John Lithgow is getting ready to tackle the function of a fan favourite literary character within the upcoming Harry Potter HBO TV sequence.
Whereas talking on the SmartLess podcast on Monday, the actor admitted that he’s “behind everyone” in the case of realizing the sequence however doesn’t suppose the function of Albus Dumbledore within the reboot challenge will likely be “that onerous.”
“The general idea of this complete reboot of Harry Potter is a complete season is dedicated to a single novel,” Lithgow mentioned of the sequence, which HBO introduced in April 2023. He shared that he’s “midway by way of the second” novel proper now as he’s educating himself on the story.
Provided that the sequence will chronicle all seven books, host Sean Hayes requested Lithgow concerning the filming schedule and the way a lot he’d be touring, with the sequence anticipated to movie in London. Lithgow didn’t but know specifics however recalled how he spent a very long time within the U.Ok. whereas filming The Crown.
“I actually don’t know,” he instructed Hayes. “I imply, I used to be over in England for eight months for The Crown and barely got here again [to the U.S.]. I believe I could have come again a couple of times. I think about that I can come again way more.”
After it was introduced that Lithgow can be taking up the function of the headmaster of the Hogwarts College of Witchcraft and Wizardry, he mentioned he has already skilled individuals approaching him public to ask concerning the adaptation.
“Are you able to consider this has already began?” Lithgow mentioned. “The deal was solely set, like, 48 hours in the past, and in airports two weeks in the past, by some means or different, individuals had gotten wind of this, they usually had been stopping me.”
When reflecting on the character, which was portrayed by Richard Harris and Michael Gambon within the franchise movies, and touring for the function Lithgow mentioned, “You understand, Dumbledore is — he’s sort of the nuclear weapon. He solely goes on very, very sometimes. I don’t suppose it’s gonna be that onerous a job, and, we’ll simply travel.”
In an interview with ScreenRant, Lithgow had first revealed that he mentioned “sure” to taking part in Dumbledore in the small display adaptation of J. Ok. Rowling’s hit books. The Hollywood Reporter had beforehand reported that Lithgow was in talks for the function.
“Nicely, it got here as a complete shock to me,” the actor mentioned. “I simply obtained the telephone name up on the Sundance Movie Competition for one more movie, and it was not a straightforward determination as a result of it’s going to outline me for the final chapter of my life, I’m afraid. However I’m very excited. Some great persons are turning their consideration again to Harry Potter. That’s why it’s been such a tough determination. I’ll be about 87 years outdated on the wrap get together, however I’ve mentioned sure.”
The Harry Potter sequence is about to start filming this summer time and is described as a “extra in-depth” adaptation of Rowling’s seven-book sequence in comparison with the movies that starred Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint.
Francesca Gardiner is serving because the showrunner for the sequence, with Mark Mylod set to direct a number of episodes.