You Have to See These Original Harry Potter Sketches

John Lithgow was "surprised" by 'Harry Potter' role.

While promoting his new movie The Rule of Jenny Penn, John Lithgow told ScreenRant in a video interview that he's going to be playing the role of Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter TV show.

"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," the actor said. "But I'm very excited. Some wonderful people are turning their attention back to Harry Potter. That's why it's been such a hard decision. I'll be about 87 years old at the wrap party, but I've said yes."

Now HBO hasn't officially announced the news yet, and added that while they "appreciate that such a high-profile series will draw a lot of rumor and speculation," they'll "only confirm details as we finalize deals."

One detail we do know? The show should start filming this summer at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, so we might see some very familiar sets!

Ben Barnes and Andrew Garfield are two very popular fancasts (as Sirius Black and Remus Lupin, respectively) — and they’ve both actually talked about the roles! Andrew told BBC that he "will consider any role offered, how's that?" when asked about a potential role in the reboot, while Ben told Us Weekly in February 2025 that “You wouldn’t believe the amount of Harry Potter books I’ve signed or Gryffindor scarves I’ve been given as gifts,” adding “the amount of fan fiction that I’ve been drafted into very enthusiastically is incredible.”

“It’s been going on for 20 years that people have been very kindly saying that they would’ve liked me to have played a young version of the Sirius Black character in Harry Potter, but now it’s been going on so long that I’m now the age of the actual character in the books,” he joked.

Aries (March 21 – April 20): Hagrid

Starting off big and bold with the giant himself, Rubeus Hagrid. His larger-than-life presence fills up the room, the quidditch field, or wherever he steps foot, and people are automatically drawn to his infectious energy. Once he sets his mind to something, he cannot be stopped (remember Fluffy? And Norbert?), using his stubborn nature to the benefit of Hogwarts and the people around him as a whole. However, his mouth tends to run faster than his brain, sometimes getting him in trouble — much like you, dear Aries. 😉

Taurus (April 21 – May 21): Hedwig

Listen: Hedwig may not have been the first 'person' you thought of here, but hear me out! Hedwig is extremely headstrong, making her presence known and doing exactly what she wants (and needs) to do at all times. The Dudleys are being jerks? She's screeching. Harry needs his mail? She's flying. But at the end of the day, she just really loves to be home with her favorite person — Harry.

Gemini (May 22 – June 21): Draco Malfoy

Y'all aren't ready for this, but Draco isn't a Gemini simply because of the stereotypical assumptions people make about Geminis. While he is definitely sneaky, and whatever other negative attributes people try to attach to Geminis, I actually think his duality lies in his pull to please his parents vs his desire to be a literal child and friend to his peers. While he is a bully throughout the entirety of the series, it becomes quite clear that his bullish nature comes from his family's legacy — and his acceptance or rejection of that narrative. If he used his fierce dedication to his family (and ultimately the Death Eaters) for good, he could live an entirely different life.

Cancer (June 22 – July 22): Dobby

Have you ever met someone who cares for another person the way that Dobby cares about Mr. Harry Potter? Before they've even met, Dobby uses his extreme empathy in an attempt to save Harry from Voldemort. While his actions may seem misguided, his intentions truly come from the heart, as he desperately tries to keep Harry from making it to Hogwarts. And when Harry eventually returns that kindness with a sock, freeing him? Dobby is loyal until the bitter end.

Leo (July 23 – August 22): Harry Potter

Who has more main character energy than you, Leo? Harry may seem like a reluctant hero at times, but ultimately this wizard is definitely confident in his abilities. I mean who else would go after the golden snitch like that as a first year? Or literally say out loud, "I am the chosen one," to one of his best friends? Jokes aside, Harry is totally magnetic, attracting friends and foes alike wherever he goes — and he uses that powerful draw to help him throughout his fight against Voldemort and the Death Eaters.

Virgo (August 23 – September 21): Hermione Granger

It's no secret that Hermione is always the smartest person in every room. And much like you, Virgo, she also knows to ask the right questions when she doesn't know the answers — hello, searching high and low to learn who Nicolas Flamel is — ultimately getting exactly what she and her friends need in the fight between good and evil. She's organized, intentional, and an absolute go-getter, making her a pretty unstoppable force of nature. But don't be fooled by her buttoned-up exterior; our girl is totally tender inside, using her skills as a shield against any harm towards herself, her parents, and her friends.

Libra (September 22 – October 22): Albus Dumbledore

Who wants justice and balance in the world more than Albus Dumbledore? The fearless Hogwarts leader is nothing if not consistent in his almost religious pursuit of creating a fair, equitable, good world for all witches, wizards, and muggles alike. Even when it means sacrificing his own life, Dumbledore will do what it takes to do what's ultimately right. And with those fierce wizard coats and accoutrements? Yeah, he's absolutely a Libra.

Scorpio (October 23 – November 21): Severus Snape

Much like his younger Slytherin student, there's a lot more to Severus Snape than what you may typically think about Scorpios. Sure, he's a little sneaky, incredibly intense, and super elusive — but those aren't always bad traits to have! Snape uses his secluded nature to his advantage for the advancement of the greater good. See, he's loyal to the bone, and would do anything to protect Harry based on his love for Lily Potter. So while he may seem 'bad' at first, Snape is proof that appearances can certainly be deceiving, and that there's a lot more behind that wall he's got up.

Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21): Sirius Black

Alright, let's jump into the slightly mischievous, highly passionate Sirius Black. This man exudes Sagittarius energy to the max. He'll play the villain if he has to, completely unbothered by what other people think about him — just as long as he's able to protect and care for those he loves. He has the biggest heart, an immediate warmth, and a charm about him that allows him to become a fast friend to all. And at the end of the day, he’s not afraid to stand up for what he believes in…even when that’s his entire family.

Capricorn (December 22 – January 19): Minerva McGonagall

Minerva McGonagall is whip smart and incredibly dedicated to her job — sound like anyone you know, Capricorn? She takes her responsibilities so seriously that she's willing to fight trolls and Death Eaters and everything in between for her students. And while she's tough on Harry, Ron, and Hermione, she's also always looking out for them at every turn, giving off an innate motherly quality constantly. Truly, this woman is an absolute icon and should be protected at all costs.

Aquarius (January 20 – February 18): Ron Weasley

One thing about Ron Weasley? He certainly marches to the beat of his own drum like the true Aquarius he is. Ron's different, and he's not afraid to be, even when Draco says something snide or he's wearing hand-me-down robes. He ultimately wants to make the world a better place for his friends (and for everyone), allowing his experiences to help find unique solutions however he can. Ron is persistent in fight between good and evil — even when it brings him to the lowest of lows — and doesn't let hardship keep him from doing his part.

Pisces (February 19 – March 20): Luna Lovegood

Luna Lovegood is the epitome of a Pisces. She's dreamy and caring and sorta has her head in the clouds. Although she seems like she's in la la land at times, there's honestly a lot more going on beneath the surface. Luna has a perspective unlike anyone else, so she's able to help paint a fuller picture for Harry and the rest of Dumbledore's army as they train to defeat Voldemort day-in and day-out.

1. Paloma

Campbell "Pookie" Puckett and her husband, Jett Puckett, have taken the social media world by storm with their seemingly picture-perfect romance and lavish lifestyle.

In November 2024, the influencer couple welcomed their daughter, Paloma, into the world after creating a lot of anticipatory hype surrounding their name choice.

Paloma has Spanish and Italian roots and is derived from Latin. It means "dove," in addition to "pigeon" and "butterfly." Those familiar with Greek mythology may recognize doves as symbols of Aphrodite, the goddess of love.

2. Wyatt, Elliotte, and Bennett

Jason Kelce, who spent 13 years playing for the Philadelphia Eagles, and his wife, Kylie Kelce, faced some backlash for the gender-neutral names they chose for their three daughters.

However, gender-neutral monikers are more popular than ever before. And now that the couple has a fourth daughter on the way, they reportedly plan to continue the name trend in their family.

3. Riot

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky made waves in 2023 when they named their second child Riot. The bold, unconventional pick fits right in with the couple's trend of sticking to "R" names, as Rihanna's full name is Robyn Rihanna Fenty, and A$AP Rocky's is Rakim Athelaston Mayers.

Beyond its personal significance, the name Riot carries a strong, rebellious energy. It definitely reflects both artists' fearless approach when it comes to both music and fashion.

4. Winnie

When Jimmy Fallon and his wife, Nancy Juvonen, had their first daughter in 2013, they chose a somewhat unique name with a lot of personal meaning: Winnie. Welsh in origin, it means "gentle friend" or "friend of peace."

Specifically for the couple, though, it's a tribute to Lake Winnipesaukee, the picturesque New Hampshire lake where they got engaged. Plus, Jimmy added the name made even more sense since they viewed Winnie as a "win" in their life.

5. Grace Warrior

Everyone remembers Steve Irwin as the fearless "Crocodile Hunter" who tragically died in late 2006. More recently, his daughter, Bindi Irwin, welcomed a little girl of her own into the world in 2021 and named her Grace Warrior.

While Grace may be a more common name, meaning "favor" or "blessing," Warrior was a more unusual choice with a sentimental intent.

"Her middle names, Warrior Irwin, are a tribute to my dad and his legacy as the most incredible Wildlife Warrior," Bindi shared on Instagram.

6. River Rose and Remington

Kelly Clarkson and her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, chose two distinctive names for their girl and boy: River Rose, born in 2014, and Remington Alexander, born in 2016.

With British roots and a whimsical feel, River is a gender-neutral pick that means "a flowing body of water." It was traditionally used more frequently for boys, but Kelly changed that trend.

Meanwhile, Remington is also British in origin and started as a surname, translating to "settlement by the boundary stream." Perhaps Kelly chose this sibling combination because both River and Remington begin with "R" and have connections to water.

7. Elsie Otter

When Zooey Deschanel and her then-husband Jacob Pechenik had their daughter in 2015, they chose a name that was both classic and quirky: Elsie Otter.

While Elsie is a timeless choice of Hebrew origin, which means "pledged to God," the addition of Otter gives it a more playful twist. During an appearance on TODAY, Zooey explained their reasoning behind it.

"We just really liked the name Elsie, and then we both love otters because they're so sweet and also smart," she detailed.

"They use tools, they keep their favorite tools, they hold hands while they sleep; there are so many amazing things about otters. They're wonderful animals."

8. Luai

Finally, in 2023, Lindsay Lohan and her husband, Bader Shammas, named their Dubai-born son Luai. It's Arabic in origin and means "protector" or "shield," but it remains a rare pick in the U.S.

Luay, a more common variation of this name, was only given to eight boys born in the U.S. in 2022.