Harry Potter: Books vs Series

Books vs Series · The unofficial guide to HBO's Harry Potter

Home › Characters › Albus Dumbledore

Albus Dumbledore

John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore in HBO's Harry Potter
Played byJohn Lithgow
First seasonSeason 1, Philosopher’s Stone
Differences2

Photo: HBO

In the books

This is how J.K. Rowling describes Albus Dumbledore in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone:

“He was tall, thin and very old, judging by the silver of his hair and beard, which were both long enough to tuck into his belt.”— PS, ch. 1
“His blue eyes were light, bright and sparkling behind half-moon spectacles and his nose was very long and crooked, as though it had been broken at least twice.”— PS, ch. 1

In the series

John Lithgow plays Albus Dumbledore in HBO’s series. Differences from the books so far:

010

Dumbledore in private

Not in the books

Books: after chapter one, Dumbledore is only seen when Harry is present. Series: there are scenes of Dumbledore without Harry.

Books: Nicolas and Perenelle Flamel are only mentioned (PS, chs. 13, 17). Series: both appear as characters.

Official images

Images © HBO. More in official images.

Other characters

Harry Potter · Hermione Granger · Ron Weasley · Minerva McGonagall · Severus Snape · Rubeus Hagrid · Draco Malfoy · Vernon Dursley · Petunia Dursley · Dudley Dursley · Neville Longbottom · Quirinus Quirrell · Molly Weasley · Percy Weasley · Ginny Weasley · Garrick Ollivander · Filius Flitwick · Pomona Sprout · Rolanda Hooch · Oliver Wood. See also the full cast.

Premiere

25 Decon HBO Max

Books vs Series

Difference 001 of 15

Snape’s skin colour

Books: Snape has “sallow skin” (PS, ch. 7).

Series: he is played by Paapa Essiedu, a Black British actor.

All 15 differences »

Posters

Harry character poster, HBO's Harry Potter
Harry

All posters »

Latest updates

13 November 2026
New pages: a page for each actor, the ages of the cast, new scenes not in the book, houses and uniforms, magical creatures and music. More »

13 November 2026
New page: sets and filming locations, from the new Hogwarts at Leavesden to London Zoo, King’s Cross and the Cornish coast. More »

13 November 2026
Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton and Alastair Stout, the new Harry, Hermione and Ron, talked to Scholastic News about the auditions, getting the parts and filming. More »

10 November 2026
Snape actor Paapa Essiedu told Vanity Fair he still doesn’t really know what happens in Deathly Hallows, and was baffled by Dumbledore’s death. More »

All news »

Unofficial fan site. Not affiliated with HBO, Warner Bros. Discovery or J.K. Rowling. Images and videos © HBO / Warner Bros. Discovery.
Book references are to the UK editions: PS = Philosopher's Stone, CoS = Chamber of Secrets. · About this site · Page updated