New Delhi, March 8 -- HBO is reportedly close to finalising two new cast members for key roles in its much-awaited Harry Potter adaptation series. It is believed that Oscar and Emmy-nominated Janet McTeer is currently in talks to step in the shoes of Professor Minerva McGonagall; Paapa Essiedu is likely to take on the role of Professor Severus Snape.

If Paapa Essiedu gets on board with the project, the character of Snape will be younger than in any Harry Potter films. For the unversed, Severus Snape as a 31-year-old, aligns with the actual age mentioned in the original Harry Potter books.

In the movie, Snape was played by late actor Alan Rickman. Severus Snape, the legendary character, is the Potions Master at Hogwarts School of Witchcr...