John Lithgow, the actor who aced the role of late UK PM Winston Churchill in the popular Netflix series The Crown, has been confirmed to play the role of Albus Dumbledore in HBO&rsquo;s&nbsp;Harry Potter series. &nbsp;
Confirming the news, John Lithgow told Screen Rant in an interview that the role came as a &ldquo;surprise&rdquo; for him.
<h2>John Lithgow confirmed as Albus Dumbledore</h2>
He said, "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. 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."&nbsp;
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Albus Dumbledore is one of the biggest wizards and the headmaster of Hogwarts.&nbsp;
He is also regarded as a mentor and father figure to Harry Potter. The character was originally portrayed by Richard Harris, followed by Michael Gambon. In the Fantastic Beasts films, a younger version of Dumbledore was brought to life by British actor Jude Law.&nbsp;
Post this announcement, we await the finalised names for the leading trio &ndash; Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley.&nbsp;
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<h2>Harry Potter to air in 2026</h2>
HBO&rsquo;s Harry Potter series is expected to go on floors this summer and will be aired in 2026.&nbsp;
Previously, John Lithgow has been a part of The Crown, Shrek, Dexter, The Undoing, Footloose, Terms of Endearment and many other features and TV shows.

Entertainment Hollywood American actor John Lithgow has been cast as Hogwarts Headmaster Albus Dumbledore for HBO's Harry Potter TV show. He previously featured in The Crown.

John Lithgow, the actor who aced the role of late UK PM Winston Churchill in the popular Netflix series The Crown, has been confirmed to play the role of Albus Dumbledore in HBO’s Harry Potter series. Confirming the news, John Lithgow told Screen Rant in an interview that the role came as a “surprise” for him. John Lithgow confirmed as Albus Dumbledore He said, "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. 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." Cillian Murphy rumoured for Harry Potter HBO series, but not as Voldemort Albus Dumbledore is one of the biggest wizards and the headmaster of Hogwarts. He is also regarded as a mentor and father figure to Harry Potter. The character was originally portrayed by Richard Harris, followed by Michael Gambon. In the Fantastic Beasts films, a younger version of Dumbledore was brought to life by British actor Jude Law. Post this announcement, we await the finalised names for the leading trio – Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley. ‘There are no trans kids’: Harry Potter author JK Rowling claims no child ‘born in wrong body’, sparks debate Harry Potter to air in 2026 HBO’s Harry Potter series is expected to go on floors this summer and will be aired in 2026. Previously, John Lithgow has been a part of The Crown, Shrek, Dexter, The Undoing, Footloose, Terms of Endearment and many other features and TV shows.

Meet the new Albus Dumbledore: John Lithgow to play the iconic role in HBO's Harry Potter

Very rarely you come across people like Michael Gambon aka Dumbledore of the Harry Potter film series as he made the franchise more layered with his acting and unique with his screen presence. As Michael died at the age of 82 on September 28, Harry Potter cast including Daniel Radcliffe who played the central character and others honoured the late actor.&nbsp;

<h2>Daniel Radcliffe remembers his time with Michael Gambon</h2>

In a statement to Variety, Daniel Radcliffe said, “With the loss of Michael Gambon the world just became considerably less fun. Michael Gambon was one of the most brilliant, effortless actors I’ve ever had the privilege of working with, but despite his immense talent, the thing I will remember most about him is how much fun he had doing his job. He was silly, irreverent and hilarious. He loved his job, but never seemed defined by it. He was an incredible story and joke teller and his habit of blurring the lines of fact and fiction when talking to journalists meant that he was also one of the most entertaining people with whom you could ever wish to do a press junket."

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“The sixth film was where I got to spend the most time working with Michael and he made the hours spent in front of a green screen together more memorable and joyous than they had any right to be,” Radcliffe added. “I’m so sad to hear he has passed, but I am so grateful for the fact that I am one of the lucky people who got to work with him.”

As Daniel remembered his times with the Dumbledore actor, other Harry Potter cast members also shared their tributes to Michael.

Rupert Grint, who played Ron Weasley, wrote on Instagram: “So sad to hear about Michael. He brought so much warmth and mischief to every day on set. He captivated me as a kid and became a personal role model of mine for finding the fun and eccentricities in life. Sending all my love to his family.”

