Following the the 2x Oscar nominee’s casting as Albus Dumbledore, he admitted he’s “very excited” and “very intimidated” by the role from the J.K. Rowling book series, which was previously portrayed on-screen by Richard Harris, Michael Gambon and Jude Law.

John Lithgow has said that he’s “very excited” to be joining the upcoming “Harry Potter” series as Albus Dumbledore, brushing off criticism that the role of the wizarding headteacher has been given to an American actor.

John Lithgow says ‘I will do my best’ following Harry Potter casting news backlash - American actor John Lithgow says he's ‘intimidated’ but excited to play Dumbledore in the new decade-long HBO adapt