The veteran actor takes it with humor while preparing for one of the most iconic roles of magic

“I don’t think it will be such a difficult job,” said John Lithgow with laughter in the podcast Smartlessclarify that his signature like Albus Dumbledore In the new series of Harry Potter HBO comes with desire, but also with a relaxed approach. At 78, the actor is not over yet The secret chamberbut ensures that he already has the character well caught. And with that charisma and experience that characterizes it, it is easy to believe.

John Lithgow is the new silent of the Harry Potter series

HBO proposed to bring us back to Hogwarts, but this time with an adaptation more faithful to books. Each season will cover a complete volume of the saga, which will give time to explore more depth plots and characters. And one of the big names that will guide this ambitious project is John Lithgowwho will interpret the beloved director of the most famous magic in the world.

“Dumbledore is like a nuclear bomb,” Lithgow joked. “From time to time it appears very from time to time. I don’t think the job will be so difficult. Come and come. “With that subtle balance between humility and sense of humor, the actor gains the affection of the fans even before appearing on the screen.

Although he is still immersing himself in the magical world of Rowling – he says he has read half the second book -,, His approach is very different from his predecessor Michael GambonThat once he confessed that he had never read the books because he preferred to focus on scripts. “What to read them? Go only with the missing scenes,” he said in 2009. Fortunately for many followers, the HBO seems to have taken note of that criticism.

A decision that will mark your last professional phase

Accepting to be silent was not a matter of impulsive. According to Lithgow a Screen rantHe learned in full celebration of the Sundance Festival: “It was a total surprise. They called me for another film and suddenly this emerged. It was not an easy decision, because I know that I will define myself in this last phase of my life. But I’m excited. “ In a tone between resigned and enthusiastic, he recognizes that, when the recordings end, he could be 87 years old.

That long -term commitment forces him to adapt to a new routine: temporary movement, shootings in London, less trips to the United States … but he is already mentalized. “With The crown I spent eight months in England. I barely returned home. Here I guess they can escape more. “

And although the contract closed only a few days ago, nobody’s fever is not expected. “This has already started. They stopped me at the airports when it wasn’t official yet. People discovers everything.”

A different disordered, but with a soul

The legacy of Albus Dumbledore It is one of the most powerful in the universe Harry Potter. The first was interpreted by Richard Harris, whose sober and majestic version was recorded in the hearts of the fans. After his death, Michael Gambon He took over, giving him a more energetic and direct approach. Now, Lithgow comes to offer its own version, in a format that will allow it It develops the character in a calmer way and nuances.

And this excites. Not only because of the actor’s talent, but because the series format gives air to many characters who were somehow dishes in the cinema. With more space to explore his past, his ethical dilemmas and his role in the story of Harry and Voldemort, this silent can be the most complex and human to date.

Also, it is not the first time that Lithgow flirts with great sagas: he was about to play Joker BatmanBut the offer has decreased. “It was a decision that later weighed me,” he said sometimes. This time, however, he said yes.

Maximum expectation for a series that focuses high

HBO promised a faithful, attentive and ambitious adaptation. With a generation that has grown with books and films and another that is discovering them now, the bar is very high. But if something clarified the choice of Lithgow, they are not satisfied with the repeated formulas: they want something new, but respectful of the original spirit.