One thing about John Lithgow that is undeniable is that he is very much not English. Nevertheless, he's been picked to play the very, very English icon Dumbledore in HBO's upcoming "Harry Potter" series.

John Lithgow being cast as Dumbledore in the upcoming "Harry Potter" series is more significant than you might think

Lithgow's casting breaks tradition of British actors in Harry Potter, sparking debate. HBO's American casting decision opens more opportunities for diverse talent in series. Auditions for lead trio ongoing, with Paapa Essiedu as Snape and Cillian Murphy as Voldemort rumored.

"It's going to define me for the last chapter of my life, I'm afraid." John Lithgow is heading to Hogwarts. The 3rd Rock From the Sun star confirmed recent rumors that he'll be playing Professor Albus Dumbledore on HBO's forthcoming Harry Potter TV series in an interview with Screenrant published Tuesday.

In an interview with Screen Rant, Lithgow said that he has accepted the role of the Hogwarts head wizard in HBO’s forthcoming series: “I’ll be about 87 years old at the wrap party.”

John Lithgow has confirmed that he will portray the Hogwarts headmaster in HBO’s upcoming “Harry Potter” series, which will begin filming this summer. Lithgow, 79, said in an interview with ScreenRant that the invitation to play the beloved character came “as a total surprise.”