Mark Rylance handed on the Albus Dumbledore function within the HBO Harry Potter TV collection as a result of his spouse tragically handed away final month.
In November 2024, Selection reported that Rylance was “on the prime of the casting wishlist” to play Dumbledore in HBO’s forthcoming Harry Potter collection. HBO didn’t affirm the information on the time however somewhat mentioned, “We respect that such a excessive profile collection will draw a variety of rumor and hypothesis. As we make our method via pre-production, we’ll solely affirm particulars as we finalize offers.”
Whereas many assumed Rylance’s casting can be confirmed, it was introduced on Wednesday, February 12, that John Lithgow is now being eyed for the Dumbledore function.
In keeping with 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 mission so he might correctly grieve,” Sneider wrote.
Rylance is thought for starring in motion pictures reminiscent of 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 taking part in Dumbledore in HBO’s Harry Potter collection?
Lithgow’s casting has additionally not but been formally confirmed at the moment. 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 collection has but been revealed. Particular plot particulars stay below wraps at the moment, although the collection is believed to be a “devoted” 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 Legislation, in the meantime, portrayed a youthful Dumbledore within the Implausible Beasts prequels.
A premiere date for the Harry Potter present has not but been introduced.
