John Lithgow has landed the iconic role of Albus Dumbledore in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter television series, but some believe the part comes with a deadly warning. Superstitious Hollywood insiders have pointed out that the two previous actors who played the beloved wizard—Richard Harris and Michael Gambon—both passed away after taking on the role.
Hollywood’s Dumbledore Curse Strikes Again?
At 79 years old, Lithgow has joked that he will be 87 by the time the series wraps. However, some insiders claim that he might not make it that far. The HBO adaptation plans to turn each of J.K. Rowling’s seven Harry Potter books into a full-length season, meaning Lithgow is committing to a long-term project that could stretch well over a decade.
An industry source emphasized that taking on Dumbledore is no small feat, calling it a dangerous role given its legacy. The insider pointed out that Harris, who played Dumbledore in The Sorcerer’s Stone and The Chamber of Secrets, passed away in 2002. His successor, Gambon, played the role in the remaining films before his death in 2023. With this pattern in mind, Hollywood whispers are swirling about whether Lithgow can break the so-called curse.
Lithgow’s Excitement Despite the Risk
Despite these ominous warnings, Lithgow remains excited about the role. He admitted that accepting the part was a tough decision, as it could define the final chapter of his career. The actor revealed that he received the unexpected offer while attending the Sundance Film Festival and ultimately decided to say yes.
Lithgow described the series as a major undertaking, with talented creatives revisiting the Harry Potter universe. He acknowledged the challenge of committing to a role for nearly a decade but expressed enthusiasm for stepping into the magical world. He will be leading a new cast in a project that aims to introduce the franchise to a new generation of fans.
Will Lithgow’s Salary Be as Magical as Radcliffe’s?
While Lithgow’s paycheck remains undisclosed, past Harry Potter stars have walked away with staggering earnings. Daniel Radcliffe, who played the titular boy wizard, has accumulated a $125 million fortune from the franchise. His earnings skyrocketed over the years, with reports showing that by 2011, his wealth had already surpassed $94 million.
As Lithgow steps into Dumbledore’s shoes, fans will be watching closely to see if he can avoid the fate of his predecessors—or if the so-called Dumbledore curse will strike again.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Jaja’s career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including Business Times and Brigada. As a news editor, she covered a wide range of beats, including business, economy, cryptocurrency, and personal finance. Additionally, she has successfully managed teams of writers producing content on gaming, technology, and entertainment.
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