Irish Film and Television Academy award-winning actress Bríd Brennan is stepping into the magical world of Hogwarts as Madam Poppy Pomfrey in HBO’s highly anticipated HARRY POTTER television series, marking another significant milestone in a career that has consistently elevated both intimate character studies and grand cinematic narratives.
The Belfast-born performer brings decades of acclaimed work to this iconic role, having most recently captivated audiences in the Oscar-shortlisted short film ROOM TAKEN, which was executive produced by Colin Farrell. This latest project showcases Brennan’s continued relevance in contemporary cinema, demonstrating her ability to collaborate with A-list talent while maintaining her reputation for choosing compelling, character-driven stories that resonate with both critics and audiences.
Brennan’s recent filmography reflects an artist at the height of her powers, building upon a foundation established through memorable performances in BROOKLYN in 2015, where she brought nuanced depth to Saoirse Ronan’s immigrant story, and the politically charged thriller SHADOW DANCER in 2012. These roles have positioned her as one of Ireland’s most versatile performers, equally comfortable in period pieces and contemporary dramas, always bringing an authenticity that stems from her deep understanding of human complexity.
Her casting as the Hogwarts matron represents a fascinating evolution from her breakout role in DANCING AT LUGHNASA back in 1998, where she first demonstrated her ability to inhabit characters with both strength and vulnerability. The transition from playing one of the Mundy sisters in that beloved adaptation to becoming the caring medical authority at wizarding school’s most famous institution speaks to Brennan’s range and the trust that casting directors place in her ability to embody maternal figures who are far more complex than they initially appear.
What makes this casting particularly intriguing is how Brennan will reinterpret a role originally brought to life by Gemma Jones in the film series. While Jones established Madam Pomfrey as a competent, no-nonsense healer, Brennan’s proven ability to find unexpected emotional depths in seemingly straightforward characters suggests she will bring new dimensions to the character when the series debuts on HBO and HBO Max in 2027.
The HBO series, currently in production under the guidance of writer and executive producer Francesca Gardiner and director Mark Mylod, promises to expand beyond the constraints of the original film adaptations, exploring storylines that the movies couldn’t accommodate. This expanded canvas seems perfectly suited to Brennan’s talents, as her recent work has consistently demonstrated her skill at finding the extraordinary within the ordinary, the profound within the practical.
For Brennan, stepping into the halls of Hogwarts represents not just another role, but a testament to a career built on consistent excellence and an unwavering commitment to bringing truth to every character she portrays, whether they exist in the kitchen of a Donegal cottage, the streets of 1950s Brooklyn, or the magical corridors of the world’s most famous wizarding school.
She`s not just a talent—she`s rewriting the rules!
Irish cinema darling Saoirse Ronan just announced something that has the industry buzzing: THREE INCESTUOUS SISTERS, a gothic fever dream directed by Alice Rohrwacher and co-written by Ottessa Moshfegh.
Starring alongside Jessie Buckley for the first time, this Audrey Niffenegger adaptation promises psychological sabotage, dark fairy tales, and everything we didn`t know we needed.
More Saoirse at irishfilmtv.com.
Domhnall Gleeson is being honored with an Oscar Wilde Award!
Twenty years ago, a theater audience first glimpsed his gift. Today, his filmography reads like a masterclass in selecting roles that matter. HARRY POTTER. STAR WARS. THE REVENANT. ABOUT TIME. BROOKLYN. CATASTROPHE.
More Domhnall at irishfilmtv.com.
✦ EXCLUSIVE INTEL FOR THE INITIATED ✦
Steven Knight just gave us the inside scoop. Before THE IMMORTAL MAN drops Mar 6, there are three episodes every true fan needs to re-watch.
These aren`t random picks—they`re the episodes that define Tommy Shelby`s entire journey. The moment that reveals who he really is. The turning point where he chooses life. The goodbye that haunts every frame before his return.
More at irishfilmtv.com.
BAFTA winner. Red carpet royalty. 🎬
Fresh off her latest accolade, Jessie Buckley hone at the World Premiere of THE BRIDE!
Directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal and starring Buckley alongside Christian Bale, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Penélope Cruz, this is the gothic crime romance you didn`t know you needed.
Arriving in cinemas March 6. ✨
WALK THE BLUE FIELDS is adapting Claire Keegan`s devastating short story into a film that`s already drawing serious talent including Andrew Scott (FLEABAG, RIPLEY), Emily Blunt (OPPENHEIMER) and Ciarán Hinds (IS THIS THING ON?)
Set in Ireland, this is a romance about impossible choices, buried secrets, and the moment everything changes.
Link in bio to read more about what promises to be one of the year`s most emotionally powerful films.
One week. Two brothers. One dead. But which one?
THE UNDERTOW is the psychological thriller that will have you questioning everything—and everyone.
Jamie Dornan delivers a career-defining dual performance as identical twins Adam and Lee, embodying two completely different men while suggesting the psychological unraveling beneath.
More Jamie at irishfilmtv.com.
Colin Farrell`s THE SLIGHTEST TOUCH is a documentary about friendship, resilience, and refusing to accept limitations.
It`s the story of two people who`ve built their lives around each other, and one extraordinary day that proves what`s possible when someone truly shows up for you.
Directed by Rachel Fleit (BAMA RUSH), the film premieres at the 2026 Dublin International Film Festival before coming to HBO and HBO Max globally later this year.
More Colin at irishfilmtv.com.
50 years, GAME OF THRONES, BELFAST, an Oscar nomination and now a lifetime achievement award!
Ciarán Hinds doesn`t look back. He looks ahead. He lives in the moment. And when asked to reflect on five decades of extraordinary work, his response was simply—"It`s kind of shocking."
More Ciaran at irishfilmtv.com.
Some ghosts don`t stay buried.
Cillian Murphy returns as Tommy Shelbyun THE IMMORTAL MAN - older, greyer, and facing the legacy he left behind.
His son runs the Blinders now. His past won`t let him rest. One choice will change everything. 👑💔
Cinemas March 6 • Netflix March 20
More at irishfilmtv.com.
