Deals Reportedly Near for Snape, Hagrid, and McGonagall as Casting Opens for Extras in “Harry Potter” TV Series
Since the casting of John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, we’ve been waiting for news of the next confirmed cast member in HBO’s Harry Potter TV series. And it’ll likely be soon, as reports indicate a deal is near for an actor to play Severus Snape, and negotiations for our new Minerva McGonagall and Rubeus Hagrid are in progress.
Rumors started swirling about Paapa Essiedu playing Potions professor Severus Snape back in December. According to Deadline earlier this month, this is looking more and more likely, with a deal near completion. Essiedu is best-known for his roles in I May Destroy You and The Lazarus Project.
Janet McTeer was first named as a potential Minerva McGonagall around the same time as the rumors of Essiedu’s casting began. It seems that she is currently the only one still in the running, with negotiations for her contract slightly behind Essiedu’s but definitely well in progress, according to the same report. Her recent projects include The Menu and Kaos.
There’s been a change of heart for the next Rubeus Hagrid in recent rumors. Ted Lasso‘s Brett Goldstein had previously been linked with the role, but Deadline now reports that a new possible gamekeeper has emerged. British comedian and actor Nick Frost, known for roles in Hot Fuzz and the upcoming How to Train Your Dragon live-action remake, is reportedly nearing a deal to take on the role.
As well as the big names, a casting call was recently posted for an unnamed project that could be Harry Potter. Extra People put out a call for children aged between 9 and 17 who live within 45 minutes of Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden and have availability this summer – all details which match up with the show. No experience is needed, and the call specifies that a wide range of ethnicities and genders are wanted. If you match the criteria and want to become a Hogwarts student, applications are still open now.
What do you think of these casting rumors?
