Actor John Lithgow will appear as Albus Dumbledore in the new Harry Potter series. It is based on the same-name novels of J.K. Rowling. Although he received critical approval for his portrayal of characters in successful films and television shows like Interstellar and The Crown, a majority of Harry Potter viewers protested his casting as Dumbledore for the new Harry Potter series.
John Lithgow Responds to Backlash Over His Casting
In the footsteps of deceased actor Michael Gambon (Dumbledore in Harry Potter movies) might be challenging for John. But The Crown actor reminded the audience that he might not be an ‘Englishman’. However, he has portrayed the role of the United Kingdom’s former Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, in one of his series.
While talking on BBC’s One Show, as quoted by Deadline, John said, “I will be following the great Michael Gambon. I’m not an Englishman, although I’ve played one on TV,” he said on BBC’s The One Show. “I remind everyone that I did play Winston Churchill on The Crown and did just fine.”
He assured the fans that he would give his best for the role. “But yes, I mean, it’s an enormous thrill. But I know there were plenty of people appalled that an American should be hired to play the ultimate English wizard. I will do my best,” added John as quoted by Deadline.
Lithgow’s Take on the Role of Dumbledore in Harry Potter Series
In March, the actor spoke publicly about his character of Dumbledore and explained that he doesn’t think that it is going to be a difficult work for him, People reported.
“You know, Dumbledore is he’s kind of the nuclear weapon. He only goes on very, very occasionally. And I think that I don’t think it’s gonna be that hard a job, and, we’ll just go back and forth,” said John while talking to hosts Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett, reported People.
Full Cast Revealed for the New Harry Potter Series
To that end, apart from John being cast as Dumbledore in the forthcoming Max series of writer-showrunner Francesca Gardiner. The actor was accompanied by Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall. Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape. Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid. Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell. And Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch.
Following Richard Harris first played the character of Dumbledore in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and The Chamber of Secrets, he passed away at age 72 in 2002. Later, it was acquired by the actor Michael Gambon who subsequently became famous among masses for playing the character. He portrayed Dumbledore in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Goblet of Fire, Order of Phoenix, The Half-Blood Prince, The Deathly Hallows Part 1 and The Deathly Hallows Part 2.
Younger versions of the Hogwarts dean were portrayed by Jude Law in Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald and The Secrets of Dumbledore.
