We Finally Know Who Is Playing Dumbledore in the New ‘Harry Potter’ TV Show

And the role goes to...

By Danielle Long

Published Feb 26, 2025

•

6:29pm

AFP/AFP via Getty Images

The secret’s out—HBO has officially found its new Dumbledore for the upcoming Harry Potter TV series.

For those who need a refresher, Professor Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore (yes, that’s his full name) is the wise and beloved headmaster of Hogwarts. Originally played by Richard Harris in the first two Harry Potter films, the role was later taken over by Michael Gambon after Harris’s passing in 2002. More recently, Jude Law portrayed a younger version of the character in the Fantastic Beasts prequels.

Now, as for who is set to portray the legendary wizard in HBO’s highly anticipated adaptation, the role goes to—drum roll, please—John Lithgow.

The 79-year-old actor confirmed the news himself in an interview with ScreenRant, admitting that accepting the role was no easy decision.

"Well, it came as a total surprise to me. I just got the phone call up at the Sundance Film Festival for yet another film, and it was not an easy decision because it's going to define me for the last chapter of my life, I'm afraid," he said. "But I'm very excited. Some wonderful people are turning their attention back to Harry Potter. That's why it's been such a hard decision. I'll be about 87 years old at the wrap party, but I've said, 'Yes.'"

Lithgow’s acting career spans over five decades, with standout roles in Killers of the Flower Moon (2023), Interstellar (2014) and Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011). He’s also a two-time Oscar nominee and a six-time Emmy winner—so yeah, he’s got the chops to take on Hogwarts' most powerful wizard.

As for the rest of the cast? That remains a mystery. What I do know is that the series is expected to debut in late 2026 or early 2027, with each season adapting one of J.K. Rowling’s seven books. If all goes according to plan, Lithgow will play Dumbledore for nearly a decade, wrapping up in 2033.

A huge congrats to John Lithgow—here’s to another magical chapter in the Harry Potter universe.

Want all the latest entertainment news sent right to your inbox? Click here.

Danielle Long

Freelance Editor, News and Entertainment

Writes breaking news and entertainment content
Covers award show red carpets and movie premieres
Has earned two Edward R. Murrow Awards

read full bio