Two excellent actors played Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter movies, but they weren't quite perfect. John Lithgow can bring the character balance.

John Lithgow arrives at the 31st annual Screen Actors Guild Awards on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025, at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. Earlier this week, Lithgow was announced to take on the role of Professor Albus Dumbledore in HBO’s upcoming “Harry Potter” television series.

The Emmy-winning actor, hot off a SAG Award for "Conclave," said playing the Hogwarts headmaster would "define me for the last chapter of my life."

HBO’s Harry Potter series casts John Lithgow as Dumbledore, and the actor responds to concerns that he’s an American undertaking the role.

One thing about John Lithgow that is undeniable is that he is very much not English. Nevertheless, he's been picked to play the very, very English icon Dumbledore in HBO's upcoming "Harry Potter" series.

HBO’s upcoming “Harry Potter” series has found its Professor Albus Dumbledore in actor John Lithgow — known for his previous roles in “Conclave,” “The Crown” and “Footloose.” Lithgow confirmed to Screenrant that he had committed to the role as Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Lithgow's casting breaks tradition of British actors in Harry Potter, sparking debate. HBO's American casting decision opens more opportunities for diverse talent in series. Auditions for lead trio ongoing, with Paapa Essiedu as Snape and Cillian Murphy as Voldemort rumored.

John Lithgow confirmed in a new interview with ScreenRant that he will be playing Albus Dumbledore in HBO’s “Harry Potter” television series. Variety reported earlier this month that Lithgow was eyeing the role.