The Harry Potter reboot has reportedly found its new Professor McGonagall and Professor Snape.
According to Deadline, Janet McTeer and Paapa Essiedu are in final negotiations to portray Minerva McGonagall and Severus Snape, respectively, in the HBO reboot series. If cast, they would join John Lithgow, who is confirmed to be playing Professor Albus Dumbledore in the hotly-anticipated Harry Potter reboot.
The aforementioned respective roles were previously played by the late Maggie Smith, Alan Rickman, and Richard Haris/Michael Gambon in Warner Bros.’ Harry Potter film series, which consists of eight films released between 2001 and 2011.
HBO has repeatedly declined to comment on any casting report, instead opting to release the following statement every single time: “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.”
John Lithgow Confirms Dumbledore Casting
Of course, Lithgow already confirmed his casting, telling Screen Rant last month, “Well, it came as a total surprise to me. I just got the phone call up at the Sundance Film Festival for yet another film, and it was not an easy decision because it’s going to define me for the last chapter of my life, I’m afraid. But I’m very excited. Some wonderful people are turning their attention back to Harry Potter. That’s why it’s been such a hard decision. I’ll be about 87 years old at the wrap party, but I’ve said yes.”
Announced in April 2023, the forthcoming Harry Potter series will be adapted over 10 years and has J.K. Rowling attached as an executive producer. Francesca Gardiner is writing the first season, which will be based on The Philosopher’s Stone (published in the U.S. as The Sorcerer’s Stone).
Although an official release window hasn’t been announced yet, HBO is reportedly eyeing a late 2026 / early 2027 premiere on the network.
What do you think of the reboot cast so far? Will you be watching the new Harry Potter?