HBO’s new Harry Potter adaptation is set to arrive in late 2026 or early 2027. While the cast has yet to be officially announced, casting is actively underway behind the scenes. According to The Hollywood Reporter, one of the series' pivotal roles, Severus Snape, may be played by Paapa Essiedu, known for his performances in The Lazarus Project and Gangs of London. Sources claim that Essiedu has already been offered the role, though it’s unclear whether serious negotiations have begun. In response to THR’s inquiries, HBO neither confirmed nor denied the report, merely stating they are pleased with the high level of interest in the series.
Essiedu’s casting might spark controversy due to his skin color, but in many ways, the 34-year-old British actor could be a worthy successor to Alan Rickman, who originally brought the Potions Master to life. Both actors started their careers as members of the prestigious Royal Shakespeare Company and have portrayed Hamlet on stage. Essiedu also shares a connection with another Harry Potter actor, Kenneth Branagh (Professor Lockhart), having made his big-screen debut in Branagh’s 2017 Agatha Christie adaptation, Murder on the Orient Express. Since then, Essiedu has appeared in Alex Garland’s 2022 folk horror Men and most recently in The Outrun, a drama starring Saoirse Ronan.
J.K. Rowling, the author of the books, is involved in the production of the series, with Francesca Gardiner (His Dark Materials, Succession) serving as showrunner. Open casting calls for the main trio—Harry, Ron, and Hermione—were held in the UK earlier this fall. Additionally, rumors suggest that Oscar-winning actor Mark Rylance is being considered for the role of Albus Dumbledore, though like Essiedu’s potential casting, this remains unofficial.
Severus Snape is one of the most complex and divisive characters in the Harry Potter story. During the early stages of the films' production, Rowling shared a key, then-unknown detail about Snape’s backstory with Rickman to help him portray the former Death Eater turned professor more authentically. Rickman’s portrayal became one of the franchise’s most iconic performances, leaving big shoes to fill for whoever takes on the role next.
In Rowling’s books, Snape is described as an unpleasant and greasy-haired figure with yellow teeth and sallow skin. His heritage is also explored: he is a half-blood, with a witch mother and a Muggle father. Whoever steps into the role will have the daunting task of capturing both Snape’s menacing exterior and his deeply layered character.
