Harry Potter HBO Show Casts McGonagall And Snape

The HBO adaptation of Harry Potter is about to cast two pivotal roles.

According to Deadline, negotiations are underway for Janet McTeer to take on the role of Professor Minerva McGonagall, while Paapa Essiedu is close to finalizing a deal to portray Professor Severus Snape. This pair will join John Lithgow, who has been confirmed to play Professor Albus Dumbledore.

Professor McGonagall serves as the deputy headmistress at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and leads Gryffindor House. The character was brought to life by the late Maggie Smith in the original film series, with Fiona Glascott playing a younger version in the Fantastic Beasts films.

Meanwhile, Professor Severus Snape, known for his role as the Potions Master and head of Slytherin House, is a character famously portrayed by Alan Rickman in the movies.

McTeer is a celebrated actress with nominations for both Oscars and Emmys. She recently appeared in productions such as Kaos, The Old Man, and The Menu. Additionally, she has earned an Olivier and a Tony Award for her performance in the 1997 stage adaptation of A Doll’s House.

Essiedu’s recent work includes roles in Black Doves, The Outrun, and The Lazarus Project. His attachment to the Snape character was first reported in December by The Hollywood Reporter.

The search is also on for the three young actors to portray Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley. Reports suggest that Ted Lasso star Brett Goldstein is being considered for the role of Hagrid.

HBO and Warner Bros. are undertaking a monumental project with Harry Potter, which is expected to span over a decade. The series aims to adapt one book per season, although some books may be split into multiple seasons depending on the show’s duration.

Francesca Gardiner is serving as the showrunner and executive producer, with Mark Mylod also executive producing and directing several episodes. Both Gardiner and Mylod have previously collaborated on HBO’s award-winning series Succession.

Filming is anticipated to commence this summer at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden in England, with the first season of Harry Potter set to air in late 2026 or early 2027.