US actor John Lithgow is reportedly set to take on the role of Dumbledore as the makers of the new Harry Potter TV series start to assemble their cast. The veteran Oscar-nominated star is "in final talks" to sign up to play the Hogwarts headmaster, according to film and TV industry outlets Variety and Deadline.

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.

Lithgow is, undeniably, a much bigger name than Rylance, at least in his native U.S.. (Although it’s kind of weird that they’re looking to cast an American actor in the role of one of the iconic British wizards;