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.
He`s back — and the stakes have never been higher.
🎬 Michael Fassbender returns as CIA officer Martian in Season 2 of THE AGENCY, landing on Paramount+ on Jun 21. Jodie Turner-Smith is alongside him as Sami, and if the first season left you gripped, Season 2 looks set to be unmissable.
Full details at the link in bio. 🔗
Before DISCLOSURE DAY, there were garage bands and teenage dreams.
Josh`s band? Orange Output. Eve`s? Ten Past Two. We hadn`t heard of either — and neither, it`s safe to say, had most of the world — but the stories behind them are absolutely brilliant. Watch the full chat over on our YouTube channel.
More at irishfilmtv.com.
Colin Farrell teases romance, a deeper dive into his character`s extraordinary origins, and the arrival of the wonderful Laura Donnelly in Season 2 of SUGAR.
It premieres June 19th on Apple TV+, and we cannot wait. 🖤
new EXTRA interview at irishfilmtv.com.
He`s charming, he`s candid, and he`s got a lot to say about Ned.
Domhnall Gleeson joins @tv_topics to talk about his brilliant work in THE PAPER — and it`s a conversation you won`t want to miss.
Watch now via link in bio.
Colm Meaney is an absolute joy in REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES, Netflix`s gorgeous adaptation of Shelby Van Pelt`s bestselling novel.
As Ethan Mack, the Grateful Dead–obsessed shopkeeper with a quiet devotion to Sally Field`s grieving widow Tova, he`s everything the film needs: warm, funny, understated, and completely scene-stealing.
More at irishfilmtv.com.
Caitríona Balfe is having a moment!
THE CUT is streaming now on Paramount+, and coming later this year she stars as Mrs. Dashwood in a stunning new SENSE AND SENSIBILITY alongside Daisy Edgar-Jones, Esmé Creed-Miles and George MacKay. Add to that THE HOUSEKEEPER and A LONG WINTER also in the pipeline, and it`s safe to say one of Ireland`s finest is just getting started. 🎬🍀
More Caitríona at irishfilmtv.com.
Cillian`s got on his running boots for A QUIET PLACE Part III.
Currently shooting in New York and billed as a conclusion to the main series, John Krasinski`s upcoming film continues the journey of the Abbotts, with Evelyn (Emily Blunt), Regan (Millicent Simmonds) and Marcus (Noah Jupe) vying for safety.
More Cillian at irishfilmtv.com.
She`s in a Spielberg film. She`s sharing the screen with Emily Blunt, Colin Firth and Colman Domingo. And she might just be heading to the Oscars. 🍀✨
@evehewson is the name on everyone`s lips right now, and if the early buzz around DISCLOSURE DAY is anything to go by, Ireland is about to have another awards season moment to savour. Critics are raving. Ladbrokes has her at 10/1 for a nomination. And honestly? We`re not even surprised.
More Eve at irishfilmtv.com.
SUGAR is back on Jun 19!
Season 2 of Apple TV+`s neo-noir gem returns — and Colin Farrell`s John Sugar is returning to the shadowy streets of Los Angeles with his most dangerous case yet.
A missing boxer`s older brother. A conspiracy that runs through the entire city. And still — somewhere beneath all of it — the question that haunts him most: what happened to his sister?
More SUGAR at irishfilmtv.com.
