Paapa Essiedu is reportedly in line to slip into the iconic black robes of Severus Snape in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter TV series. And honestly, we’re already practicing our “Turn to page 394” impressions in anticipation.
HBO is set to give J.K. Rowling’s wizarding world a shiny new polish, stretching each of the seven books into their own TV season. (Translation: We’ll finally get the proper screen time for the 300 pages of angst in Order of the Phoenix.)
The late, great Alan Rickman famously embodied the potion-brewing, sass-mastering Snape in the original Warner Bros. films. Now, it seems Paapa Essiedu—a man who has tackled roles in I May Destroy You and Black Mirror—might be ready to add “Half-Blood Prince” to his résumé.
But before you start brewing celebratory Butterbeer, here’s the catch. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Paapa has been offered the part, but whether he’s accepted it or even begun bargaining for his Hogwarts salary is still murkier than Moaning Myrtle’s bathtub. HBO is keeping mum, cryptically stating:
“We know you’re all dying to know who’s playing who, but patience is a virtue—and also a requirement if you’re going to binge seven seasons of anything.”
Meanwhile, whispers from the casting cauldron also suggest that the legendary Mark Rylance might don the Dumbledore beard. A bold choice, but let’s face it, the man could probably out-wisdom an enchanted encyclopedia.
As for Paapa, his acting chops are no joke. He’s a star of British TV, movies, and the stage, proving he can handle everything from gritty dramas (Gangs of London) to existential weirdness (Men). But the real question remains: Can he scowl like his life depends on it while delivering biting sarcasm that cuts deeper than Sectumsempra?
If the rumors turn out to be true, we’re in for a Snape reboot that could redefine the character. Paapa, the ball—or rather, the bezoar—is in your court. Don’t keep us waiting, or we’ll have no choice but to break out the Legilimens.
Let the fan-casting debates commence!
