Lithgow is, undeniably, a much bigger name than Rylance, at least in his native U.S.. (Although it’s kind of weird that they’re looking to cast an American actor in the role of one of the iconic British wizards;

Nothing is official until HBO confirms it, but Deadline is reporting that John Lithgow is in talks to play Dumbledore in the network’s upcoming Harry Potter reboot series scheduled to debut some time next year.

Six-time Emmy winner John Lithgow is said to be in advanced talks to play Professor Albus Dumbledore in HBO 's upcoming series adaptation of the Harry Potter books, reported Deadline.