Janet McTeer’s ‘twisted’ thriller where she faces off against Harry Potter legend

The Harry Potter TV adaptation cast are slowly being named.

Janet McTeer’s ‘twisted’ thriller where she faces off against Harry Potter legend
Janet played an acerbic food critic in The Menu (Picture: Searchlight Pictures/Everett/REX/Shutterstock)

The new Harry Potter TV adaptation should be a breeze for recently announced cast member Janet McTeer, as she has had previous dealings with Voldemort… of sorts.

The 63-year-old British actor will play Head of Gryffindor House, Minerva McGonagall, first portrayed by the late Dame Maggie Smith in the film franchise.

Janet will star alongside the likes of Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, and John Lithgow as Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore, in the TV version of JK Rowling’s acclaimed novels.

Cast yet to be announced includes the actors who will play Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, although over 30,000 children are reported to have auditioned.

The star taking on He Who Shall not be Named, aka the dark Lord Voldemort, has also not been unveiled, although fans are convinced Oscar-winning actor Cillian Murphy is set to wield the wand.

However, Janet previously faced off against Ralph Fiennes, who played Voldemort in the movies, in 2022’s darkly comedic foodie satire film, The Menu.

*Warning: this article will now contain spoilers for The Menu

Ralph Fiennes, who played Voldemort in the Harry Potter films, also starred in The Menu (Picture: Courtesy of Warner Bros Pictures)

In it, Ralph, 62, plays another devilish character, this time in the form of top chef Julian Slowik, who invites a select group of diners to sample a once-in-a-lifetime evening of food at his restaurant on a private island.

But the guests – including Janet’s character, acerbic food critic Lillian Bloom – have all been hand-picked by Julian because they have all wronged him, or the art of cooking.

In revenge, he informs them this meal will be their last as he plans to kill them by dawn.

On Google, cinema goers have raved about ‘twisted’ The Menu, including Brie Prescott, who writes: ‘I am beyond impressed with The Menu. A beautiful film with a blend of dark humour, suspense. thrill, twists, and a depth left me feeling completely satisfied.

The actress will be taking on the role of Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter TV reboot (Picture: Andrew Crowley)

‘This film allows you to step outside your own experience and perspective and view art as it truly is. Each character played their role incredibly well, giving life to each course throughout the movie.’

Echoing their sentiment, Luis said: ‘This movie is nothing short of a masterpiece—an intricate, haunting experience that lingers long after the credits roll. It’s a brilliant blend of storytelling, cinematography, and emotional depth, crafted with an elegance that veers into the unsettling.

‘The film’s ability to balance beauty and darkness creates an atmosphere that’s both captivating and chilling. It’s not just a movie; it’s a work of art that demands your attention.’

Kara B added: ‘This movie so perfectly teeters on the line of absurdism, the menu is extremely conceptual and intelligent. The plot is really easy to follow despite the fairly complex content. I think this is one of the best movies I have ever seen.’

The late Dame Maggie Smith played the role in the film franchise (Picture: Warner Bros)

Following the official announcement of the Harry Potter TV show, several fans have also said they plan to boycott it due to Rowling’s comments about the trans community.

Rowling, 59, has been criticised by some fans for expressing views that have been described as transphobic by the LGBTQ+ community and civil rights groups. She denies being transphobic.

Members of the Harry Potter movie cast have also been critical of Rowling’s views on trans people, including Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson, while others like Miriam Margolyes and Ralph have defended her.

The Menu is available to stream on Disney Plus.

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