HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter series is slowly assembling its Hogwarts faculty, and two more key roles are in the process of being finalized.
Sources confirm that actress Janet McTeer (The Old Man, Kaos) is in negotiations to play Professor Minerva McGonagall, while Paapa Essiedu (The Lazarus Project) is finalizing his deal to take on the role of Professor Severus Snape. They join the previously announced John Lithgow, who will step into the role of Albus Dumbledore.
View fullsize
View fullsize
Naturally, HBO is keeping things close to the chest. “We appreciate that such a high-profile series will draw a lot of rumor and speculation,” the network stated. “As we make our way through pre-production, we will only confirm details as we finalize deals.”
The series will be helmed by writer/showrunner Francesca Gardiner and director/executive producer Mark Mylod, and it’s planned as a decade-long adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s novels.
Casey Bloys, Chairman and CEO of HBO and Max Content, described it as a “faithful adaptation” that will “dive deep into each of the iconic books.”
One key detail Gardiner emphasized is that the show will stay true to the characters’ canonical ages. That means Snape, played by Essiedu, will be 31 when we meet him, aligning with his age in the books, as opposed to Alan Rickman’s portrayal in the films. As Potions Master and future Headmaster of Hogwarts, Snape’s complex arc is set to unfold with a fresh perspective.
McTeer, meanwhile, is just a couple of years younger than Maggie Smith was when she first played the character in the original films. As the strict but deeply caring Deputy Headmistress and Transfiguration professor, she’ll bring both authority and warmth to the role.
Production is set to take place at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, the same home as the original films, with a premiere targeted for late 2026 or early 2027. Casting for Harry, Hermione, and Ron is still in progress, with 32,000 audition tapes submitted.
Source: Deadline