HBO’s much-anticipated Harry Potter TV series has recruited some Irish star power, with acclaimed Belfast actress Bríd Brennan set to take on the role of Hogwarts’ much-loved matron, Madam Poppy Pomfrey.
Brennan, an IFTA winner, is best known for standout performances in Dancing at Lughnasa (1998), Brooklyn (2015) and Shadow Dancer (2012). She most recently appeared in the Oscar-shortlisted short Room Taken, which was executive produced by Colin Farrell.
Brennan’s award-winning career spans stage and screen, and her turn as Madam Pomfrey promises to bring warmth and gravitas to the school’s hospital wing. Pic: Rebecca Blond
The character was originally played by English actress Gemma Jones in the Warner Bros. films.
HBO also confirmed that Warwick Davis will reprise his fan-favourite role as Professor Flitwick, a welcome return for Potter fans.
They’ll be joined by fresh faces including Elijah Oshin as Dean Thomas, Finn Stephens as Vincent Crabbe, William Nash as Gregory Goyle, Sirine Saba as Professor Pomona Sprout, Richard Durden as ghostly history teacher Professor Cuthbert Binns, and Leigh Gill as the goblin Griphook.
Madam Pomfrey was originally portrayed by Gemma Jones in the film series. Pic: Shutterstock
Currently filming, the series is set to dive deeper into J.K. Rowling’s novels, bringing to life storylines that never made it to the big screen.
Succession writer and producer Francesca Gardiner leads the creative team as writer and executive producer, while Emmy-winning director Mark Mylod will helm multiple episodes.
The show is produced in association with Brontë Film and TV and Warner Bros. Television, with J.K. Rowling, Neil Blair, Ruth Kenley-Letts and David Heyman of Heyday Films also on board as executive producers.
Set to debut on HBO and Max in 2027, the series has already stirred up debate.
Original Harry Potter director Chris Columbus recently questioned the reboot, saying he wasn’t convinced by its purpose. Speaking on The Rest is Entertainment podcast, the Home Alone and Mrs Doubtfire director reflected on the new series after spotting photos from the set.
“I’m seeing these photographs… and he’s wearing the exact same costume we designed for Hagrid. Part of me was like: what’s the point? I thought everything was going to look different, but it’s all more of the same. It’s flattering, sure — but it really is the exact costume we made back then.”
