Gangs of London actor Paapa Essiedu is being eyed for the role of Professor Severus Snape in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter series.
According to Variety, no deal is currently in place and the actor has not officially accepted the role, but he is who the studio is looking to cast in the role.
It was previously reported that Mark Rylance (Ready Player One) is wanted to take on the role of Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore.
Reps for HBO responded to request for comment on the casting with the following 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.”
Severus Snape is one of the most complex and multifaceted characters in the Harry Potter series. He was initially introduced as the sinister and enigmatic Potions Master at Hogwarts, Snape is perceived as a villain due to his disdain for Harry and his alignment with the Death Eaters.
However, as the story unfolds, his true nature is revealed as a man who is deeply scarred by his love for Harry’s mother, Lily, and driven by a quest for redemption.
Alan Rickman was perfectly cast in this role in the original movies and it’s hard to imagine anyone else playing this character. I’m not familiar with Essiedu’s work, but the creative team behind the series obviously sees something special in him.
HBO is also on the hunt for a new trio of young actors to play the iconic roles of Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger. They launched an open casting call a few months ago for children from the UK and Ireland to audition for the leads.
The series will be “a faithful adaptation of the beloved Harry Potter book series by author and executive producer J.K. Rowling.
“The series will feature a new cast to lead a new generation of fandom, full of the fantastic detail and much-loved characters Harry Potter fans have loved for over twenty-five years.
“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.”
Francesca Gardiner will serve as showrunner and executive producer on the show and Mark Mylod will direct multiple episodes in addition to executive producing.
