John Lithgow, who is American, is nearing a deal to portray Professor Albus Dumbledore in HBO's upcoming "Harry Potter" series reboot, according to a report in Deadline. When reached, HBO reps declined comment on the report.

All the news on HBO's streaming 'Harry Potter' TV series, including cast, release date, how to watch, development and whether J.K. Rowling will be involved.

If reports come to fruition, the six time Emmy-winner, 79, will be the fourth actor to play the old wise wizard after Michael Gambon, who put on the half-moon spectacles after original actor Richard Harris died following Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Jude Law played a young Dumbledore in the Fantastic Beasts spin off films.