HBO’s Harry Potter reboot is inching closer to assembling its Hogwarts faculty, with reports suggesting that two key roles may have found their actors. Following John Lithgow’s casting as Albus Dumbledore, Oscar nominee Janet McTeer is in talks to portray Minerva McGonagall, while The Lazarus Project star Paapa Essiedu is reportedly nearing a deal to take on the role of Severus Snape, according to Deadline.
McTeer, known for her performances in The Menu and Ozark, would follow in the footsteps of Dame Maggie Smith, who portrayed the Transfiguration professor in the original film series. At 63, McTeer is close in age to Smith when she first stepped into the role in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, bringing a similar level of gravitas and experience. Essiedu, meanwhile, is best known for his Emmy-nominated turn in I May Destroy You and has established himself as a rising talent on both stage and screen. If confirmed, he would be taking over a role that the late Alan Rickman famously played, though at 34, he is notably younger than Rickman was when he first embodied the Potions Master.
As expected, casting decisions for such an iconic franchise have sparked debate among longtime fans. Some have expressed concerns over deviations from the source material, particularly regarding Snape’s appearance. The character was originally described as having “sallow skin, a large, hooked nose, and yellow, uneven teeth. He has shoulder-length, greasy black hair which frames his face, and cold, black eyes” — traits that do not match Essiedu’s looks (after all, he is conventionally attractive…). Others have pointed out that Snape’s role in the Harry Potter storyline is deeply tied to his experiences as an outsider, and they question whether changing his background alters the character’s motivations and relationships, particularly in regard to his rivalry with James Potter.
Beyond discussions about book accuracy, the casting of a Black actor as Snape has reignited broader cultural debates surrounding race and representation in adaptations. Similar conversations have emerged with other high-profile projects that reimagine historically white characters with actors of colour. Some fans see this as a welcome shift toward inclusivity, especially in a franchise that has long been criticised for its lack of diversity. Others argue that these decisions feel like corporate attempts to appeal to modern audiences rather than meaningful efforts to improve representation.
HBO’s Harry Potter series already faces scrutiny, not just for its creative choices but also due to the ongoing controversies surrounding J.K. Rowling. Many progressive fans have distanced themselves from the franchise in recent years due to her public stance on transgender issues, leading some to view these casting choices as a calculated effort to win back goodwill. On the other hand, conservative audiences critical of race-swapping in Hollywood have added this to their growing list of grievances against modern reboots.
Amid the debate, one reality remains: this reboot will be one of the most scrutinised projects in recent television history. Every casting decision is being met with intense analysis, and the road ahead is likely to be filled with further discussions, disagreements, and speculation, especially regarding the portrayal of characters like Hermione Granger. While HBO has yet to confirm these casting choices, the excitement (and controversy) surrounding them signals that the Harry Potter reboot will remain a major talking point in entertainment for years to come.
Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, and anime — you name it. When she’s not reading or being a dedicated cinephile, she’s probably playing gacha and tabletop games, or daydreaming of Sylus from Love and Deepspace.
Kevin Low
