Janet McTeer’s first reactions to the production
Janet McTeer, who has taken on the role of Professor Minerva McGonagall for HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter series, says the experience has been nothing short of extraordinary. Speaking on the Pete McMurray Show podcast, McTeer praised virtually every element of the production: “The sets are unbelievable, the costumes are unbelievable, the camera work is unbelievable, the kids are unbelievable. All of the grown-up witches and wizards are divine. I genuinely pinch myself every single day.”
Her comments convey a genuine awe at the scale and craft on display, and underscore the care being taken to recreate the wizarding world for a new long-form adaptation.
The overwhelming scale of Leavesden and why it matters
McTeer described arriving at Leavesden — where extensive Hogwarts sets and production facilities have been built — as an almost overwhelming moment. She recalled driving through the lot and feeling the need to “put my head down” because of the sheer size and ambition of the shoot. That sense of scale isn’t just spectacle; it sets the tone for performance, costuming, cinematography and the collaborative energy that McTeer highlights.
Carrying on an iconic legacy
One of the central challenges McTeer acknowledges is stepping into a role indelibly associated with Dame Maggie Smith. McTeer calls Smith “one of my icons” and admits the responsibility felt intense early on: “I just need to just focus on just the scene that I have to do, because otherwise the pressure on your shoulders to be the second person to play Professor McGonagall…is very hard.”
She describes the experience as both “glorious” and “scary,” noting that the apprehension has eased as filming has progressed. Having been on set since summer, McTeer says she’s settling into the role and increasingly comfortable in the part.
What McTeer highlights about the cast and crew
Beyond the physical environments, McTeer emphasizes the people involved—young actors, fellow adult performers, and the creative teams—calling them “unbelievable” and “divine.” Her remarks suggest a collaborative atmosphere and high production values across departments, from costume design to camera work.
Where the series stands and what viewers can expect
HBO’s Harry Potter series is currently in production and is scheduled to arrive on HBO and HBO Max in early 2027. Known creative names attached to the project include showrunner Francisca Gardiner and director Mark Mylod. Reported principal cast members include:
- Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter
- Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall
- John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore
- Nick Frost as Hagrid
McTeer’s comments offer an early indication that the series is aiming for a richly detailed, cinematic approach while honoring the characters and world that have long resonated with fans.
Looking ahead
McTeer’s enthusiasm—tempered by respect for the role’s legacy—adds to the growing anticipation for HBO’s adaptation. Her praise for the sets, costumes and cast, together with the production’s commitment to scale, suggests the series will be a major cultural moment when it premieres. Fans and newcomers alike will be watching to see how this new take on Hogwarts balances reverence for the originals with fresh storytelling over an extended television format.