John Lithgow, recently cast as Albus Dumbledore in HBO's new Harry Potter series, is already showing an unconventional approach to the character. And his comparison of the Hogwarts headmaster to... a nuclear weapon is unexpected, but brilliantly accurate!
On the Smartless podcast, Lithgow revealed his interpretation of the wise wizard:
"You know, Dumbledore is a kind of nuclear weapon. He 'explodes' very, very rarely."
And indeed, whether it's the books, the Gambon films, or, apparently, the future version of Lithgow, Dumbledore is always reserved, but deadly in moments of rare anger. That's why the scene in which Dumbledore, played by Michael Gambon, screams in Harry's face during Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire remains shocking years later.
"I don't think it's going to be a difficult job," the actor added, implying that he won't have any trouble getting into character.
And for Lithgow, who is used to emotional roles like the Trinity Killer from Dexter or the hysterical Lord Farquaad in Shrek, Dumbledore may indeed seem like a "rest," but only at first glance.
Here lies the paradox: playing wisdom is more difficult than playing hysteria. After all, Dumbledore is not just a kind grandfather, but a strategist whose decisions determine the fate of the magical world. His calm is a weapon, and his rare bursts of emotion are like that very "nuclear explosion" that changes everything. Now it remains to be seen: will Lithgow be able to convey this dangerous harmony? For now, his comparison perfectly describes the essence of the character: quiet, but all-powerful. As a real wizard should be.
