John Lithgow has officially confirmed that he would enter into the role of Albus Dumbledore for the long -awaited HBO “Harry Potter” TV series. The announcement comes in the midst of increasing speculation on which would assume the emblematic role previously described by the late Richard Harris and Michael Gambon.

The new adaptation “Harry Potter”, which aims to bring JK RowlingThe series of beloved books on the small screen will be directed by the Francesca Gardiner showrunner.

While the casting details have largely remained a mystery, the participation of John Lithgow was rumor last week before confirming the news itself.

In an interview ScreenLithgow officially confirmed his cast as director of Hogwarts Albus Dumbledore in the television series “Harry Potter” by HBO. While he refrained from sharing specific details on the project, the actor admitted that the decision to play such an emblematic role was not easy, mainly because of the immense time commitment at this stage of his career.

“Well, it was a total surprise to me. I just received the telephone call to the Sundance Film Festival for another film, and it was not an easy decision because it will define me for the last chapter of my life, I am afraid, “revealed Lithgow.

Despite the weight of the engagement, the actor expressed his enthusiasm at the idea of ​​returning to the “Harry Potter” universe, stressing that the people involved in the new adaptation are finally convinced to connect.

“But I am very excited. Wonderful people reflect their attention to “Harry Potter”. This is why it was such a difficult decision. I will be about 87 years old at the film party, but I said yes, “he added.

Once the news has broken out, many went to social networks to express their frustrations with regard to the casting, especially because he is an American actor playing a distinctly British role.

“Is he English?” A fan asked as someone else expressed: “I hope he has a good English accent.”

“John Lithgow like Dumbledore? HMM, not an excellent choice,” said another as a third party, “nobody wants that.”

After hearing the backlash, lithgow recognized skepticism surrounding its casting in a separate interview with ColliderReassuring fans that Dumbledore’s essence will remain faithful to the character’s roots.

“It is certainly an Englishman. In fact, there is a lot of controversy that an American has been hired to play it. It is such an icon, ”admitted Lithgow.

The actor “The Crown” underlined his previous performances while Winston Churchill and Roald Dahl as proof that he is ready to take up the challenge:

“I am half English. I just played Roald Dahl. I played Winston Churchill. I will spend time with a dialect coach. Don’t worry. But no, I mean, Dumbledore could not be anything other than English. I just have to do my best.

Despite the controversy, Lithgow expressed his enthusiasm at the idea of ​​joining the universe “Harry Potter”, calling him an opportunity he could not let pass.

“It’s quite frightening, but it is certainly not something that I would dream of saying no. Listen, I’m about to be 80 years old next year. I will be 80 years old, I will be 86 or 7 years old at the Wrap evening for this one. It is a wonderful arrest role. This is how I see it, “he shared.

The actor also praised the caliber of the talents with which he will work in the series, saying: “I know that I will work, at the top of the food chain, they are superb people. And I will work with the best English -speaking actors in the world. I mean, the talent swimming pool in London is at their disposal. “”

“I am really excited about this and I revisit” Harry Potter “in depth these days,” he continued. “I just want to do him justice.”

With Lithgow officially confirming its role, it is likely that more casting ads appear in the coming weeks.

Reports have surfaced according to which Paapa Essiedu is taken into account for the role of Severus Snape, and an official confirmation could be to come. As for the emblematic trio of Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, their casting remains under the Wraps. However, the show would have made a wide search for talents, suggesting that new faces could enter the beloved roles.

While some fans are skeptical about an American actor playing such an emblematic British role, the dedication of lithgow to authenticity and his vast pedigree of actor can gain criticism.