Premium cabler HBO is reportedly circling British actor Paapa Essiedu to play Professor Severus Snape in the upcoming “Harry Potter” TV series according to multiple sources for The Hollywood Reporter.
The actor has reportedly been offered the part of the Hogwarts potions master so memorably played by the late Alan Rickman in the films, although it is not clear if negotiations have begun in earnest.
To date, no actors have been officially cast in the series but “Bridge of Spies” actor Mark Rylance is reportedly close to being signed for the critical role of the wise Headmaster Albus Dumbledore.
The trade’s sources also say the recent rumors of Cillian Murphy being sought for the role of Lord Voldemort are not correct.
HBO issued a statement in regards to the Essiedu casting report, saying: “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.”
Essiedu is a Royal Shakespeare Company trained actor who has previously starred in films like “The Outrun,” “Men,” and “Murder on the Orient Express” along with TV like “Gangs of London,” “Anne Boleyn” and “I May Destroy You”.
His most high-profile role to date was as the lead of the well-received sci-fi series “The Lazarus Project” about a British agency in control of a time loop that can be reset to a fixed point at the same time of year to prevent world-ending events.