It looks like the planned TV adaptation of JK Rowling’s Harry Potter books has found its Dumbledore, and he’ll be played by an American.

John Lithgow is said to be close to signing a deal to play the Hogwarts headmaster in HBO’s series.

The broadcaster has declined to comment on the reports.

While Lithgow is American, he has a storied past of portraying famous Brits. He played Winston Churchill in Netflix’s The Crown and has been appearing as Roald Dahl on stage in London.

The Harry Potter TV series is expected to premiere in late 2026 or early 2027.