New Dumbledore Casting Divides Harry Potter Fans
First look at John Lithgow as Professor Albus Dumbledore in the upcoming Harry Potter TV series has the internet buzzing after he was spotted in full costume on an English beach. Fans are split, with some praising the transformation and others unconvinced.
We finally got eyes on John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, and the internet did exactly what the internet does: instantly pick sides.
The 79-year-old was spotted filming on an English beach in full Dumbledore mode for HBO's upcoming Harry Potter series. We’re talking a waist-length white beard, flowing wizard robes, and the classic small round glasses perched on the nose. It’s the first time he’s been seen in costume since production kicked off in July, and the images hit X on October 8 via Wizarding World Direct.
"He looks good but tbh I don't have any concerns regarding Dumbledore anyway. John Lithgow is a fine actor and will do justice to the character for sure."
Plenty of folks are into it. Some praised the casting and the look outright, with one fan even putting Lithgow "right up there with Richard Harris and Michael Gambon" in all-caps enthusiasm. Others liked the overall vibe, said the outfit reminded them of Hogwarts Legacy, and wondered out loud why Dumbledore is hanging out at the beach.
On the flip side, the beard became the main punching bag. A chunk of the replies called it "fake" or "cheap," and a few went harder at the costume overall.
"The beard looks fake as Hell in the picture on the left. Here's hoping they can fix that in post."
- The essentials: first public glimpse of Lithgow in costume arrived October 8 from an on-location beach shoot in England; he’s in long robes, small round glasses, and a very long white beard.
- Production started in July, and this is the first time cameras have caught him fully suited up as Dumbledore.
- Reaction is split: supporters say Lithgow will nail it and even compare him to Harris and Gambon; detractors think the beard looks off and some called the costume cheap.
- Release window: the show is expected to arrive in 2027.
As always with set photos, you’re looking at raw, outdoor, mid-shoot material without final lighting, grooming tweaks, or post work, so some of this may read differently on screen. Also, yes, the beach is a curveball. Whether it’s a coastal sequence or just a convenient filming spot, we’ll find out when the thing actually airs in 2027.