When the Harry Potter movies were made from 2001 to 2011, the movies followed one strict guideline which it appears the new TV adaptation has discarded. The Harry Potter TV series which is currently in pre-production has a long road ahead before the series can start shooting, including casting all the roles for the show. While the series is set to debut on HBO, and follow the events of the books over the course of several years and seasons, very little has been shared about what the show will look like, and who will appear in it.

It appears that the creatives behind the show have taken their time in selecting people that they feel will be right for the roles, which is seen in the fact that around 32,000 children have been auditioned in the process of finding the show's Harry, Ron and Hermione (via Deadline). However, it looks like the series is now starting to take shape, with some actors entering final talks to the series. And surprisingly, the actor currently in contention to tackle a major role like Dumbledore is already proving that this show will be different from the movies in one pivotal way.

The Harry Potter Remake's New Dumbledore Plan Breaks The Movies' Cardinal Casting Rule

Harry Potter Adhered To A Strict Rule When Making The Movies

Throughout the run of the original films, the casting of all primary characters was typically given to actors who resided in the British Isles. This created a cozy and authentic sense that the films were set in a mysterious hidden place among the rolling hills of the UK. With primarily British and Irish actors, the movies had a defined sense of place, and they reflected the books' setting perfectly. However, if the rumors are to be believed, then this has been discarded in the making of the new Harry Potter TV series.

John Lithgow has been reported to be in final talks to play the role of Dumbledore, which breaks tradition and sees an American actor tackle one of the most essential roles in the series. While it has been common in the past to see British actors take on roles as American characters, it is decidedly less common the other way around. And in this instance, it will prove to define the Harry Potter show, depending on how well Lithgow can execute the role of Dumbledore and still have him appear as a wise and powerful magician who runs the UK's leading school for magic.

All Casting Bets Are Off If The Harry Potter Remake Brings John Lithgow On As Dumbledore

The Harry Potter TV Show Could Find Talent From Anywhere

And if Lithgow does end up being cast as Dumbledore, it does appear that the floodgates may be opened, and all the roles opened up to anyone from anywhere. This is not necessarily a negative thing, but depending on how far this goes in the making of the show, it could drastically redefine the tone and feel of the series. While America is no less capable of being the host to a Wizarding World story, as seen in the first Fantastic Beasts movie, it's a very different setting to the ancient and majestic British setting which added to the context of the books and original films.

However, as long as the actors can convincingly play British parts, and adopt accents that are reflective of these locations, they should have no real issues casting more diverse actors. Whatever the case, the results will prove to be interesting, to say the least. And actors like John Lithgow are proof that American actors can excel in British roles, tackling unfamiliar accents, and portraying characters from across the pond.

HBO's Harry Potter Remake Shouldn't Veer Too Far From The Movies' Casting

Lithgow Still May Be An Exception When It Comes To The Rule

Lithgow has played British characters to great effect in the past. Recently, he appeared as Winston Churchill in The Crown, and he has performed in the West End as British characters like Roald Dahl. As a result, he is more than prepared to tackle a role where he portrays a British character. However, the Harry Potter series has promised to be a more faithful adaptation of the books, partially thanks to the duration of the series, which will have more room to explore the individual characters and storylines over several seasons.

In order to stick to that promise, and be faithful to the source material, the characters' identities are important. These are wizards and witches from the UK. There are more that exist in other parts of the Wizarding World, but when it comes to Harry Potter, Hogwarts, and Dumblordore, these are quintessential British characters who exist in that world. In order to be authentic and deliver the same level of quality as the films, if not more, the Harry Potter show should try to stick to actors who will undeniably be able to step up.