"It Was a Huge Decision": John Lithgow Reveals Why He Joined HBO's 'Harry Potter' Series

John Lithgowwill soon be saying “Sherbert Lemon,” as the acclaimed actorwill be starringin Max’s upcomingHarry Potterseries as Hogwarts Headmaster Albus Dumbledore. While not much is known about Lithgow’s portrayal of the iconic wizard, the actor recently provided some new tidbits about preparing for the role — and also gave some insight into something unique he shares with the prior Dumbledore,Michael Gambon.

Lithgow spoke about the role during an interview with Variety, admitting that heisn’t as knowledgeable aboutHarry Potteras some of the superfans. “I don’t know theHarry Pottercanon by heart as 98% of the world’s population seems to,” Lithgow said. “It was a huge decision because it involves the next several years of my life. And I’m not young. I mean, this is the last big role I’ll probably play.” Lithgow went on, “As the kids grew older [in the books], you learn more and more about Dumbledore, and he became a much more surprising, complicated character. They have described this to me, and I’ve got to discover it for myself and make it my own.” He added that there is an interesting parallel between him and Gambon, who portrayed Dumbledore in thelast sixPotterfilms:

“I was a huge admirer of Michael Gambon. I never met him, but I always kind of idolized him. And Michael Gambon and I happened to have the same birthday, so I thought that was a kind of wizard-like touch.”

Lithgow is Taking the Role Seriously

TheHarry Potterfandom has been abuzz about Lithgow’s entrance into the franchise, and he recentlyspoke with Colliderabout some of the challenges of the role, similarly describing age as a factor. “It’s pretty scary, but it’s certainly not anything I would dream of saying no to. Look, I’m about to turn 80 next year,” Lithgow said. “And I will be working with among the best English speaking actors in the world. I mean, the talent pool right there in London is at their disposal. I’m really excited about it and just revisiting Harry Potter in depth these days. I just want to do it justice.”

The series will also reportedly starJanet McTeerandPaapa Essiedu, though HBO has not confirmed this. The show, which will tackle the same time period as the books and films from new perspectives, will be written and executive produced byFrancesa Gardineralongside Mark Mylod.Harry PottercreatorJ.K. Rowlingis also executive producing for her Brontë Film and TV banner alongsideNeil Blair, Ruth Kenley-Letts,and Heyday Films’David Heyman.