A new on-set leak from HBO’s Harry Potter production has surfaced, which saw John Lithgow sporting Dumbledore’s look. Lithgow almost looked unrecognizable in the Hogwarts headmaster’s signature long beard, coupled with the long robes, which perfectly encapsulated the character’s description from the novels, similar to Richard Harris and Michael Gambon‘s versions.
FIRST LOOK at John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore in the HARRY POTTER TV series pic.twitter.com/1HuxpNfq93— Wizarding World Direct (@WW_Direct) October 8, 2025
More importantly, Lithgow was seen filming on a beach, and considering there’s no such scene present in the novels or the movies, we might indeed be heading for something fresh as opposed to being a rehash of the movies.
First Look of John Lithgow’s Dumbledore Hints at a Fresh Direction
Stills of Lithgow’s Dumbledore are not only true to the books but seem like a fresh iteration of the same text as opposed to being a repeat of the movies. For instance, the similarity between Nick Frost’s Hagrid and Robbie Coltrane’s OG Hagrid raised questions among the fandom, with director Chris Columbus even chiming in, “What’s the Point?”.
Given that we’ve already been through this song and dance before, there’s no point in doing the same thing. On the bright side, the on-set leak from the beach indicates that we might be witnessing something new and exciting.
It’s also important to note that the movies, due to the restraints of the medium, trimmed some notable elements from the novels, including the character of Peeves. With each season reportedly set to cover one novel, the showrunners have the opportunity to realize the moments that got lost between the movie adaptations.
John Lithgow Had Mixed Feelings About Taking on Dumbledore
Coming off the legacy of Richard Harris and Michael Gambon, not to mention Jude Law and Toby Regbo from the Fantastic Beasts series, Lithgow has some big shoes to fill with the role of Dumbledore.
Conclave | Credit: Focus Features
However, despite the prestige associated with the gig, taking on the role wasn’t an easy decision for the Shrek star. As for why he was hesitant, Lithgow, who is nearing 80, was afraid of the prospect of Dumbledore defining the last chapter of his career (via Screen Rant).
With HBO’s Harry Potter shaping up to be a decade-long show, Lithgow’s concerns are valid. This isn’t to say the Shrek star isn’t excited, as in the same interview, the actor expressed his enthusiasm for the role.
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.
With a premiere slated for sometime in 2027 (via Deadline), hopefully the show will live up to the bar set by its predecessors and offer something fresh on the table.
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