Here's everything to know about HBO's 'Harry Potter' series, which may have recently cast its new Dumbledore After seven books, eight movies, one play and a whole spin-off series, Harry Potter is debuting on the small screen for the first time.

John Lithgow has confirmed that he will portray the Hogwarts headmaster in HBO’s upcoming “Harry Potter” series, which will begin filming this summer. Lithgow, 79, said in an interview with ScreenRant that the invitation to play the beloved character came “as a total surprise.”

In an interview with Screen Rant, Lithgow said that he has accepted the role of the Hogwarts head wizard in HBO’s forthcoming series: “I’ll be about 87 years old at the wrap party.”