HBO is reportedly in the final stages of negotiations with John Lithgow, known for his role as Lord Farquaad in Shrek, to portray Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore in the upcoming Harry Potter reboot series. According to Variety, Lithgow is close to securing the role, although HBO has not yet confirmed this casting. This development comes despite earlier reports in November from Variety that Mark Rylance was the top choice for the role of Dumbledore.
A spokesperson from HBO commented on the swirling rumors, stating, "We appreciate that such a high-profile series will draw a lot of rumor and speculation. As we make our way through pre-production, we will only confirm details as we finalize deals."
John Lithgow's extensive career includes notable performances in films like The World According to Garp, Terms of Endearment, and Footloose, as well as television roles in Dexter and The Crown.
Despite various reports, the casting for the Harry Potter series remains largely under wraps. HBO is also on the hunt for actors to play Harry, Hermione, and Ron, and has reportedly found its Severus Snape in Paapa Essiedu. The series aims to focus on British talent, a decision influenced by the involvement of the original author, J.K. Rowling, who is "fairly involved" in the casting process.
Announced in April 2023, the Harry Potter show promises to be a "faithful adaptation" of the novels, offering a more "in-depth" exploration of the story than what was possible in the two-hour film format. The series will be directed and written by Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod, both of whom have worked on the acclaimed series Succession, with Mylod also having contributed to Game of Thrones.
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