Paapa Essiedu is being considered for the role of Professor Severus Snape in the upcoming Harry Potter TV series, sources confirmed to Variety.
Although no official agreement has been reached and Essiedu has not yet committed to the role, he is the latest actor to be linked to the highly anticipated series. Previously, Variety reported that Academy Award winner Mark Rylance was also under consideration for the role of Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore.
Representatives for HBO declined to comment on the casting rumors, offering only a brief statement: “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.”
Professor Snape, the potions master at Hogwarts and head of Slytherin House, is one of the most complex characters in the Harry Potter series. Snape’s relationship with Harry Potter is defined by mutual animosity, stemming from Snape’s past with Harry’s father and his unrequited love for Harry’s mother, Lily. The role of Snape was famously portrayed by Alan Rickman in the Harry Potter film series.
Should Essiedu accept the role, it would mark a return to HBO for the actor, who previously co-starred in the critically acclaimed limited series I May Destroy You. Essiedu’s performance in the series earned him an Emmy nomination for Best Supporting Actor in a Limited Series. He is also known for his role in Gangs of London, and has appeared in other TV shows such as Press, The Lazarus Project, and The Miniaturist. His film credits include Murder on the Orient Express (2017), The Outrun, and Genie. Essiedu is represented by WME and the Curtis Brown Group.
The Harry Potter series is expected to introduce new actors in the lead roles of Harry, Hermione, and Ron, with Warner Bros. recently launching an open casting call for children aged 9 to 11.
According to the official series logline, the show will be a faithful adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s beloved book series, bringing a new generation of actors to lead the story while maintaining the core elements and characters that have captured fans’ imaginations for over twenty-five years. Each season will aim to introduce the magical world of Harry Potter to new audiences worldwide, while the original films will remain an integral part of the franchise.
Francesca Gardiner was officially named as showrunner and executive producer in June, with Mark Mylod set to direct multiple episodes. The series is also executive produced by J.K. Rowling, Neil Blair, Ruth Kenley-Letts, and David Heyman.
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