TheHarry Potter saga is being turned into a TV series for HBO and Max, and it looks like its found a major TV star to take on one of the franchises signature adult roles.According to reports in various Hollywood trades, John Lithgow is nearing a deal to play Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore in HBOsHarry Potterseries.PerDeadline, Lithgow is in final negotiations for the role althoughHBO gave them this statement when asked for comment:We appreciate that such a high-profile series will draw a lot of rumor and speculation... As we make our way through pre-production, we will only confirm details as we finalize deals.18. Albus DumbledoreWarner Bros.loading...READ MORE: The Best New Shows of the YearIn the originalHarry Potterfilm series from 2001 to 2011, Dumbledore was played by Richard Harris and Michael Gambon. Harris originated the role inHarry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone andHarry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.Whenhe passed away in 2002, Gambon replaced him forHarry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkabanand remained in the role through Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2.In the prequel/spinoff seriesFantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, the young Albus Dumbledore is played by Jude Law.TheFantastic Beasts series was originally intended to continue for five films, but a fourth film has never emerged after the third,The Secrets of Dumbledore, grossed an underwhelming $400 million at the worldwide box office. (That might sound like a lot, but its less than a third of whatDeathly Hallows Part 2earned in theaters.)Warner Bros. first announced plans to remake J.K. Rowlings seven-book series as a television show back in 2023.Get our free mobile appThe Wizarding World of Harry Potter Ministry of MagicHere is a first look at the new Harry Potter themed land coming to Universals Epic Universe theme park, set to open in 2025.