John Lithgow is in final negotiations to portray Professor Albus Dumbledore in HBO's series adaptation of the hugely popular fantasy books.

The Oscar-nominated star is reportedly "in final talks" to sign up to play the Hogwarts headmaster.

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;