John Lithgow Weighs in on Criticisms Over His Dumbledore Casting in “Harry Potter” Series: ‘Plenty of People’ are ‘Appalled’

Renowned actor John Lithgow has recently shared his thoughts on the criticisms surrounding his casting as Dumbledore in the upcoming Harry Potter TV series. The 79-year-old actor has been chosen to portray the iconic headmaster of Hogwarts in the highly anticipated HBO adaptation of the beloved wizarding world, which was officially confirmed by the streaming service last week. Despite facing some mixed reactions over his casting, Lithgow expressed his enthusiasm for the role during an appearance on BBC’s The One Show on April 16.

Acknowledging the ongoing discussion about his portrayal of Dumbledore, Lithgow revealed his feelings of excitement and intimidation about taking on such a significant character. He addressed the controversy surrounding an American actor playing the quintessential English wizard, stating, “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.” Drawing upon his past experience playing Winston Churchill on The Crown, Lithgow assured fans that he is committed to delivering a memorable performance as Dumbledore.

In his interview, Lithgow also made reference to the late Michael Gambon, who portrayed Dumbledore in the Harry Potter film series following Richard Harris’ passing. The Emmy and Tony award-winning actor expressed his admiration for Gambon’s interpretation of the character and shared his intentions to build upon the foundation laid by the esteemed Irish actor. With production of the Harry Potter series set to commence this summer, Lithgow is gearing up to step into the robes of the beloved wizard.

Having previously downplayed the challenges of embodying Dumbledore during an interview on a popular podcast hosted by Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett, Lithgow expressed confidence in his ability to inhabit the role. Referring to Dumbledore as a character who appears sparingly but exerts a powerful presence, he hinted at his familiarity with long-term stays in England due to his previous projects. The seasoned actor also revealed that he is immersing himself in J.K. Rowling’s literary universe, noting that he is catching up on the magical adventures detailed in the bestselling book series.

Joining Lithgow in the Wizarding World are esteemed actors such as Janet McTeer, Paapa Essiedu, Nick Frost, Luke Thallon, and Paul Whitehouse, who will bring to life a diverse array of beloved characters from the Harry Potter universe. With the ensemble cast assembled and preparations underway for filming, fans of the magical saga can anticipate a fresh interpretation of the timeless tale on the small screen. As excitement builds for the upcoming Harry Potter TV series, audiences around the world are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to revisit the enchanting world of witchcraft and wizardry.

In conclusion, John Lithgow’s casting as Dumbledore has sparked dialogue and speculation within the Harry Potter fan community. With the actor’s dedication to honouring the legacy of the character and his commitment to delivering a compelling performance, viewers can look forward to a new chapter in the enchanting saga. As filming progresses and the release date draws nearer, the anticipation for the Harry Potter TV series continues to grow, promising a magical and immersive viewing experience for fans old and new alike.