Harry Potter fans have slammed the casting rumor for an iconic character in the upcoming HBO Harry Potter series calling it ‘woke.’
British actor Paapa Essiedu, 34, has reportedly been ‘offered to play Severus Snape’ in the reboot, sources recently informed The Hollywood Reporter on Wednesday.
However, it is ‘not clear if negotiations have begun in earnest.’
The late Alan Rickman notably portrayed the role of the potions professor throughout Warner Bros.’ Harry Potter film franchise from 2001 through 2011.
Upon hearing the possibility that Essiedu was cast as Snape prompted some to share their thoughts on X (formerly known as Twitter).
One penned, ‘I’m sorry but there is only one man who can be Professor Snape. Shame on HBO for going near this. It’s just going to ruin something that should be left well alone.’
Another typed, ‘Paapa Essiedu shouldn’t take this role for his own benefit. He could be the best actor in the world but he doesn’t fit the characteristics of Snape from the book.’
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Harry Potter fans have slammed the casting rumor for an iconic character in the upcoming HBO series after British actor Paapa Essiedu, 34, has reportedly been ‘offered to play Severus Snape’; seen in November in London
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The late Alan Rickman notably portrayed the role of the potions professor throughout Warner Bros.’ Harry Potter film franchise from 2001 through 2011
‘I don’t understand the push to change everything from the original context,’ they added.
Another wrote, ‘Paapa Essiedu is being eyed for the role of Professor Severus Snape in the upcoming “Harry Potter” TV series. Another classic that goes woke.’
‘Sorry mate Paapa Essiedu but you CAN’T be Severus Snape,’ a social media user added, while one shared, ‘Of course! Because when I read the description of Severus Snape in the books, Paapa Essiedu is exactly who comes to mind.’
Another typed, ‘”Greasy, shoulder-length black hair, a hooked nose, and sallow skin.” Does this sound like Paapa Essiedu to you? Or any person of color, for that matter?’
One questioned, ‘So Paapa Essiedu is the new Severus Snape in Harry Potter series. Why?’
‘Nothing against Paapa Essiedu but he can NEVER be Severus Snape when it comes to Alan Rickman’s amazing performance. I’m sorry but no,’ another penned.
One added, ‘Harry Potter were the first books I read as a teen, they will always hold a special place for me. Call me a racist, I don’t care. Paapa Essiedu is simply not Severus Snape. Congrats HBO, you are the new Disney. I’m out.’
Despite some backlash, others came to the defense of the Black Mirror actor, with a fan typing, ‘might not occur to harry potter fans that paapa essiedu simply was the best person for the job??’
Upon hearing the possibility that Essiedu was cast as Snape prompted some to share their thoughts on X (formerly known as Twitter )
Another typed, ‘Paapa Essiedu shouldn’t take this role for his own benefit. He could be the best actor in the world but he doesn’t fit the characteristics of Snape from the book’
Another wrote, ‘Paapa Essiedu is being eyed for the role of Professor Severus Snape in the upcoming “Harry Potter” TV series. Another classic that goes woke’
‘Sorry mate Paapa Essiedu but you CAN’T be Severus Snape,’ a social media user added, while one shared, ‘Of course! Because when I read the description of Severus Snape in the books, Paapa Essiedu is exactly who comes to mind’
Trailer for season 2 of Sky Max sci-fi drama ‘The Lazarus Project
One wrote, ‘I love Paapa Essiedu.. Saw him in The Effect at the London National Theater a year ago and he’s too good!!’ One wrote, ‘I love Paapa Essiedu.. Saw him in The Effect at the London National Theater a year ago and he’s too good!!’
The actor is known for his roles in projects such as The Lazarus Project and also Gangs Of London.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Paapa has already been offered the part of Snape, although it is ‘not clear if negotiations have begun in earnest.’
The first season of the new TV show will follow J.K Rowling’s debut novel, Harry Potter And The Sorcerer’s Stone, where the professor is one of the antagonists.
So far to our knowledge, no actors have officially signed on to the film series yet, but a handful are being considered by bosses.
In a statement regarding Essiedu’s casting, HBO told the publication: ‘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.’
Paapa began his career on stage at the Royal Shakespeare Company but got his TV breakthrough when he was cast in the HBO miniseries I May Destroy You.
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Despite some backlash, others came to the defense of the Black Mirror actor, with a fan typing, ‘might not occur to harry potter fans that paapa essiedu simply was the best person for the job??’; seen in May in London
He earned nominations for a British Academy Television Award and a Primetime Emmy Award for his performance, before earning starring roles in Gangs Of London and The Lazarus Project.
Most recently, the renowned actor appeared in Black Mirror’s sixth season for the fifth episode Demon 79.
It comes after the search for the new Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Grainger officially kicked off in September, as casting directors prepared to scour the UK for actors to play the wizarding trio in an HBO reboot – but some fans fear it has already ‘been ruined.’
An open casting call for the TV series was posted with all the details, explaining that bosses are looking for children who will be aged between nine and 11 in April 2025, and are a resident of the UK or Ireland.
The casting call read: ‘We are committed to inclusive, diverse casting.
‘For every role, please submit qualified performers, without regard to ethnicity, sex, disability, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis protected by law unless otherwise specifically indicated.’
With the casting call providing no specifics on what they want the actors to look like, fans have been left divided on whether the new HBO show is going to be too different to the original franchise.
Meanwhile, others want the beloved film series to be ‘left alone’ and don’t want a remake at all.
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According to The Hollywood Reporter, Paapa has already been offered the part of Snape, although it is ‘not clear if negotiations have begun in earnest’
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An open casting call for the TV series was posted with all the details, explaining that bosses are looking for children who will be aged between nine and 11 in April 2025, and are a resident of the UK or Ireland
HBO Max release teaser for new Harry Potter series
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Back in June, J.K. Rowling opened up about what viewers could expect for the upcoming reboot when she announced the show found its producer and director.
Francesca Gardiner – known for Succession and Killing Eve – will be the showrunner, executive producer and writer for the new series.
Mark Mylod will direct various episodes, and he is known for working on other projects such as The Last Of Us, Succession and The Menu.
On X, Rowling penned, ‘I’m truly thrilled to announce our director and writer, both of whom I interviewed as part of the production team.’
‘Both have a genuine passion for Harry Potter, and having read Francesca’s pilot script and heard Mark’s vision, I’m certain the TV show will more than live up to expectations.’
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Back in June, J.K. Rowling opened up about what viewers could expect for the upcoming reboot when she announced the show found its producer and director
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The author will also be ‘very involved’ with the reboot – which is slated to begin filming next year around spring 2025. After garnering backlash, HBO came to the defense of Rowling; seen in 2022 in London
The author will also be ‘very involved’ with the reboot – which is slated to begin filming next year around spring 2025.
After garnering backlash, HBO came to the defense of Rowling and said in a statement: ‘We are proud to once again tell the story of Harry Potter – the heart-warming books that speak to the power of friendship, resolve and acceptance. JK Rowling has a right to express her personal views.’
‘We will remain focused on the development of the new series, which will only benefit from her involvement.’
While an exact release date has yet to be announced, the show is aiming for a release date sometime in 2026.
