Fans of the Wizarding World have been given their first glimpse of John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter reboot series, currently filming in England. This new insight into the show brings anticipation and curiosity about how Lithgow’s portrayal will shape this fresh adaptation.
First Images from the Harry Potter Reboot Set
Set photos released three months into filming reveal John Lithgow almost unrecognizable as the Hogwarts headmaster. He dons a lengthy white beard, half-moon glasses, and richly colored robes dominated by blue hues. Many viewers have reacted positively to the new look, though some express confusion over scenes showing Dumbledore alone on a beach—an element not found in the original Harry Potter book.
Reactions and Visual Details of Dumbledore’s Look
Social media has buzzed with excitement and surprise at Lithgow’s transformation into the character. Fans and official Wizarding World channels have shared images highlighting intricate costume details beneath his outer robe, fueling further interest in how true the series will remain to the source material.
“FIRST LOOK at John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore in the HARRY POTTER TV series pic.twitter.com/1HuxpNfq93”— Wizarding World Direct
“I’m speechless. John Lithgow as Dumbledore is already perfect. pic.twitter.com/aAl5LawR6g”— Wizarding World Direct
“Better look at Dumbledore’s costume under his coat pic.twitter.com/lafrT1xE9i”— Wizarding World Direct
John Lithgow’s Unexpected Casting as Dumbledore
Initially, HBO sought Mark Rylance for the role, but after he declined, Lithgow was selected in February 2025. The actor described the offer as a surprise, recalling how the call came while he was at the Sundance Film Festival. He acknowledged the role’s significance, noting that taking on Dumbledore will likely define this chapter of his career, while expressing excitement for the challenge ahead.
“Well, it came as a total surprise to me,”
Lithgow shared with Screen Rant.
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.
Dumbledore’s Legacy and the Reboot’s Creative Team
John Lithgow follows in the footsteps of several actors who have portrayed Dumbledore on screen. Richard Harris originated the role in the first two Harry Potter films before Michael Gambon took over for the subsequent six movies. Meanwhile, Jude Law played a younger Dumbledore in the Fantastic Beasts prequels, and Toby Regbo appeared as an even earlier version in flashbacks from related stories.
The reboot’s production is led by head writer and showrunner Francesca Gardiner, with Mark Mylod directing the main episodes. The series will adapt the first book, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, with a planned HBO release in 2027, setting high expectations for both longtime fans and new audiences.
What to Expect Moving Forward with the Reboot
The unveiling of John Lithgow as Dumbledore marks a major milestone in the Harry Potter reboot’s development, stirring both hope and curiosity among viewers. His portrayal, combined with the creative vision of Gardiner and Mylod, could offer a fresh yet respectful interpretation of the beloved story. As filming continues in England, audiences eagerly await how this new chapter will expand the magical universe and deepen the legend of Dumbledore.
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
I’m speechless. John Lithgow as Dumbledore is already perfect. pic.twitter.com/aAl5LawR6g
— Wizarding World Direct (@WW_Direct) October 8, 2025
Better look at Dumbledore’s costume under his coat pic.twitter.com/lafrT1xE9i
— Wizarding World Direct (@WW_Direct) October 8, 2025
