'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wAARCAAGAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFgABAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUH/8QAIBAAAgEEAQUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIDAAQFERIGEyJBkf/EABQBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL/xAAYEQADAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIDIf/aAAwDAQACEQMRAD8AwPE3UkeFykI4ujdt2LjZHFvX2rKdMXUihxLbgMN68qUpZ05XGPS2j//Z'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
John Lithgow is among the first actors to be cast in HBO's upcoming Harry Potter reboot series. He will play Professor Albus Dumbledore, the beloved headmaster of Hogwarts.
He recently appeared on the Smartless podcast with Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett and shared his views on his casting. The unusual choice of words he used to describe the character is turning heads (via Entertainment Weekly):
''You know, Dumbledore, he's kind of this nuclear weapon. He only goes off very, very occasionally. And I don't think it's gonna be that hard a job''
Talking about his decision to take on such an iconic role in his potential last acting years, he said:
"The logistics are a little bit scary. I really did have to think hard about whether to take it on but I also thought, well, I'm about to turn 80 next year.".
He added:
"If this is indeed a seven or eight-year long job, it’s a wonderful way to grow old as an actor. I mean, the alternative is to just be hauled out once a year to play an Alzheimer's patient [with] an awful lot of weeping middle-aged children, you know."
More on Lithgow's comments on his Harry Potter role in our story.
John Lithgow does not think playing Dumbledore in Harry Potter would be a difficult job
While many Harry Potter fans would not agree with Lithgow's comments as the character of Dumbledore is beloved and both Michael Gambon and Richard Harris have nailed their respective roles in the Harry Potter movies, Lithgow is also an established actor.
His past roles in projects like The Crown and Dexter have proved his acting caliber, and his comments prove his confidence in his art.
However, the choice of words (nuclear weapon) for a character like Dumbledore might not sit right with many people, especially because he is a calm and wise man who has often guided Harry through difficult situations.
Gambon's fiery scene from Goblet of Fire, when he confronts Harry about putting his name in the Goblet, remains one of the most discussed scenes of the film. Many book fans felt it was out of character for Dumbledore to scream at the young wizard.
While fans have received Lithgow's casting mostly positively, his recent comments about the character are mixed, which has only increased their anticipation of seeing his take on the iconic character.
The main characters of Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley, remain to be cast still.
Also Read: Fans poke fun as John Lithgow reveals he will return as The Trinity Killer in Dexter: Resurrection
Trending
For the latest scoops on your favorite TV shows and movies, follow SoapCentral.
Your perspective matters!
Start the conversation
