Why John Lithgow agreed to play Dumbledore in 'HP' series
What's the story
Hollywood veteran John Lithgow (79) has revealed why he agreed to play Albus Dumbledore in HBO's much-anticipated Harry Potter series.
In an interview with Variety, he admitted that taking on this character would greatly affect "the next several years of my life."
"And I'm not young. I mean, this is the last big role I'll probably play," he added.
Role acceptance
'What is new about this?'
Despite not being well-versed with the original Harry Potter films, Lithgow was enticed by the project.
He asked the studio what was so unique about the series, "What is new about this? Why do more with the canon when it's already been done so well?"
However, it was HBO's fresh take on the role that convinced him.
"As the kids grew older, you learn more and more about Dumbledore, and he became a much more surprising, complicated character."
Role preparation
Lithgow's admiration for Michael Gambon and Dumbledore's complexity
Describing Dumbledore as a "complicated character," Lithgow said his job now is to dig deeper into this role and make it his own.
He also spoke about his admiration for Michael Gambon, who memorably played Dumbledore before him, adding that they have the same birthday.
"I thought that was a kind of wizard-like touch," he quipped.
Series details
HBO's series will delve deeper into the books
The forthcoming Harry Potter series will delve deeper into the sub-plots that were left out in the original movies.
Each season of the series will revolve around one particular book, giving a detailed exploration of the story.
Meanwhile, apart from Gambon, Dumbledore was played by Richard Harris and Jude Law in the HP films.