In the last several weeks, many actors’ names have been rumored about the upcoming Harry Potter TV series. Most of the reports have stated that HBO and Warner Brothers studios courted them and have not officially signed on to the massive project. The showrunners behind this reboot seek more age-accurate actors than the original films. Mark Rylance (Dunkirk) is still the frontrunner for Professor Dumbledore, though Mark Strong (Kingsman, The Penguin) has also been looked at. As previously reported, Paapa Essiedu (I May Destroy You) remains the frontrunner for a race-bent Professor Snape.
Now, the report has stated the studio is looking at actresses Sharon Horgan (Game Night) and Rachel Weisz (The Mummy) for the role of Professor Minerva McGonagall. The role was originally played by the late Maggie Smith (Downton Abbey) in the films. A separate report on Reddit has stated actress Janet McTeer (Ozark) is also in the running. Finally, the report mentions that Brett Goldstein (Ted Lasso, Thor: Love & Thunder) is being looked at for the always-loveable Rubeus Hagird. It is pretty disappointing that they will put Goldstein in a “fat suit” for the role when great comedic actors like Nick Frost (Hot Fuzz) or Matt Berry (What We Do In The Shadows) are right there. Hagrid was made famous by the late Robbie Coltrane. Production begins next summer in Leavesden, UK.
Harry Potter will debut exclusively on HBO sometime in 2027
Source: Deadline
