Harry Potter fans outraged as Paapa Essiedu eyed to play Severus Snape in HBO spin-off: ‘Unacceptable’

British actor Paapa Essiedu is thought to have been offered the role of Professor Severus Snape in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter television series.

The “I May Destroy You” star is being eyed to portray the iconic Hogwarts potions master, though no deal is currently in place.

The character was previously portrayed by the late Alan Rickman in Warner Bros’ film series throughout the 2000s.

The potential casting marks a significant development for the highly anticipated adaptation, which aims to bring a fresh perspective to JK Rowling’s beloved magical world.

Essiedu brings significant theatrical experience to the role, having performed with the Royal Shakespeare Company in leading roles including Hamlet and King Lear.

His screen credits include appearances in Murder on the Orient Express and the television series Gangs of London.

The actor has also featured in The Lazarus Project and an episode of Black Mirror titled Demon 79.

Most notably, he garnered widespread recognition for his performance in I May Destroy You, establishing himself as one of Britain’s rising talents.

His potential casting would align with HBO’s commitment to bringing greater diversity to the series.

Academy Award winner Mark Rylance is reportedly nearing a deal to take on the role of Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore in the series.

The adaptation is targeting a 2026 release date on HBO’s streaming platform.

Reports linking other actors to the series, including rumours of Cillian Murphy being cast as Lord Voldemort, have been dismissed as inaccurate.

The series aims to provide a more book-accurate adaptation than the original films, with each season set to adapt one of Rowling’s novels.

“We appreciate that such a high-profile series will draw a lot of rumour and speculation,” a spokesperson for HBO said in a statement.

The network emphasised they would “only confirm details as we make our way through pre-production and finalise deals.”

The series has generated significant interest since its announcement, with casting speculation dominating entertainment headlines.

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HBO’s measured response reflects the delicate nature of negotiations during this pre-production phase.

Fans of the beloved film series have expressed their outrage at the potential signing and took to their X accounts to slam the decision.

“Uhh… is it just me or does Paapa Essiedu not exactly look the part?” one asked before another added: “A bald guy? Yea no one will be able to compete with the OG Severus Snape.”

A third quipped: “I’m sure people are going to be insanely respectful, and there won’t be any controversy whatsoever……”

“This is unacceptable. I what a character that pays homage to the original,” someone else slammed before a fourth penned: “This show is going to tank once they reveal who is playing Harry. The outrage will be insane.”

Someone else expressed: “There’s nobody being racist about this, we just want the right actor for this and Paapa Essiedu isn’t the right one.” (sic)