HBO’s Harry Potter TV series is a hot topic of debate among fans. How do you go about casting characters who are so recognizable from the actors who played them? Furthermore, after the failure of Fantastic Beasts, is the same excitement there to return to the Wizarding World right now? While no one has been officially named just yet, THR says that Paapa Essiedu is being eyed for the role of Professor Severus Snape.
The report goes so far to say that Essiedu has been offered the role of Snape in the Harry Potter series. If he accepts, he’ll have some big shoes to fill. Alan Rickman memorably portrayed the enigmatic Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher in all eight ‘Potter’ movies, with Alec Hopkins playing a younger version of Snape in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.
Essiedu is known for his roles in Murder On the Orient Express, I May Destroy You, and most recently in The Outrun opposite Saoirse Ronan.
It’s possible Essiedu will be starring alongside Oscar winner Mark Rylance who is reportedly close to signing on as Albus Dumbledore.
Without confirming or denying anything, HBO did issue a statement about the Essiedu rumor: “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.”
Each season of Harry Potter will comprise one of JK Rowling’s novels, totaling seven seasons. Francesca Gardiner (Succession) will serve as a writer and showrunner, with Mark Mylod (The Menu) as exec-producer and director on several episodes.
