With HBO having launched an open casting call to find the next Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger in September earlier this year, Potterheads have been eagerly awaiting any updates about the casting for the TV series reboot of the iconic franchise.
In all eight of the Warner Bros. films, the role of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry’s professor of potions was played by the late and great Alan Rickman.
Arguably the most interesting character in the whole franchise with the most shocking plot twist, the role of Snape has a lot to live up to, on top of having been played by such a legendary actor.
And while no one will ever compare to Rickman, the actor who could be set to play Snape has starred in some seriously gritty roles and given some impressive performances across British TV before.
You finding out who’s set to play Snape (Warner Bros.)
While HBO are yet to officially announce its casting for the role, multiple sources told The Hollywood Reporter the role of Snape has been offered to 34-year-old British actor Paapa Essiedu.
Essiedu is best known for his roles in nail-biters such as BBC’s The Capture and the immensely powerful I May Destroy You from Michaela Coel, also starring in 2023’s Genie and The Outrun (2024), alongside an episode of hit dystopian Netflix series Black Mirror – ‘Demon 79’.
The actor first began his career in theatre – recently performing in a heart-tugging The Effect at the National Theatre alongside Bones and All‘s Taylor Russell.
Whether or not the actor has accepted the offer is not publicly known and it’s not publicly ascertained as to whether negotiations have started yet either.
And a spokesperson for HBO has since spoken out.
Paapa Essiedu has reportedly been offered the role of Snape (BBC)
A spokesperson for HBO told The Hollywood Reporter: “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.”
The HBO series adaptation of Harry Potter is described as ‘a faithful adaptation of the beloved Harry Potter book series by author and executive producer J.K. Rowling. The series will feature a new cast to lead a new generation of fandom, full of the fantastic detail and much-loved characters Harry Potter fans have loved for over 25 years’.
It said: “Each season will bring Harry Potter and these incredible adventures to new audiences around the world, while the original, classic and cherished films will remain at the core of the franchise and available to watch globally.”
