Harry Potter fans are not impressed with John Lithgow's casting as Dumbledore in upcoming HBO series; here's why

A Harry Potter series is in the making, and while we may not have many details about it, John Lithgow has confirmed he will be playing the role of Albus Dumbledore in the eagerly anticipated HBO show. Lithgow comes with an experience of five decades, known for his contribution to films like Shrek, Confessions of a Shopaholic, Leap Year, Interstellar, and Conclave, and shows Dexter, How I Met Your Mother, The Crown, and The Old Man. However, fans of Harry Potter movies, known as Potterheads, are not exactly thrilled about his casting as Dumbledore. Scroll ahead to find out why!

John Lithgow confirms he will play Dumbledore in the Harry Potter series

J.K. Rowling's Wizarding World changed a generation with its eight-part film series and is now ready to take over the small screen with a new series that is currently in development at HBO. Given the popularity of Harry Potter books and films, fans have been curious to know about the casting; however, showrunner Francesca Gardnier has remained tight-lipped about the same. But thanks to John Lithgow, we at least know who will be playing Albus Dumbledore, the headmaster of the wizarding school Hogwarts.

Lithgow, 79, confirmed his casting as Dumbledore to Screenrant. In an interview with the publication, 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."

Why aren't fans of Harry Potter pleased with the casting?

Despite John Lithgow's impressive acting credits, fans of Harry Potter have expressed their reservations about his casting. Most believe the makers should have roped in a British actor to take on the role of the beloved character to maintain a strong sense of authenticity of the British culture and setting.

In the movie adaptation of the books, all key roles were played by British actors, as Rowling was firm on the idea that she wanted British actors to play pivotal characters.

"I¡¯ll give it a chance, but I don¡¯t like the idea of non-British people starring in it," one person wrote on X.

I¡¯ll give it a chance but I don¡¯t like the idea of non-British people starring in it

¡ª ??? ?. ?????? (@SamStark93) February 25, 2025

Another X user stated, "This is a terrible casting. They could¡¯ve really put their stamp on this movie and made Dumbledore Black. I mean, at least he¡¯s British, I guess."

This is a terrible casting. They could¡¯ve really put their stamp on this movie and made Dumbledore black. I mean, atleast he¡¯s British I guess

¡ª GameOver (@GameOver_Rekt) February 25, 2025

"I haven¡¯t liked one casting so far. Hopefully I¡¯m proven wrong," a third person added.

I haven¡¯t like one casting so far.

Hopefully I¡¯m proven wrong.

¡ª Reel Money (@ReelMoney1) February 25, 2025

"Congrats to him, but I don¡¯t like the choice personally," commented another.

Congrats to him but I don¡¯t like the choice personally

¡ª Tin_Man (@TinMan__X) February 26, 2025

Meanwhile, some people also came to the defense of the American actor, citing his brilliant performance as the British Prime Minister Winston Churchill in The Crown.

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