India, March 8 -- HBO is close to finalizing two more key cast members for its highly anticipated adaptation of the Harry Potter series. Oscar and Emmy-nominated actress Janet McTeer is in talks to take on the role of Professor Minerva McGonagall and Paapa Essiedu in talks as well. They are set to join John Lithgow, who has already been confirmed to play Professor Albus Dumbledore, as previously reported by Deadline.

Emmy nominee Paapa Essiedu is reportedly close to finalising a deal to take on the role of the legendary Professor Severus Snape. At a Max event in London last December, Gardiner shared that the new Harry Potter series will follow the original ages of characters from the books.

This means Snape will be portrayed as 31 years...