John Lithgow playing Dumbledore in the Harry Potter show would break tradition, but he is more than capable of playing the part. Since Harry Potter first released as a set of fantasy books back in 1997, the popularity of the series has taken the world by storm. However, it was the movies that began releasing in 2001 that really sealed the series as a global phenomenon, and has cemented these stories as a pivotal part of the culture for the generation of kids who grew up watching and reading them.

However, one thing that has remained constant across the series, despite its global popularity, is how distinctly British it feels. From the inclusion of Privet Drive in a small British cul-de-sac, to the magnificent Hogwarts located somewhere in the rolling hills of the UK, this series is firmly set on the British Isle. And to build on that aspect, the movies followed a firm rule about casting primarily British and Irish actors in most of the roles. However, the Harry Potter show being made for HBO has discarded this rule if the report on John Lithgow being in the final talks to play the role of Dumbledore is to be believed.

The Harry Potter Remake's Dumbledore Casting Could Break A Major Movie Rule

The Harry Potter Movies Were Highly Selective When It Came To Casting

With the firm rule being in place for the Harry Potter movies to only cast British and Irish actors for most roles, it helped to capture the magic and mystery of that setting, and firmly keep it set in that location. But now, if the casting is being opened up for a character as pivotal as Dumbledore, it has to be assumed that the show would make further considerations for other actors, and discard this rule altogether. Despite this, the series is set to shoot in the UK, and considering the leading roles of Harry, Ron, and Hermione would all need to be children, it makes the most sense to cast them locally.

However, when it comes to everyone else, it seems like the rules around British and Irish-only actors have been relaxed. And while this could change the tone of the show, and introduce room for the show to feel less distinctly British, there is little to be concerned about when it comes to Lithgow. In reality, the seasoned actor has a wealth of experience and talent that puts him in an incredibly strong position to tackle such an important character, even if he isn't from the UK.

John Lithgow Is Actually Perfect For Albus Dumbledore Despite Being American

Lithgow Will Absolutely Nail The Role Of Dumbledore

John Lithgow fits the physical profile of a character like Dumbledore perfectly. While he does not have a long flowing white beard, neither did Richard Harris or Michael Gambon, but both were spritely older men, who, despite their age, had plenty of energy. In addition, Lithgow has a kindly look to him that can evoke sympathy, sincerity, and friendship, but he also has the range to present as an authority, and assert gravitas in the role.

I went to drama school in London many years ago. So there's this sort of English thread. I'm about as English as an American actor can get to a point of pure pretension. You know, when you think about Churchill, he's as different from every other Englishman as an any American is. He's an eccentric. They just loved the idea. They said we've seen all the sirs play Churchill. We've seen Burton do it. And Albert Finney do it. And there was a whole raft of them that year. And all of them Englishmen. Churchill's mother was an American for one thing. That's the first thing Steven told me when I asked him why'd you cast me? And he had this affinity for America. I may be terrified of playing this role, but they think it's a great idea, so I'll go with that.

- John Lithgow on playing Winston Churchill in The Crown

Lithgow has played a variety of characters, from a serial killer in Dexter, to an eccentric alien leader disguised as a college professor in 3rd Rock From the Sun, which helped him to expand his talents as an actor. And as far as playing a Brit goes, Lithgow played Winston Churchill in The Crown to great effect, and recently portrayed Roald Dahl in the West End. Lithgow should have absolutely no issues with nailing the accent, and delivering all the various sides to the character.

John Lithgow's Previous Roles Prove He Can Handle The Harry Potter Show's Dumbledore

Lithgow Has A Wealth Of Experience Playing A Wide Range Of Characters

As mentioned above, Lithgow has appeared in a lot of films and TV shows over the course of his career. In fact, he has had a total of nearly 140 credited roles since 1972. And unlike some other performers, Lithgow has avoided being typecast. In Shrek, he played the primary antagonist, Lord Farquad, refining his ability to command his voice and deliver a captivating performance without the aid of his physicality. In 3rd Rock, Lithgow was much more physical, and played an alien hiding among humans, learning to blend in, which could be useful for having Dumbledore, a powerful Wizard, blend in with humans if that were to be depicted.

Beyond this, he has appeared in major films like the Twilight Zone, and has lent his voice to the character of Yoda in some dramatizations. Lithgow is exceptionally qualified, and expertly talented. He is a performer, and he is more than capable of tackling all the different sides of a complex character like Dumbledore. And considering the Harry Potter TV show is set to continue for nearly a decade with several seasons, it needs a committed, quality actor, who can continue delivering on this role for many years to come.