Netflix star 'in talks' to replace Maggie Smith in new Harry Potter series

Janet McTeer is said to be in the running to play Professor McGonagall in HBO's upcoming Harry Potter series, which will also star John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore

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Janet McTeer is said to be in the running to play Professor McGonagall in HBO's upcoming Harry Potter series, which will also star John Lithgow as Albus DumbledoreMaggie Smith as Professor McGonagall (

Image: Alamy Stock Photo)

Janet McTeer, star of Netflix's Ozark, is rumoured to be in discussions to replace the late Dame Maggie Smith as Professor McGonagall in HBO's upcoming Harry Potter series. The 63 year old actress, who was awarded an OBE for her contributions to drama, recently starred in the Netflix series Kaos, which was unexpectedly cancelled after just one season.

This news follows reports that Paapa Essiedu is close to securing the role of Severus Snape. The Harry Potter series, set to span over a decade, is being developed by Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod.

According to Casey Bloys, chairman and CEO of HBO and Max Content, it will be a "faithful adaptation" of J. K.Rowling's novels that will "dive deep into each of the iconic books."

Janet McTeer is reportedly playing the professor (

Image:

(Image: Getty Images))

Janet is only slightly younger than Maggie Smith was when she first portrayed the Deputy Headmistress in the film franchise. In the Fantastic Beasts prequel films, Fiona Glascott took on the role.

If confirmed, this would mark Janet's return to HBO following her Emmy-nominated performance as Winston Churchill's wife Clementine in the HBO film Into the Storm. HBO has yet to officially comment on the casting, stating: "We appreciate that such a high-profile series will draw a lot of rumour and speculation.

"As we make our way through pre-production, we will only confirm details as we finalise deals."

John Lithgow has been confirmed to take on the role of Albus Dumbledore, and he's opened up about the weight of the decision. He revealed: "I just got the phone call up at the Sundance Film Festival, and it was not an easy decision because it's going to define me for the last chapter of my life. I'm afraid.

John Lithgow will play Professor Dumbledore (

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(Image: Variety via Getty Images))

"But I'm very excited. Some wonderful people are turning their attention back to Harry Potter. That's why it's been such a hard decision. I'll be about 87 years old at the wrap party, but I've said yes."

Fans have been buzzing on Reddit about the potential cast, with Historical_Poem5216 exclaiming: "OMG JANET MCTEER YES YES YES."

HolidaySituation chimed in with approval: "Yup. She's a great choice."

Meanwhile, Kgrid14 highlighted the imposing stature of the actors: "6'1 McGonagall and 6'4 Dumbledore about to be intimidating af."

The new Harry Potter series will air on HBO

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