British actor Paapa Essiedu is reportedly in the running to portray Professor Snape in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter series. While Warner Bros has not officially confirmed the casting, speculation suggests that he may take on the iconic character beloved by fans.
Fans of the series are divided over the cast selections for the HBO adaptation. Much of the conversation surrounding Essiedu’s potential role as Snape touches on racial issues. Some fans have expressed criticism about deviations from their envisioned portrayal of Snape, while others are concerned for Essiedu and the potential backlash he might face.
One user on X humorously suggested an alternative casting choice by saying, “Terry Crews as Harry Potter.”
This sentiment has been echoed in various responses. Additionally, some fans have proposed alternative actors for the role of Snape, including Adam Driver, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Matthew Macfadyen.
Others have pointed out that casting Essiedu as Snape is misaligned with the character’s established characteristics, describing Snape as a “thin man with greasy dark hair, a hooked nose, and pallid skin.” Some expressed empathy for Essiedu, fearing he would become a target of controversy over this decision.
Critics of the potential casting suggest that Essiedu’s charm and good looks do not fit Snape’s described appearance in J.K. Rowling’s writings, with one user stating, “You can’t literally cast a charming guy as Snape.”
In addition to Essiedu, it has been reported that Janet McTeer is set to play Professor Minerva McGonagall, succeeding the late Dame Maggie Smith, while Emmy-winning actor John Lithgow announced that he will portray Professor Albus Dumbledore in the series.
As of now, HBO has not clarified the casting details for McTeer and Essiedu, remarking that “such a famous series will elicit a lot of rumors and speculation.” Showrunner Francesca Gardiner has indicated that the reboot will maintain fidelity to the original canon established by Rowling’s books.
