John Lithgow has said that he’s “very excited” to be joining the upcoming “Harry Potter” series as Albus Dumbledore, brushing off criticism that the role of the wizarding headteacher has been given to an American actor.

John Lithgow’s casting as Dumbledore in the new Harry Potter TV show breaks one of JK Rowling’s biggest rules for an adaptation.

John Lithgow says ‘I will do my best’ following Harry Potter casting news backlash - American actor John Lithgow says he's ‘intimidated’ but excited to play Dumbledore in the new decade-long HBO adapt