Harry Potter TV series set photos reveal John Lithgow as Dumbledore, offering fans a first look at HBO’s 2027 reboot of the Wizarding World.
The Harry Potter TV series in development at HBO has taken another big step forward with the reveal of its Dumbledore. Newly surfaced set photos give fans their first glimpse of John Lithgow in the iconic role of Albus Dumbledore, Hogwarts’ eccentric and wise headmaster.
The images, posted by Wizarding World Direct on X (formerly Twitter), show Lithgow fully costumed in long robes and a white beard, channeling the familiar look of the beloved character. Lithgow now joins a legacy of actors who have portrayed the wizard, following Richard Harris, who originated the role in the first two Harry Potter films before his passing in 2002, and Michael Gambon, who played the part until his own passing in 2023.
FIRST LOOK at John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore in the HARRY POTTER TV series pic.twitter.com/1HuxpNfq93
— Wizarding World Direct (@WW_Direct) October 8, 2025
A Fresh Cast Steps Into the Wizarding World
This new adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s seven Harry Potter novels is being helmed by Succession alum Francesca Gardiner, who serves as showrunner alongside frequent collaborator Mark Mylod, who will direct episodes and also share showrunning duties.
The series is reintroducing Hogwarts with an entirely new cast. Dominic McLaughlin, Alastair Stout, and Arabella Stanton will play Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger, respectively — stepping into the roles originally portrayed by Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson. Among the adult characters, Paapa Essiedu (I May Destroy You) takes on the role of Potions master Severus Snape, while Nick Frost (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz) will portray the gentle groundskeeper Rubeus Hagrid.
Fans already caught an early look at Frost as Hagrid and McLaughlin as Harry in previously leaked images, sparking mixed reactions and comparisons to the original films.
Revisiting a Familiar Story
The HBO series promises to adapt each of Rowling’s seven books across seven seasons, allowing for a deeper exploration of details left out of the films. While many fans are excited at the opportunity for a more expansive retelling, others question whether a straight reboot of the saga is necessary, considering the movies concluded in 2011.
Some fans have expressed interest in spinoffs like a Marauders prequel, while early comments from original film director Chris Columbus noted how some of the leaked images felt nearly identical to his work on Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and Chamber of Secrets.
Still, with Lithgow now stepping into Dumbledore’s robes, anticipation is building as HBO works to reimagine the Wizarding World for a new generation.
The Harry Potter series is set to premiere on HBO in 2027.
