Production on the new `Harry Potter` revival series began in July 2025, but few official photographs have been posted thus far. The first unofficial photos and videos of actor John Lithgow in costume as Professor Albus Dumbledore, the headmaster of Hogwarts, have emerged from the set. The released footage shows the actor in full costume as the headmaster of the wizarding school, Hogwarts.
On X, multiple fan and update accounts tweeted the leaked photographs of Lithgow standing on a beach scene. His attire consists of a long royal blue robe, blue shirt, dark blue leggings, and boots. He has a lengthy white beard that almost reaches his legs and is wearing slim half-glasses.
Netizens react to the leaked photos
The leaked photographs also indicate that the figure may be chanting a spell, as a crew member is seen holding up a sign with what appears to be a combination of Latin phrases. Separately, another film appears to show Dumbledore meeting with Nicholas Flamel and his wife. Flamel is credited with creating the Philosopher`s Stone in the series.
The post rapidly went viral, and Potterheads began commenting on it. A curious Redditor asked, “What scene does Dumbledore have on the beach?” The only one I can think of is the HBP coastal cave, but that comes much later in the series.”
Another user speculated, “Is this the scene where Dumbledore becomes the Bay Harbor Butcher?”.
Many Redditors also commented that John looked `huge`. A reader wrote: “The 2nd picture looks like they have him on a really long leash, like they`re letting him play in the sea for a little bit as a treat lil.”
A user responded, “Honestly, it`s a weird perspective too. “I know he`s a bigger guy, but he looks huge here lol.” Another person commented on the same, writing, “He looks massive in that second picture.”
About the show Harry Potter
Lithgow is the third actor to play Dumbledore, after Richard Harris and Michael Gambon. Harris had played the character in the first two `Harry Potter` films. Following his death in 2002, Gambon stepped in and played the role for the final six films in the franchise.
Earlier last year, the HBO series unveiled the primary actors for the Hogwarts teachers: Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, and Nick Frost as Hagrid.
Newcomers will play the key characters: Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley, and Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger. HBO Entertainment, Bront Film and TV, Warner Bros Television, and Heyday Films are producing the fantasy series.
The HBO Max series, helmed by showrunner Francesca Gardiner, is set to premiere in 2027.
