Fans have wondered what HBOs new Harry Potter TV show will be like since the moment it was announced in 2023: What would a long(er)-form retelling of the classic book series look like? Could the show get out from underneath the shadow of writer J.K. Rowlings gender politics? Do we need to see Hogwarts again, only across multiple seasons this time?Almost two years after the first announcement, the show is finally taking a bit more distinctive shape specifically with John Lithgow announcing hes said yes to the role of Albus Dumbledore, making him the first actor to confirm for the new show.In an interview with ScreenRant, Lithgow confirmed that he would be taking the role of Dumbledore, a move he expects will define the twilight years of his career. As he told the site:Well, it came as a total surprise to me. I just got the phone call up at the Sundance Film Festival for yet another film, and it was not an easy decision because its going to define me for the last chapter of my life, Im afraid. But Im very excited. Some wonderful people are turning their attention back to Harry Potter. Thats why its been such a hard decision. Ill be about 87 years old at the wrap party, but Ive said yes.While its unclear how much of Lithgows comment is accurate to the actual production timeline, his math seems to put the show starting production within the year (with him being 79 now, and his tossed-off wrap-party age assuming that this show makes a season a year, which, to be fair, many dont!).That being said, no other casting has been announced for the show, particularly as it relates to the main trio (let alone Harry Potter himself), so weve got a ways to go before the show is really under way. HBO and Max have yet to confirm Lithgows casting. Polygon has reached out to the streamer for clarification.