John Lithgow 'transfigures' into Albus Dumbledore in first pictures on Harry Potter set

Hollywood actor John Lithgow showcased his incredible 'transfiguration' abilities as he filmed scenes as Professor Albus Dumbledore for the upcoming Harry Potter series.

The 79-year-old star was pictured as the headmaster of Hogwarts for the very first time as he filmed scenes on the windy beaches of Cornwall. He wore the professor's iconic long white hair and beard, dark wizarding robes, and thin glasses.

John, who follows in the footsteps of Richard Harris and Michael Gambon for the new series, was deep in character as he stood by the water with cast and crew at work nearby before clutching his waist and looking seemingly in pain.

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At one moment, the crew filmed John from above as people used a wind machine and held up cue cards with spells written on them. The actor, who played Winston Churchill in The Crown, read his lines from a script in between takes.

Irish actor Richard Harris originally played Dumbledore, but died after The Chamber of Secrets wrapped filming. He was soon replaced by Michael Gambon, who died in 2023.

Speaking about landing the 'surprise' role, John said: "I just got the phone call up at the Sundance Film Festival, and it was not an easy decision because it’s going to define me for the last chapter of my life. I’m afraid.

"But I’m very excited. Some wonderful people are turning their attention back to Harry Potter. That’s why it’s been such a hard decision. I’ll be about 87 years old at the wrap party, but I’ve said yes."

Meanwhile, Warwick Davis has reprised his role of Professor Filius Flitwick in the new Harry Potter series. He will be joined alongside new cast members, including Elijah Oshin as Dean Thomas, Finn Stephens as Vincent Crabbe, and William Nash as Gregory Goyle.

It was previously announced that Dominic McLaughlin will play Harry Potter in the series, whereas Alastair Stout will play Ron Weasley. Elsewhere, Arabella Stanton will step into the role of Hermione Granger.

Sirine Saba will play Professor Pomona Sprout, Richard Durden will star as Professor Cuthbert Binns, and Bríd Brennan will be stepping into the role of Madam Poppy Pomfrey.

Hot Fuzz star Nick Frost has taken on the role of loveable Hagrid. After seeing pictures of Nick on set, original Harry Potter director Chris Columbus questioned the motive behind the new series.

"Part of me was like, what’s the point? Part of me was like, okay, great. I thought everything was going to be different, but it’s more of the same, which is interesting," he said.

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