Fans of `Harry Potter` criticized the choice of John Lithgow for the role of Dumbledore. What did the actor respond?

Viewers find it hard to come to terms with the ambiguous casting.

The appointment of the "Dexter" star to the role of the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry's headmaster became known at the end of February 2025. HBO's decision, which is developing a series based on "Harry Potter," caused, to put it mildly, not the most pleasant emotions among fans of the original franchise.

Fans didn't like that Dumbledore would be played by an American rather than a Brit, as before. "I'm not English, although I played an Englishman on TV," the actor admitted on air The One Show.
Actor John Lithgow in a shirt and tie looks to the side and smiles against the backdrop of a castle illuminated by the moon
John Lithgow against a backdrop of a frame with Hogwarts from the movie 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone'
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John promised not to disappoint viewers. According to him, in preparation for the role, the actor will study the performance of the "great Michael Gambon" (Gambon played Dumbledore in 5 parts of the franchise).
I know that many were outraged that an American was hired to play the greatest English wizard, but I will do my best.
John Lithgow
According to Independent, cameras will start rolling this summer at Warner Bros Studios in Leavesden, where the original films were shot. HBO plans to retell all seven books with a new cast, a more dynamic plot, and a season for each part.

While the fates of the trio Harry, Ron, and Hermione remain secret, other key roles have already been cast.
Actor Michael Gambon with a beard and long hair sits on a chair and looks at the camera against a black background
Michael Gambon as Albus Dumbledore
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Paapa Essiedu will don the black robe of Professor Snape; Nick Frost will become the groundskeeper Hagrid; Golden Globe winner Janet McTeer will head the Gryffindor house as Minerva McGonagall. Luke Tallon will play the trembling Quirrell, and Paul Whitehouse will transform into the grumpy caretaker Argus Filch.

The first season is expected to be released at the end of 2026 or the beginning of 2027. So viewers will have to be patient and wait for an invitation to Platform 9¾.

Previously, we at zoomboola.com detailed John Lithgow's appointment as Professor Dumbledore.