Hogwarts is getting a fresh set of professors! HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter reboot is close to casting three major roles: Minerva McGonagall, Severus Snape, and Albus Dumbledore.
According to Deadline, two Emmy-nominated actors, Janet McTeer and Paapa Essiedu, are in final talks to take on McGonagall and Snape, respectively. Meanwhile, veteran actor John Lithgow is expected to bring Dumbledore to life.
Who’s playing who?
- Janet McTeer – The Oscar-nominated actress is set to play Professor Minerva McGonagall, the sharp-witted Transfiguration teacher and head of Gryffindor House.
- Paapa Essiedu – The I May Destroy You and The Lazarus Project star is finalising his role as Professor Severus Snape, Hogwarts’ infamous Potions Master.
- John Lithgow – Though not yet officially confirmed, Lithgow is expected to step into the iconic role of Albus Dumbledore, Hogwarts’ wise and enigmatic headmaster.
Staying true to the books
During a London presentation in December, executive producer David Heyman stressed the importance of keeping character ages faithful to J.K. Rowling’s original vision.
This means Snape, played by the late Alan Rickman in the films, will be closer to his book age of 31. The Dursleys, Harry’s unpleasant relatives, will also be much younger than their film counterparts.
McTeer, meanwhile, is about the same age as Maggie Smith when she first took on the role in the original films over 20 years ago.
Diversity and fresh perspectives
HBO’s reboot is taking steps toward greater inclusivity, continuing the franchise’s evolution. This move follows the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child stage play, which cast Noma Dumezweni as Hermione Granger. It also mirrors a broader trend in fantasy adaptations, similar to Amazon’s Lord of the Rings series.
Where you’ve seen them before
- Janet McTeer – Known for Ozark, Jessica Jones, and The Old Man, McTeer has an impressive career spanning film, TV, and theatre. She’s won a Tony, an Olivier Award, and has been nominated for two Oscars.
- Paapa Essiedu – A BAFTA nominee, Essiedu starred in The Lazarus Project, Black Doves, and The Outrun. His next project? A British comedy-horror film, The Scurry.
Hogwarts is shaping up to be a very different place—are you excited for the new cast?
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