Harry Potter TV series casts its Dumbledore

We have spoken a lot about the new Harry Potter TV series that was announced back in 2023.

Since then, excitement has been building, auditions have been held, and now, the first actor has been confirmed for the show.

Actor John Lithgow, who played Lord Farquaad in Shrek, has confirmed he will be taking part in the series.

Can you guess who as? Here's a clue - he is the headteacher at Hogwarts!

That's right! He will be playing Dumbledore!

Who is John Lithgow?

John Lithgow is a well-known actor who has worked both on stage and on screen.

He has received multiple awards for his work including six Emmy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards and two Tony Awards.

Lithgow also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2001.

The actor, who is 79, has said that the decision to accept the role wasn't an easy one because of how long the commitment would be at this stage of his career.

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."

He is the first actor to publicly confirm he's taking part, however the show's maker HBO has been quiet on casting reports so far.

Who else is in the series?

The original Harry Potter films were also made at Warner Bros. studios in Hertfordshire, near London

Whilst the exact date of the release of the show is unknown, it is thought the show is currently targeting a release in late 2026 or early 2027.

And HBO has confirmed that filming on the episodes will begin in summer 2025 at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden in the U.K.

But, who else will be working alongside Lithgow remains a mystery.

The show put out a wide casting call for the young characters, but who has been selected is yet to be confirmed.