The upcoming Harry Potter TV series on HBO is beginning to take shape, with new casting news emerging about two of Hogwarts’ most iconic professors. While John Lithgow has already been confirmed as Albus Dumbledore, reports now suggest that Emmy nominee Paapa Essiedu is set to take on the role of Severus Snape, while Oscar nominee Janet McTeer is in negotiations to portray Minerva McGonagall.
A New Snape For A New Generation
Essiedu, best known for his role in The Lazarus Project and his Emmy-nominated performance in I May Destroy You, is reportedly close to officially signing on as the sharp-witted and morally complex Potions Master. If confirmed, he will follow in the footsteps of the late Alan Rickman, who memorably portrayed Snape in the original films. At 34, Essiedu is closer in age to the Snape depicted in J.K. Rowling’s books than Rickman was when he first played the role at 54. This age-accurate casting could provide a fresh dynamic to the character’s backstory, particularly his complicated history with Harry Potter’s parents.
While some fans may initially find it difficult to picture a non-white actor as Snape, Essiedu has repeatedly proven his ability to tackle layered, emotionally rich characters, as seen in Gangs of London. Additionally, Rowling’s original description of Snape as “sallow-skinned” is open to interpretation, making this casting choice a natural evolution in the franchise’s increasing commitment to inclusivity—something first demonstrated with the casting of Noma Dumezweni as Hermione in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
Janet McTeer Steps Into McGonagall’s Shoes
Meanwhile, Janet McTeer is reportedly in final negotiations to bring Professor Minerva McGonagall to life. At 63, she’s a few years younger than Maggie Smith was when she first played the strict yet deeply caring Gryffindor head in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. McTeer is a veteran of both stage and screen, with a career spanning decades. She earned an Emmy nomination for her role as Clementine Churchill in HBO’s Into the Storm and has recently appeared in The Old Man alongside Lithgow and Netflix’s Kaos. Her upcoming projects include Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.
With McTeer’s commanding presence and reputation for portraying strong, authoritative women, she seems like a natural fit for the role of McGonagall. If the deal goes through, she will join a long legacy of actors bringing the beloved professor to life, including Smith in the original films and Fiona Glascott in the Fantastic Beasts prequels.
HBO’s Approach To Casting
Despite these reports, HBO remains tight-lipped about casting confirmations. A spokesperson stated, “We appreciate that such a high-profile series will draw a lot of rumor and speculation. As we make our way through pre-production, we will only confirm details as we finalize deals.” Still, with production moving forward at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden—the same location where the original movies were filmed—it seems only a matter of time before the full cast is officially unveiled.
The Harry Potter TV series is expected to premiere on HBO in late 2026 or early 2027, with Succession director Mark Mylod and showrunner Francesca Gardiner leading the charge. With a decade-long run planned, this ambitious adaptation promises to bring Hogwarts to life in an entirely new way, introducing fresh faces to beloved characters while staying true to the magic of Rowling’s books.