By: Entertainment DeskLondon | Updated: October 9, 2025 01:58 PM IST 4 min readThe first look of John Lithgow as Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore in the upcoming Harry Potter series has leaked online. Lithgow, 79, can be seen sporting a black robe, glasses, and that trademark long, snow-white beard. However, unlike the iterations seen in the Harry Potter film franchise, he sports shorter hair, at least as seen in the leaked images.“That beard looks really fake,” pointed out an X user. “Damn he looks pretty good,” argued another. “Not bad, I’m cautiously optimistic,” said a third one. But more than Lithgow’s look, the internet, particularly Potterheads, were confused by the setting of the shot. Lithgow can be seen standing on a beach.FIRST LOOK at John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore in the HARRY POTTER TV series pic.twitter.com/1HuxpNfq93— Wizarding World Direct (@WW_Direct) October 8, 2025“Why’s he on a beach?,” asked a Potterhead. “Is he at the beach?,” enquired another. “That never happened in the first book what is happening,” pointed out a third one. In the first installment of the film franchise, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001), Dumbledore is first introduced in London when Hagrid brings him an infant Harry Potter. For the rest of the film, Dumbledore is mostly seen at Hogwarts, the wizarding school Harry goes to.Also based on JK Rowling’s popular books, the new Harry Potter series will debut on HBO. After John Lithgow was cast as Dumbledore, the internet questioned that choice, given he’s an American, and not British unlike Richard Harris and Michael Gambon, who’ve previously portrayed the character in the film franchise.“I’m not an Englishman, although I’ve played one on TV,” he said on BBC’s The One Show. “I remind everyone that I did play Winston Churchill on The Crown and did just fine,” argued John Lithgow on BBC’s One Show earlier this year. “I know there were plenty of people appalled that an American should be hired to play the ultimate English wizard. But, I will do my best,” he added.Richard Harris, who played the role of Dumbledore in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and The Chamber of Secrets, died at age 72 in 2002. The role was later taken over by Michael Gambon. He played Dumbledore in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Goblet of Fire, Order of Phoenix, The Half-Blood Prince, The Deathly Hallows — Part 1 and The Deathly Hallows — Part 2.After John Lithgow’s first look as Dumbledore, many fans couldn’t help but express concern over whether he’d survive the show, which is expected to last another eight years. “Looking as if we gonna see another Dumbledore during the course of the series,” commented an X user. Another said, “Wondering if they are going to film solo scenes for future seasons with him so they won’t have to recast if something terrible happens in the future.”Also Read: JK Rowling-Emma Watson row reveals tension between lived truth and fiction’s sweepStory continues below this adHowever, Lithgow is optimistic about the Harry Potter series. He told Screen Rant earlier this year, “”Some wonderful people are turning their attention back to Harry Potter. That’s why it’s been such a hard decision. I’ll be about 87 years old at the wrap party, but I’ve said yes.”Click here to follow Screen Digital on YouTube and stay updated with the latest from the world of cinema.© IE Online Media Services Pvt LtdTags:Harry PotterHarry Potter series