John Lithgow, who is American, is nearing a deal to portray Professor Albus Dumbledore in HBO's upcoming "Harry Potter" series reboot, according to a report in Deadline. When reached, HBO reps declined comment on the report.

All the news on HBO's streaming 'Harry Potter' TV series, including cast, release date, how to watch, development and whether J.K. Rowling will be involved.

Dumbledore was originally played by Richard Harris in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Sir Michael Gambon took over for the rest of the franchise after Harris's death.