AceShowbiz - HBO's highly anticipated "Harry Potter" TV series is rounding out its cast with actors Janet McTeer and Paapa Essiedu. According to multiple sources, McTeer is in final negotiations to take on the role of Professor Minerva McGonagall while Essiedu is set to play the enigmatic Severus Snape.

The duo will join previously-announced cast John Lithgow, who is already cast as Albus Dumbledore.

Janet McTeer, known for her Oscar-nominated roles in "Albert Nobbs" and "Tumbleweeds," as well as her Emmy-nominated portrayal in HBO's "Into the Storm," has a rich career in film and television.

At 63, she is close in age to Dame Maggie Smith, who originally played McGonagall in the films starting at age 66. This similarity in casting age suggests that HBO aims to maintain a familiar essence while allowing McTeer to bring her own unique presence to the beloved character.

Paapa Essiedu, on the other hand, is a rising star recognized for his Emmy and BAFTA-nominated performance in the HBO limited series "I May Destroy You." At 34, Essiedu is set to portray a younger version of Snape than the late Alan Rickman's portrayal, who was 55 when he first took on the role.

This shift aligns with showrunner Francesca Gardiner's commitment to stick to the canonical ages of the characters, offering a new yet faithful take on Snape's early years.

HBO is set to begin production later this year, aiming for a release in late 2026 or early 2027. Lithgow mentioned that the series is expected to start shooting in August, teasing that more casting news, including the eagerly awaited leads for Harry, Ron, and Hermione, will be announced soon. HBO reportedly received over 32,000 audition tapes for these iconic roles.

The anticipation surrounding the new Harry Potter series continues to grow as fans eagerly await more details. With a mix of seasoned talent and fresh faces, HBO seems poised to deliver a spellbinding experience that honors the legacy of the original books and films while introducing fresh elements.