Paapa Essiedu eyed to play Severus Snape in ‘Harry Potter’ series
Paapa Essiedu is eyed to play Severus Snape in ‘Harry Potter’ series | Image: Instagram/@pessiedu, @harrypotter
British actor Paapa Essiedu is reportedly the leading contender to play the beloved Professor Severus Snape in HBO’s upcoming “Harry Potter” TV show.
The Hollywood Reporter said in its recent report that Essiedu is the television network’s top pick to play Snape, previously portrayed by the late Allan Rickman.
“Sources say the actor has been offered the part, although it is not clear if negotiations have begun in earnest,” the outlet wrote.
Essiedu rose to fame for playing darkly charismatic and complex characters in series like “I May Destroy You,” “The Lazarus Project” and “Gangs of London.”
The 34-year-old actor also recently starred alongside Academy Award four-time nominee Saoirse Ronan in the 2024 drama film “The Outrun.”
Article continues after this advertisementAs of writing, no actors have been officially cast in the fantasy series, which is aiming for a 2026 release.
Article continues after this advertisementMeanwhile, “Bridge of Spies” actor Mark Rylance is reportedly being eyed to play Headmaster Albus Dumbledore.
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HBO refused to comment on the casting rumors, telling Empire, “We appreciate that such a high-profile series will draw a lot of rumor and speculation. As we make our way through pre-production, we will only confirm details as we finalize deals.”
In September, the streaming company announced its search for the next generation of Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger as the open casting call kicked off.
At the time, they emphasized that they are “committed to inclusive, diverse casting.”
In June 2023, Warner Brothers Discovery first announced that they were re adapting all seven “Harry Potter” books for a TV series, but two months later, the company said the production was moving to HBO, citing “budgeting strategies.”
The show is expected to have seven seasons, adapting one of the “Harry Potter” books. Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod, who worked on the award-winning satirical black comedy-drama “Succession,” will serve as writer and director, respectively.
