A Black Mirror star is reportedly being eyed for the role of Severus Snape in the upcoming HBO Harry Potter TV series.
British actor Paapa Essiedu, 34, who also stars in I May Destroy You, is being eyed for the extremely competitve role, sources have told The Hollywood Reporter.
The strict but beloved Hogwarts professor was played by the late Alan Rickman in the original Warner Bros movie franchise, so whoever takes on the part will have big boots to fill.
According to the publication, 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.
A Black Mirror star is reportedly being eyed for the role of Severus Snape in the upcoming HBO Harry Potter TV series (Alan Rickman pictured in the movies)
British actor Paapa Essiedu, 34, who also stars in I May Destroy You, is being eyed for the extremely competitve role, sources have told The Hollywood Reporter
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.
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.
In a statement regarding Esseidu’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.’
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.’
The strict but beloved Hogwarts professor was played by the late Alan Rickman in the original Warner Bros movie franchise, so whoever takes on the part will have big boots to fill
According to the publication, Paapa has already been offered the part of Snape, although it is ‘not clear if negotiations have begun in earnest’
Most recently, the renowned actor appeared in Black Mirror’s sixth season for the fifth episode Demon 79
The application required actors to submit two short self-tapes – one consisting of a short poem or story of your choosing, but nothing from Harry Potter.
Secondly, children had to prepare a video talking about themselves, including their date of birth, height and where they live, as well as describing any family member, friend or pet that you are particularly close to.
Actors were told to use their own accept in the tapes, with the first video being 30 seconds maximum, and the second being one minute maximum.
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.
Taking to X, fans expressed their opinions, writing:
‘Please no we want a traditional cast @HBO.’
‘Pick the best actor for each role. Period.’
‘Why wouldn’t they just cast the characters as written in the book? Yikes.’
It comes after the search for the new Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Grainger officially kicked off in September
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
‘Oh gawsh! They’re gonna ruin this aren’t they??’
‘I’m actually really excited for this because the books cut out a lot of stuff and I think Harry Potter works better as a tv series anyway.’
‘So dumb. Create something new. OG Harry Potter shouldn’t be messed with.’
‘What a sad way to ruin such iconic movies. Why can’t we leave good things alone on the shelves?’
‘Im actually hyped about this. A story to watch with my kids and then show them the OGs.’
‘I’m so excited for this and hope they find a great cast.’
‘They really can’t just let good things be.’
The deadline to submit an application to the open casting call was 31 October 2024.
Warner Bros, the production company behind the original films, has confirmed that Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod, who both worked on acclaimed drama Succession, will be executive producers of the ‘faithful adaptation’.
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
Reacting to the news back in June, executive producer Rowling wrote on X: ‘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.’
Francesca, also known for her work on BBC shows, the fantasy programme His Dark Materials and thriller Killing Eve, will be the showrunner and writer on the Harry Potter series.
Mark, known for HBO’s Game Of Thrones and The Last Of Us, will direct multiple episodes of the series for HBO and Warner Bros streaming channel Max.
Warner Bros said: ‘Each season will bring Harry Potter and these incredible adventures to new audiences around the world, while the original, classic and cherished films will remain at the core of the franchise and available to watch globally.’