As John Lithgow possibly prepares to don the robes of Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter series, the versatile actor’s extraordinary range comes into sharp focus. The 79-year-old performer,

US actor John Lithgow is reportedly set to take on the role of Dumbledore as the makers of the new Harry Potter TV series start to assemble their cast. The veteran Oscar-nominated star is "in final talks" to sign up to play the Hogwarts headmaster, according to film and TV industry outlets Variety and Deadline.

Lithgow is, undeniably, a much bigger name than Rylance, at least in his native U.S.. (Although it’s kind of weird that they’re looking to cast an American actor in the role of one of the iconic British wizards;