HBO first sweetened the news by announcing that John Lithgow will play Albus Dumbledore, only to follow it with a decision that left fans divided. According to sources, Janet McTeer is in talks to portray Professor Minerva McGonagall, while Paapa Essiedu is close to signing a contract to play Severus Snape.
Replacing Iconic Characters
If negotiations conclude successfully, British actress Janet McTeer will take on the role of Hogwarts’ strict but fair Deputy Headmistress, originally played by Maggie Smith in the film series. The choice seems logical — McTeer is only a few years younger than Smith was when filming the first movie. Viewers might recognize her from her role as a ruthless cartel lawyer in Ozark.
The choice of actor for Severus Snape, however, has already been a topic of heated discussion among fans worldwide.
A New Snape
If rumors are to be believed, Paapa Essiedu, star of Gangs of London and The Lazarus Project, is set to become the new Severus Snape. One key factor is HBO’s intent to preserve the canonical age of the character — in the books, Snape is 31 years old, making Essiedu a fitting choice for the role of the young Potions Master.
However, many international Harry Potter fans argue that casting a Black actor was unnecessary, especially considering that Alan Rickman’s version of Snape already deviated significantly from the book’s description. They believe the character didn’t need to be altered even further from the film portrayal.
When Will the Series Be Released?
Production will take place at Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden, the same location where the original movies were filmed. HBO plans to release the first season in 2026 or early 2027. Currently, the casting process for Harry, Ron, and Hermione is in full swing — over 32,000 children have already applied for the roles.
