John Lithgow is in talks to play Albus Dumbledore in HBO’s upcoming adaptation of the “ Harry Potter ” books, Variety has confirmed with sources. Dumbledore is the lovable but mysterious headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Six-time Emmy winner John Lithgow is said to be in advanced talks to play Professor Albus Dumbledore in HBO 's upcoming series adaptation of the Harry Potter books, reported Deadline.

The premium cabler is in talks with John Lithgow to play Albus Dumbledore, the headmaster of the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. News of Lithgow's potential involvement follows THR's reporting that British actor Paapa Essiedu (I May Destroy You) is in discussions to play Professor Severus Snape.