First Photos Drop of John Lithgow as Dumbledore in HBO Harry Potter Series

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In early October 2025, the first pictures of John Lithgow dressed as Albus Dumbledore appeared from the set of HBO’s upcoming *Harry Potter* TV series. The photos revealed his complete look: a long white beard, half-moon glasses, and flowing blue robes.

A popular image shows him on a windy beach, but people have pointed out that this location doesn’t appear in the movie *Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone*.

I’m speechless. John Lithgow as Dumbledore is already perfect.

— Wizarding World Direct (@WW_Direct) October 8, 2025

Filming started quietly in England several months prior, and pictures from the set began surfacing around three months into the process. John Lithgow’s role as Dumbledore was officially announced in February 2025.

Shortly after being cast, Lithgow explained that taking the role was a big decision, as he felt it would be how people remembered him for the rest of his life. He also mentioned he’d likely be around 87 years old when filming finished. Some people commented on the choice to cast an American actor, considering how strongly fans associate Dumbledore with British culture within the *Harry Potter* series.

FIRST LOOK at John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore in the HARRY POTTER TV series

— Wizarding World Direct (@WW_Direct) October 8, 2025

These images mark Dumbledore’s return to the screen in this new adaptation, naturally prompting viewers to compare this version with the previous performances by Richard Harris and Michael Gambon.

Casting Controversies: Snape and Female Voldemort Speculation

A significant casting choice for the upcoming series is Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, a role famously played by Alan Rickman. This decision has sparked mixed reactions. While some people are excited about the diversity and new take on the character, others believe that Snape’s complex personality is closely tied to his original appearance, and changing that could disrupt what fans expect.

Some fans have criticized the casting choice, calling it “race-bending” – changing a character’s established traits. Others support the decision, emphasizing the actor’s talent and the possibility of a fresh take on the role.

When Ncuti Gawzy Essiedu publicly shared his views on sensitive gender issues in a letter to the U.K. Supreme Court, some fans speculated that J.K. Rowling might remove him from the show. Rowling responded to these rumors, stating she doesn’t have the authority to fire an actor, and even if she did, she wouldn’t. She explained she doesn’t believe in punishing someone professionally for holding beliefs that are legally protected, even if she disagrees with them.

I’ve been hearing some really interesting buzz about the upcoming Harry Potter series! Apparently, they’re considering a pretty bold move with the character of Voldemort. A source – though they haven’t always been right in the past – is saying they’re actually auditioning actresses *as well* as actors for the role. It’s wild to think we might see a female Voldemort, but it definitely adds a new layer of intrigue to the show!

Viewers are sharing a variety of opinions about the possible gender swap for the villain, and many worry it will ruin the upcoming remake.

Observations and Outlook

The initial photos of John Lithgow as Dumbledore give us a first look at the show’s style. It uses classic imagery like beards, robes, and glasses, but also hints at some creative changes from the books, like the surprising choice of a beach setting. News about Lithgow’s casting was already public and people were already discussing it.

As the movie is made and more details are revealed, people will probably start comparing it to the original book, looking at what parts stayed the same and what changes were made in terms of style and storytelling.

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2025-10-12 17:57