United Kingdom, Feb. 26 -- John Lithgow is to star as Albus Dumbledore in the 'Harry Potter' reboot series.

The 79-year-old actor - who is known for his roles in 'Dexter' and 'The Crown' - had been rumoured to be taking on the role of the Hogwarts headmaster in the upcoming HBO adaptation of J.K. Rowling's magical book series but he has now confirmed the news himself, even though he admitted that it was not an "easy decision" to make.

He told ScreenRant: "Well, it came as a total surprise to me. I just got the phone call up at the Sundance Film Festival for yet another film, and it was not an easy decision because it's going to define me for the last chapter of my life, I'm afraid. But I'm very excited.

"Some wonderful people are turni...