<h2>JK Rowling calls Gambon a "wonderful man"</h2>

Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling called Gambon “a wonderful man in addition to being an outstanding actor. I absolutely loved working with him, not only on Potter but also The Casual Vacancy. My deepest condolences go to Michael’s family and everyone who loved him.”

Jason Isaacs, who played Lucius Malfoy in the series said, “The greatest thrill of being in the Potter films was that [Michael Gambon] knew my name and shared his fearless, filthy sense of fun with me.”

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-remembering-michael-gambon-the-iconic-dumbledore-who-enchanted-the-world-640624">Remembering Michael Gambon: The iconic Dumbledore who enchanted the world</a>

The Harry Potter social media account also shared a profound message as it wrote, “We are incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of Sir Michael Gambon. He brought immeasurable joy to Harry Potter fans from all over the world with his humour, kindness and grace. We will forever hold his memory in our hearts.”

While Michael Gambon made the role of Albus Dumbledore his own, it hadn’t started with him. Richard Harris originated the role of Albus Dumbledore on screen in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. After Richard’s death, the character passed on to Gambon who took over from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, and he continued as Dumbledore through the remainder of the film franchise.

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Very rarely you come across people like Michael Gambon aka Dumbledore of the Harry Potter film series as he made the franchise more layered with his acting and unique with his screen presence.

Very rarely you come across people like Michael Gambon aka Dumbledore of the Harry Potter film series as he made the franchise more layered with his acting and unique with his screen presence. As Michael died at the age of 82 on September 28, Harry Potter cast including Daniel Radcliffe who played the central character and others honoured the late actor. Daniel Radcliffe remembers his time with Michael Gambon In a statement to Variety, Daniel Radcliffe said, “With the loss of Michael Gambon the world just became considerably less fun. Michael Gambon was one of the most brilliant, effortless actors I’ve ever had the privilege of working with, but despite his immense talent, the thing I will remember most about him is how much fun he had doing his job. He was silly, irreverent and hilarious. He loved his job, but never seemed defined by it. He was an incredible story and joke teller and his habit of blurring the lines of fact and fiction when talking to journalists meant that he was also one of the most entertaining people with whom you could ever wish to do a press junket." “The sixth film was where I got to spend the most time working with Michael and he made the hours spent in front of a green screen together more memorable and joyous than they had any right to be,” Radcliffe added. “I’m so sad to hear he has passed, but I am so grateful for the fact that I am one of the lucky people who got to work with him.” As Daniel remembered his times with the Dumbledore actor, other Harry Potter cast members also shared their tributes to Michael. Rupert Grint, who played Ron Weasley, wrote on Instagram: “So sad to hear about Michael. He brought so much warmth and mischief to every day on set. He captivated me as a kid and became a personal role model of mine for finding the fun and eccentricities in life. Sending all my love to his family.” JK Rowling calls Gambon a "wonderful man" Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling called Gambon “a wonderful man in addition to being an outstanding actor. I absolutely loved working with him, not only on Potter but also The Casual Vacancy. My deepest condolences go to Michael’s family and everyone who loved him.” Jason Isaacs, who played Lucius Malfoy in the series said, “The greatest thrill of being in the Potter films was that [Michael Gambon] knew my name and shared his fearless, filthy sense of fun with me.” Also read: Remembering Michael Gambon: The iconic Dumbledore who enchanted the world The Harry Potter social media account also shared a profound message as it wrote, “We are incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of Sir Michael Gambon. He brought immeasurable joy to Harry Potter fans from all over the world with his humour, kindness and grace. We will forever hold his memory in our hearts.” While Michael Gambon made the role of Albus Dumbledore his own, it hadn’t started with him. Richard Harris originated the role of Albus Dumbledore on screen in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. After Richard’s death, the character passed on to Gambon who took over from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, and he continued as Dumbledore through the remainder of the film franchise. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Daniel Radcliffe and Harry Potter cast pay tribute to Dumbledore actor Michael Gambon

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Meet the new Albus Dumbledore: John Lithgow to play the iconic role in HBO's Harry Potter

Daniel Radcliffe and Harry Potter cast pay tribute to Dumbledore actor Michael Gambon