Nitwit. Blubber. Oddment. Tweak. These are just some of the sounds we just made after getting our first stunning look at John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore in HBO‘s Harry Potter series. The pictures, taken during filming of a scene we’re not sure actually existed in the first novel, were taken on a beach in Cornwall, England and show off what looks to be a simply perfect interpretation of the character.
Lithgow was seen donning long navy robes, round glasses, and a flowing beard that looks ripped straight from the pages of J.K. Rowling’s novels. It’s the kind of interpretation that has longtime readers buzzing — and with good reason. The image is startlingly close to how many imagined Albus Dumbledore when they first encountered him on the page.
The setting, however, is what has fans scratching their heads. Lithgow’s Dumbledore was filmed standing on a rocky beach, holding cue cards that appeared to contain Latin phrases — or perhaps spells — while gesturing as though casting magic. But for readers who know Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone inside and out, there’s no moment where Dumbledore ever appears seaside. Unless he’s decided to go skinny dipping, which is possible, if unlikely.
What Did John Lithgow Say About Harry Potter?
Lithgow himself has offered a few cryptic comments about the role. Speaking earlier this year, he described Dumbledore as “the nuclear weapon” of the story:
“You know, Dumbledore is — he’s kind of the nuclear weapon. He only goes on very, very occasionally. I don’t think it’s gonna be that hard a job, and, we’ll just go back and forth.”
The veteran actor admitted the part came to him out of the blue.
“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. Some wonderful people are turning their attention back to Harry Potter.”
He joked that by the time the series wraps, he’ll be “about 87 years old at the wrap party,” but said yes anyway, diving into Rowling’s books for the first time to research the character.
Harry Potter will arrive on HBO in 2027.
via Collider