HBO is reportedly eyeing Paapa Essiedu for the role of Professor Severus Snape in the network’s upcoming Harry Potter series. The role was previously held by Alan Rickman in all eight Harry Potter films from 2001 through 2011. However, Rickman, 69, passed away on January 2, 2016.
“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,” a spokesperson for the network stated.
Essiedu is a British-Ghanian actor best known for his Primetime Emmy Award-nominated performance in HBO’s miniseries, I May Destroy You. He has also appeared in Gangs of London, Black Mirror, The Lazarus Project and Anne Boleyn.
The I May Destroy You actor is expected to join Mark Rylance in the Harry Potter series. Rylance is reportedly close to playing the coveted role of Headmaster Albus Dumbledore. Rumors also hint at Cillian Murphy playing the role of Lord Voldemort, but sources told The Hollywood Reporter‘s Borys Kit and James Hibberd that those reports are more the work of magic than reality.
“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 25 years,” a brief description of the series reads. “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.”
The highly-anticipated series is expected to make official casting announcements in the coming months as the series is projected to launch in 2026.
