Hollywood News: The internet is currently abuzz with magic. Unofficial photos of actor John Lithgow as Professor Albus Dumbledore from the upcoming HBO Harry Potter series have leaked online.
This happened on or around October 8 and 9, 2025. Fans are very excited but also a little confused about what they have seen.
A Surprising Setting: Dumbledore on the Beach
The leaked pictures show John Lithgow fully dressed as the famous Headmaster of Hogwarts. He is wearing the trademark long, white beard and slim half-glasses. His costume includes a long royal blue robe over a blue shirt, dark blue leggings, and boots.
However, the biggest surprise for “Potterheads” is the location. The veteran actor was spotted filming a scene not in Hogwarts, but on a beach in Cornwall, England. This is a very unusual place for Dumbledore, especially during the time of the first book, which the first season is expected to cover.
Fans were quick to share their confusion and funny comments on social media platforms like Reddit and X (formerly Twitter).
One fan asked, “What scene does Dumbledore have on the beach?” The only beach scene people could remember from the books is much later in the series, in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
A New Take on the Beloved Characters of Harry Potter
John Lithgow is the third actor to play Dumbledore in the major screen adaptations. Richard Harris played him in the first two films, and Michael Gambon took over for the remaining six. Fans are very interested to see Lithgow’s performance.
The leaked photos show that this version of Dumbledore is physically imposing. Some fans commented that Lithgow looked “huge” in his robes. He seems to be sticking close to the look of the character as described in the books, with a long, almost knee-length white beard.
He was also seen wearing what looked like a long leash around his costume in one picture, which sparked many jokes online.
More Than Just a Beach Stroll
The leaked images also give us hints about the scene’s content. A crew member was seen holding a sign. On the sign, there appeared to be a combination of Latin phrases. This suggests that the character might be chanting a spell during that beach scene. This detail increases the mystery and excitement about the new series.
Furthermore, another leaked video clip reportedly showed Dumbledore meeting with Nicholas Flamel and his wife. Nicholas Flamel is the creator of the Philosopher’s Stone in the Harry Potter story.
This suggests that the HBO series may explore some early wizarding history, which was only mentioned in the first book.
HBO’s Harry Potter Series Production Updates and New Cast
The production for the new Harry Potter reboot series began in July 2025. Very few official pictures have been shared by HBO. The show is expected to have seven seasons, with each season focusing on one of J.K. Rowling’s original books. The series is planned to be released in 2027.
The cast for the new show includes newcomers for the main trio: Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley, and Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger.
Other cast members for the Hogwarts teachers include Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, and Nick Frost as Hagrid. The leaked Dumbledore photos have made the wait for the HBO series even more difficult for fans around the world.
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