“It’s going to define me for the last chapter of my life, I’m afraid.”
John Lithgowis heading to Hogwarts.
“It came as a total surprise to me,” Lithgow said.

Jamie McCarthy/Getty; Murray Close/Warner Bros.
The actor continued, “I’m very excited.
Some wonderful people are turning their attention back toHarry Potter.
That’s why it’s been such a hard decision.

John Lithgow at the 2025 Screen Actors Guild Awards.Kevin Mazur/Getty
I’ll be about 87 years old at the wrap party, but I’ve said yes.”
Representatives for Lithgow and HBO didn’t immediately respond toEntertainment Weekly’s requests for comment.
Rowling’s seven books per season.
Though Lithgow is American, he’s no stranger to playing British (and English-accented) characters.