Hello, Harry Potter.
Earlier this year, it was announced that John Lithgow, best known to Dexter fans as Arthur Mitchell, the chilling Trinity Killer, had landed a major new role in an entirely different franchise: Harry Potter.
HBO is officially rebooting the beloved Harry Potter saga as a brand-new television series, set to debut in 2027, and Lithgow has been cast as none other than Albus Dumbledore, the wise and powerful headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Dumbledore, one of the most legendary wizards in literature and film, is known for his immense magical power, compassion, and role as a mentor to the young hero, Harry Potter.
This upcoming HBO adaptation will retell J.K. Rowling’s original Harry Potter novels in a fresh, serialized format, separate from the Warner Bros. film series that starred Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson. The new generation of Hogwarts students will be played by Dominic McLaughlin (Harry Potter), Alastair Stout (Ron Weasley), and Arabella Stanton (Hermione Granger), three rising stars stepping into the world’s most magical trio.
Earlier today, first-look photos of John Lithgow on set as Dumbledore surfaced online, taken from filming locations in Cornwall, England. The images offer a fascinating glimpse at Lithgow’s complete transformation into the beloved headmaster — and fans are already buzzing.
The 79-year-old actor looks almost unrecognizable, sporting a long white beard, flwing hair, and wizardly robes straight out of another era. Despite not having a British accent, Lithgow’s commanding presence and expressive performance seem to fit the role perfectly, judging by these behind-the-scenes glimpses.
Check out the first look photos of John Lithgow as Dumbledore, shared by Wizarding World Direct via Daily Mail:
1. John Lithgow at the beach
The actor was spotted filming a dramatic seaside scene in Cornwall earlier today.
2. Lithgow and crew members
Lithgow appears to be rehearsing lines written in an ancient magical language, displayed on a large whiteboard near the set.
3. Taking a break from filming
Between takes, Lithgow is seen relaxing with crew members, smiling and chatting on set.
4. Lithgow receiving direction
The veteran actor listens closely to the director’s notes before shooting another scene.
This casting is particularly exciting for Dexter fans who have seen Lithgow return to the franchise multiple times in recent years — and now, he’s stepping into one of the most iconic roles in fantasy history. Given his unforgettable turn as Trinity, fans online are already joking that “Dumbledore’s dark side” may finally be revealed.
No matter how you look at it, John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore is inspired casting, and these new set photos only confirm that magic is definitely in the air.