John Lithgow speaks out on Dumbledore 'Harry Potter' series casting reports

The upcoming "Harry Potter" TV series on Max appears to be getting close to finalizing its cast.

Two weeks after reports of John Lithgow possibly being the next Albus Dumbledore started emerging, the Emmy-winning actor himself is speaking out.

ScreenRant reported Tuesday that Lithgow confirmed the casting rumors during an interview about his upcoming horror film, "The Rule of Jenny Pen." Meanwhile, People and IndieWire both reported the deal has not been finalized.

"Well, it came as a total surprise to me," he said. "I just got the phone call up at the Sundance Film Festival for yet another film, and it was not an easy decision because it's going to define me for the last chapter of my life, I'm afraid."

He continued, "But I'm very excited. Some wonderful people are turning their attention back to 'Harry Potter.' That's why it's been such a hard decision. I'll be about 87 years old at the wrap party, but I've said yes."

USA TODAY has reached out to reps for Lithgow and HBO to confirm Lithgow's casting. Warner Bros. Television Group declined to comment.

While noting Lithgow's casting has not been finalized, People and IndieWire pointed to a statement they received, which was identical to one issued by HBO after Deadline and Variety reported on Feb. 12 that he was in final talks to take on the role

"We appreciate that such a high-profile series will draw a lot of rumor and speculation," an HBO spokesperson said in a statement to the outlets. "As we make our way through pre-production, we will only confirm details as we finalize deals."

Though rumors have been swirling recently, no other cast members have been revealed.

John Lithgow is American, but 'Harry Potter' films previously eschewed non-British actors

Known for film roles in awards season darlings like "Conclave" and "Killers of the Flower Moon" as well as TV series such as "The Crown," "Perry Mason," "Dexter" and "3rd Rock From The Sun," Lithgow has been acting for at least 50 years. He also is fresh off a Screen Actors Guild win over the weekend as "Conclave" took home the trophy for best movie ensemble.

Notably, the 79-year-old was born in New York. The two actors who portrayed older versions of the wise, secretive wizard throughout the movie franchise — Michael Gambon and Richard Harris — were both from the U.K.

Jude Law (the "Fantastic Beasts" spinoff movies) and Toby Regbo ("Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1" and "Part 2"), who are both British, have played younger Dumbledores in scenes depicting events before the main "Harry Potter" storyline, which takes place in the 1990s.

However, Lithgow has experience playing British roles, and one (Winston Churchill in "The Crown") even won him an Emmy, a SAG award and a Critics' Choice award.

J.K. Rowling's involvement in 'Potter': Author has 'right to express' views about trans people, HBO says

What we know so far about the 'Harry Potter' TV series

Casting has been underway for the Max series, which was first announced in 2023, since HBO put out an open casting call for lead trio Harry, Ron and Hermione in September. Billed as a "faithful" adaptation of the J.K. Rowling books that sparked a worldwide phenomenon, the show will span a decade and feature a brand-new cast.

It's reportedly scheduled to premiere in 2026.

"We are committed to inclusive, diverse casting," the casting call reads. "For every role, please submit qualified performers, without regard to ethnicity, sex, disability, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis protected by law unless otherwise specifically indicated."

The original film franchise, spanning eight films adapted from seven books, starred Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter, Emma Watson as Hermione Granger and Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley. The three were plucked from obscurity following a highly publicized nationwide search and made their on-screen debuts in 2001's "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone." The stars took a bow following 2011's "Deathly Hallows – Part 2" and went on to various ventures on- and off-screen.

However, some of the franchise's stars have distanced themselves from Rowling in recent years in light of her stance against transgender people obtaining gender-affirming care and participating in sports — widely deemed as transphobic — which is among the issues that she is vocal about on X, formerly Twitter.

After Rowling penned a personal essay in June 2020 detailing her beliefs about "trans activism" and young people experiencing gender dysphoria eventually outgrowing them, Radcliffe, Watson and Grint shared statements supporting the LGBTQ+ community.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: John Lithgow speaks on Dumbledore casting reports