We finally have our first look at John Lithgow as Dumbledore in the Harry Potter reboot, and it looks like someone’s been using Polyjuice Potion.
How else would you explain the Hollywood legend’s remarkable transformation?
Okay, while the 79-year-old Oscar nominee’s new look probably owes more to the hair and makeup department than transfiguration classes, it’s still a magical sight.
The actor, who’s playing the Hogwarts headmaster in HBO’s small-screen Harry Potter TV reboot, was photographed in full costume on a beach in Cornwall.
This is the first we’ve seen of the iconic wizard’s new costume, and he looks every bit the part with his striking blue robes and impressive beard.
According to onlookers, Dumbledore wasn’t just there to take in the sights of Cornwall either.
He was reading lines from cue cards, which appeared to show a magic spell.
They reportedly read ‘Nurus cadat via pateat’ and ‘Natura nihil omnia patefie posse Natura constiuit’.
While the exact incantation isn’t one from the Potter books, those intrepid explorers of the occult and eldritch on Reddit have translated the words.
According to them, it’s Latin and means something along the lines of ‘Let the wall fall and the way be clear.’
Fans have suggested that this scene is likely Dumbledore parting the sea so that Hagrid can get to the ‘Hut-on-the-Rock’ where the Dursleys took Harry to shelter from a barrage of Hogwarts letters, which isn’t in the book.
While we’ll have to wait and see where the scene fits exactly, what we do know is how stunned (or should that be stupefied?) fans are with John’s new look.
ira_1991 on Reddit wrote: ‘He looks so good! Tbh this version of Dumbledore looks so majestic.’
ttas93 agreed posting: ‘Honestly, looks better than I expected. Is it just me, or do they all seem to be nailing the “book-ish” aesthetic much more in terms of character designs? It feels like we’re watching the artworks come to life.’
Diligent_Feeling_784 meanwhile claimed: ‘I actually got goosebumps, he looks goddamn majestic.’
Pliolite was also impressed, writing ‘Magnificent! and I’m so glad scenes like this are being included, cause it means we’ve got new stuff to look forward to. So impressed by Lithgow’s look here. Dumbledore looks pained, and in the middle of a very dramatic moment.’
It’s not just the Potter heads on Reddit who are excited, either. On X@WW_Direct said, ‘I’m speechless. John Lithgow as Dumbledore is already perfect.’
@IrisThinksMeh added: I love it! And the outfit is perfect as well… Lithgow feels extra special for some reason, I’m not sure yet why. These pictures hit right in the feels, don’t they?’
Of course, not everyone is happy. We found one person complaining about Dumbedore wearing trousers, but you can’t please everyone, can you?
John is part of an all-star cast joining the new series. His Potter cast mates include big names like Warwick Davies, Nick Frost, and Paapa Essiedu, as well asLouise Brealey and Anton Lesser.
Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton, and Alastair Stout will be playing the new Golden Trio: Harry, Hermione, and Ron.
The first season of the Harry Potter TV show is scheduled for release in early 2027.
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