John Lithgow, who is American, is nearing a deal to portray Professor Albus Dumbledore in HBO's upcoming "Harry Potter" series reboot, according to a report in Deadline. When reached, HBO reps declined comment on the report.

If reports come to fruition, the six time Emmy-winner, 79, will be the fourth actor to play the old wise wizard after Michael Gambon, who put on the half-moon spectacles after original actor Richard Harris died following Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Jude Law played a young Dumbledore in the Fantastic Beasts spin off films.

Harry Potter star Jason Isaacs has revealed he knows some of the stars being cast in the new HBO series - and they’re “incredible actors”. Millions of fans worldwide are awaiting the new series, set to premiere in 2026, with casting news expected to arrive over the next few months.