Why John Lithgow’s 'Harry Potter' Role Is Sparking Internet Outrage

John Lithgow has officially confirmed that he will be stepping into the role of Albus Dumbledore for HBO’s highly anticipated "Harry Potter" TV series. The announcement comes amid growing speculation about who would take on the iconic role previously portrayed by the late Richard Harris and Michael Gambon.

The new "Harry Potter" adaptation, which aims to bring J.K. Rowling’s beloved book series to the small screen, will be helmed by showrunner Francesca Gardiner.

While casting details have largely remained a mystery, John Lithgow’s involvement was rumored last week before he confirmed the news himself.

In an interview with ScreenRant, Lithgow officially confirmed his casting as Hogwarts Headmaster Albus Dumbledore in HBO’s "Harry Potter" TV series. While he refrained from sharing specific details about the project, the actor admitted that the decision to take on such an iconic role was not an easy one, primarily due to the immense time commitment at this stage of his career.

“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,” Lithgow revealed.

Despite the weight of the commitment, the actor expressed excitement about returning to the "Harry Potter" universe, emphasizing that the people involved in the new adaptation are what ultimately convinced him to sign on.

“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 added.

After the news broke, many took to social media to express their frustrations with the casting, particularly because he is an American actor taking on a distinctly British role.

"Is he English?" one fan asked as someone else expressed, "Hope he has a good English accent."

"John Lithgow as Dumbledore? Hmm, not a great choice," another said as a third wrote, "Nobody wants this."

After hearing the backlash, Lithgow acknowledged the skepticism surrounding his casting in a separate interview with Collider, reassuring fans that Dumbledore’s essence will remain true to the character’s roots.

“He’s certainly an Englishman. In fact, there’s a good deal of controversy that an American has been hired to play him. He’s such an icon,” Lithgow admitted.

"The Crown" actor pointed to his previous performances as Winston Churchill and Roald Dahl as proof that he is up for the challenge:

“I’m half-English. I’ve just played Roald Dahl. I’ve played Winston Churchill. I’ll spend some time with a dialect coach. Don’t worry about that. But no, I mean, Dumbledore couldn’t possibly be anything other than English. I just have to do my best.”

Despite the controversy, Lithgow expressed enthusiasm about joining the "Harry Potter" universe, calling it an opportunity he couldn’t pass up.

“It’s pretty scary, but it’s certainly not anything I would dream of saying no to. Look, I’m about to turn 80 next year. I’ll be 80, I’ll be 86 or 7 at the wrap party for this one. It’s a wonderful winding down role. That’s how I see it,” he shared.

The actor also praised the caliber of talent he will be working with on the series, saying, “I know that I’ll be working with, at the very top of the food chain, these are superb people. And I will be working with among the best English-speaking actors in the world. I mean, the talent pool right there in London is at their disposal."

"I’m really excited about it and just revisiting 'Harry Potter' in depth these days," he continued. "I just want to do it justice.”

With Lithgow officially confirming his role, it’s likely that more casting announcements will surface in the coming weeks.

Reports have surfaced that Paapa Essiedu is being considered for the role of Severus Snape, and an official confirmation could be forthcoming. As for the iconic trio of Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley, their casting remains under wraps. However, the show has reportedly conducted a broad talent search, suggesting that fresh faces may be stepping into the beloved roles.

While some fans are skeptical of an American actor taking on such an iconic British role, Lithgow’s dedication to authenticity and his extensive acting pedigree may win over critics.