HBO’s Harry Potter Series: John Lithgow Addresses Fan Concerns Over His Casting as Albus Dumbledore
The highly anticipated HBO series based on the Harry Potter books has been making waves with its recent casting announcements. One of the most notable additions to the cast is John Lithgow, who will be playing the iconic role of Albus Dumbledore. However, Lithgow’s casting has raised some eyebrows among fans, with some expressing concerns over his suitability for the role. According to a report by Forbes, Lithgow recently addressed these concerns in an interview with BBC’s The One Show.
In the interview, Lithgow acknowledged that some people were “appalled” by his casting, but surprisingly, it was not due to his age or his previous portrayal of characters. Instead, Lithgow revealed that some fans were upset because he is American. “I will be following the great Michael Gambon. I’m not an Englishman, although I’ve played one on TV,” he said. “I remind everyone that I did play Winston Churchill on The Crown and did just fine…But yes, I mean, it’s an enormous thrill. But 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.” Forbes reported that Lithgow’s comments were made in response to fan concerns, which were reportedly fueled by his nationality.
However, it appears that Lithgow’s age may be a more pressing concern for fans. At 79 years old, Lithgow is set to play a role that will likely span over a decade, with the show planned to cover all seven books. As Forbes noted, Lithgow will be 90 or older by the time the show concludes, assuming it follows a similar production schedule to other streaming shows. While Lithgow is an accomplished actor, having won an Emmy for his portrayal of Winston Churchill in The Crown, his age may prove to be a challenge for the show.
Lithgow will be taking over the role of Dumbledore from Michael Gambon, who played the character in the previous film adaptations. Gambon was 69 years old when he finished filming the Harry Potter series, while Lithgow will be 10 years older than Gambon was at the end of the series. This has led some to question whether Lithgow’s age may impact his ability to play the role effectively over an extended period.
Despite these concerns, Lithgow remains committed to the role and has expressed his enthusiasm for the project. As reported by Forbes, Lithgow stated that he is “thrilled” to be a part of the show and is looking forward to bringing his own interpretation to the character of Dumbledore.
The casting of John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore is just one of the recent announcements for the HBO series, which is expected to premiere in 2027. The show will cover all seven books in the Harry Potter series, with a planned multi-season run. As the show prepares to begin production, fans will be keeping a close eye on the casting and production developments. According to Forbes, the show’s production schedule and casting decisions will be crucial in determining its success.
In conclusion, the casting of John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore has raised some concerns among fans, but Lithgow remains committed to the role and is eager to bring his own interpretation to the character. As the show prepares to begin production, fans will be watching closely to see how the story unfolds. As Forbes reported, Lithgow’s performance will be crucial in determining the show’s success.
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