Mark Rylance handed on the Albus Dumbledore function within the HBO Harry Potter TV series as a result of his spouse tragically handed away final month.
In November 2024, Variety reported that Rylance was “on the high of the casting wishlist” to play Dumbledore in HBO’s forthcoming Harry Potter sequence. HBO didn’t verify the information on the time however relatively mentioned, “We recognize that such a excessive profile sequence will draw lots of rumor and hypothesis. As we make our approach by pre-production, we’ll solely verify particulars as we finalize offers.”
Whereas many assumed Rylance’s casting could be confirmed, it was introduced on Wednesday, February 12, that John Lithgow is now being eyed for the Dumbledore role.
Based on Jeff Sneider’s The Insneider, Rylance turned down the function as a result of his spouse, Claire van Kampen, handed away in January 2025.
“[This] led him to cross on the venture so he might correctly grieve,” Sneider wrote.
Rylance is understood for starring in motion pictures corresponding to 2015’s Bridge of Spies, 2016’s The BFG, 2017’s Dunkirk, 2018’s Prepared Participant One, 2020’s The Trial of the Chicago 7, 2021’s Don’t Look Up, and 2022’s Bones and All.
Is John Lithgow enjoying Dumbledore in HBO’s Harry Potter sequence?
Lithgow’s casting has additionally not but been formally confirmed right now. HBO repeated the identical assertion the corporate launched when Rylance’s casting was reported on when requested for remark by Deadline.
No different casting for the Harry Potter sequence has but been revealed. Particular plot particulars stay underneath wraps right now, although the sequence is believed to be a “trustworthy” adaptation of the Harry Potter novels.
Dumbledore was performed by Richard Harris within the first two Harry Potter movies. Harris handed away in 2002, and Michael Gambon then performed him within the six remaining motion pictures. Jude Regulation, in the meantime, portrayed a youthful Dumbledore within the Unbelievable Beasts prequels.
A premiere date for the Harry Potter present has not but been introduced.
