HBO is busy working on filling out the cast for its new Harry Potter TV series. Now, according to a report from Deadline, Warner Bros. Discovery is closing in on two pivotal casting decisions for its ambitious TV adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s beloved Harry Potter novels. According to Deadline’s sources Oscar- and Emmy-nominated actress Janet McTeer is in talks to portray Professor Minerva McGonagall, while Emmy nominee Paapa Essiedu is finalizing his deal to play Professor Severus Snape. The high-profile series, set to debut in late 2026 or early 2027, has already tapped John Lithgow as Professor Albus Dumbledore, as exclusively reported by Deadline. With these latest negotiations, HBO is assembling a powerhouse trio to anchor its decade-long dive into the wizarding world, helmed by writer-showrunner Francesca Gardiner and director Mark Mylod.
McTeer, a British acting veteran known for Tumbleweeds and Albert Nobbs, would step into the role of McGonagall, the stern yet nurturing Transfiguration professor and Gryffindor head, previously immortalized by Maggie Smith in the films. At 63, McTeer aligns closely with Smith’s age when she debuted in the role, bringing a seasoned gravitas honed by Tony and Olivier wins. Essiedu, at 34, offers a younger take on Snape, the complex Potions master-turned-Headmaster, reflecting the books’ canonical age of 31—unlike the late Alan Rickman’s older portrayal. Essiedu’s breakout in I May Destroy You and recent turns in Black Doves showcase his range, fitting the series’ push for a fresh, diverse lens, a trend also seen in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’s casting of Noma Dumezweni as Hermione.
HBO remained tight-lipped on the casting and no official announcement has been made. The series, filming at Warner Bros Studios Leavesden—home of the original movies—promises a “faithful adaptation,” per HBO and Max Content CEO Casey Bloys, with deeper explorations of Rowling’s seven books. Gardiner has teased youthful Dursleys and a Snape true to his 30s, a nod to Essiedu’s casting. Meanwhile, 32,000 kids auditioned for Harry, Ron, and Hermione, with those roles still under wraps.
Both actors bring HBO award-winning actors: McTeer earned an Emmy nod for Into the Storm, and Essiedu shone in I May Destroy You. As the wizarding saga evolves with inclusive casting akin to Amazon’s The Lord of the Rings, anticipation builds for this small-screen return to Hogwarts, blending nostalgia with a modern twist.
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