John Lithgowmay be about to take on the role of his life as Dumbledore in theHarry PotterTV series, but before that he has made himself into an internet meme that could well become his true legacy.
In theopening monologue of the 2025 Academy Awards, host Conan O’Brien took aim at several members of the audience, but when he turned his attention to Lithgow, it was to promise viewers that if anyone’s speeches drawled on for too long, then they would cut to the acclaimed actor showing his “slightly disappointed” face. If there was ever anything destined to become an instant meme, then the image below is it. Expect to see this shot, and other similar ones, turning up on a frequent basis in the future.
For those who missed the moment in all its glory, then it can be seen in the post shared on X below.
John Lithgow is Going on a Long Journey With ‘Harry Potter’
John Lithgow’s casting as Dumbledore initially made some fans make their own slightly disappointed face, but the actor himself is incredibly happy to be taking on what he believes will be his last great role. Speaking with MovieWeb, Lithgow expressed his excitement about joining HBO’sHarry Potterreboot and teased that he will be “working with great people in a great city full of great actors.”
“It’s going to be working with great people in a great city full of great actors. I just know that the casts for these seven seasons, it’s going to be tremendous. So, yeah, I’m excited. And, I mean, I have never experienced such excitement from people just getting news. ‘Oh God, of course. Hey, you’re the perfect Dumbledore.’ Like, What? What? I must say, I was a huge fan of Michael Gambon, a man I never met, and I thought he was completely wonderful as Dumbledore, there is a uncanny factoid that he and I have the same birthday!”
John Lithgow Proved 16 Years Ago That He’s Perfect for His ‘Harry Potter’ Role
John Lithgow has been around for over 50 years as an actor, but this role is still arguably one of his best and most memorable.
There is still quite a wait before theHarry Potterseries makes its debut on Max, with the first season not expected to arrive until very late in 2026. As Lithgow knows,undertaking the role of Dumbledoreis one that is going to be an unexpected defining moment in his long career. With the series expected to play out over the next decade, Lithgow acknowledged that he will be almost 90 by the time the final season wraps - the same age Hugh Jackman will hang up his claws as Wolverine apparently.
While fans wait for more casting news on the Harry Potter series, you may want to save the image of Lithgow looking slightly disappointed, as it could come in handy if you do not agree with the casting choices made for some of the other key roles.
John Lithgow
