HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter TV adaptation is taking shape, with new casting rumours adding fuel to the fire.
Reports suggest that Paapa Essiedu and Janet McTeer are in talks to take on two of the franchise’s most iconic roles—Professor Severus Snape and Professor Minerva McGonagall.
While HBO has yet to confirm the news, Deadline claims the network is finalising deals for both actors. If true, they would join John Lithgow, who has officially signed on as Albus Dumbledore. Lithgow admitted his casting came “as a total surprise” but said he’s “very excited” to step into the wizarding world.
Essiedu, best known for I May Destroy You, The Lazarus Project, and Gangs of London, has built a reputation for intense, layered performances. At 34, he’d be close to Snape’s canonical age of 31 when the first season kicks off. His casting would bring a fresh take on the role famously played by Alan Rickman.
McTeer, a two-time Oscar nominee for Tumbleweeds and Albert Nobbs, has the gravitas to fill Maggie Smith’s formidable shoes as McGonagall. Her work in Ozark, The Old Man, and Into the Storm proves she can command the screen with quiet authority.
HBO has been careful about addressing casting speculation. “We appreciate that such a high-profile series will draw a lot of rumour and speculation. As we make our way through pre-production, we will only confirm details as we finalise deals,” the network stated.
The Harry Potter TV series was announced in April 2023, with plans to adapt each of the seven books into its own season. The show is expected to premiere in late 2026 or early 2027, with Succession and Killing Eve writer Francesca Gardiner as showrunner.
Meanwhile, fan theories continue to swirl, with some pushing for Oppenheimer’s Cillian Murphy as Voldemort. Even Ralph Fiennes, who played the Dark Lord in the original films, has backed the idea.
With over 32,000 child actors auditioning for the core trio, HBO’s Harry Potter is slowly coming to life. Whether these casting reports prove true or not, one thing’s clear—expectations are sky-high.
