapter of my life I'm afraid," he continued. But I'm very excited. Some very wonderful people are turning their attention back to Harry Potter."

He joked: "I'll be 87-years-old at the wrap party."

Lithgow's comment makes him the first actor to be confirmed for the show's cast.

It's possible that he wasn't supposed to share this news just yet given how quiet HBO has been on casting reports thus far, but it speaks to how development on the series is going behind the scenes. 

The much-anticipated series is already being slated for seven seasons, with Francesca Gardiner (His Dark Materials, The Man in the High Castle) set to serve as showrunner.

The character of Albus Dumbledore was previously portrayed by Richard Harris in the first film adaptations, The Philosopher’s Stone and The Chamber of Secrets.

His death in 2002 saw Michael Gambon take over the role for the remaining films.

Jude Law played a younger version of Dumbledore in two films in the prequel franchise Fantastic Beasts, The Crimes of Grindelwald and The Secrets of Dumbledore.

In a career that has spanned decades and dozens of acting credits, as well as Emmy wins and Oscar nominations, Lithgow’s most recent projects included Conclave, The Crown, The Old Man and Jimpa.

The show is currently targeting a release in late 2026 or early 2027, and HBO has confirmed that filming on the episodes will begin in summer 2025 at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden in the U.K.