Angry Harry Potter fans hit out at HBO over casting of Severus Snape

by · Mail Online

Furious Harry Potter fans have hit out at HBO over the casting of Severus Snape in a new TV series just days after being upset about a US star who was cast as Dumbledore.    

The new Harry Potter television series promises a deeper exploration of the wizarding world.

There are reports that the series could run for '10 consecutive years', but not all Harry Potter fans are happy with who is rumoured to play the characters.

British actor Paapa Essiedu, 34, has reportedly been 'offered to play Severus Snape' in the reboot, sources recently informed The Hollywood Reporter on Wednesday. 

However, it is 'not clear if negotiations have begun in earnest.' 

The late Alan Rickman notably portrayed the role of the potions professor throughout Warner Bros.' Harry Potter film franchise from 2001 through 2011. 

Upon hearing the possibility that Essiedu was cast as Snape, some shared their thoughts on X (formerly known as Twitter). 

One penned, 'I'm sorry but there is only one man who can be Professor Snape. Shame on HBO for going near this. It's just going to ruin something that should be left well alone.'

British actor Paapa Essiedu, 34, has reportedly been 'offered to play Severus Snape'; seen in November in London 
The late Alan Rickman notably portrayed the role of the potions professor throughout Warner Bros.' Harry Potter film franchise from 2001 through 2011
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Paapa has already been offered the part of Snape, although it is 'not clear if negotiations have begun in earnest'

Another typed, 'Paapa Essiedu shouldn't take this role for his own benefit. He could be the best actor in the world but he doesn't fit the characteristics of Snape from the book.' 

'I don't understand the push to change everything from the original context,' they added. 

Another typed, ''Greasy, shoulder-length black hair, a hooked nose, and sallow skin.' Does this sound like Paapa Essiedu to you? Or any person of color, for that matter?' 

One questioned, 'So Paapa Essiedu is the new Severus Snape in Harry Potter series. Why?' 

'Nothing against Paapa Essiedu but he can NEVER be Severus Snape when it comes to Alan Rickman's amazing performance. I'm sorry but no,' another penned. 

Despite some backlash, others came to the defense of the Black Mirror actor, with a fan typing, 'might not occur to harry potter fans that paapa essiedu simply was the best person for the job??'

'Paapa Essiedu is a phenomenal actor and in another world this would be a fascinating and inspired bit of casting, unfortunately this show, ironically enough, is cursed from birth,' another shared. 

One wrote, 'I love Paapa Essiedu.. Saw him in The Effect at the London National Theater a year ago and he's too good!!' 

The actor is known for his roles in projects such as The Lazarus Project and also Gangs Of London. 

John Lithgow has clearly cast a spell over Harry Potter producers as it is confirmed he is the first major signing for a new TV series based on the JK Rowling novels 
The character, played by Michael Gambon in the final six of eight Harry Potter films, is the headmaster of the wizarding school Hogwarts and a mentor to the title character
Lithgow recently received a fresh round of critical acclaim for his major role in the Oscar hopeful Conclave (pictured)
J.K. Rowling will also be 'very involved' with the reboot - which is slated to begin filming next year around spring 2025. After garnering backlash, HBO came to the defense of Rowling; seen in 2022 in London 

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Paapa has already been offered the part of Snape, although it is 'not clear if negotiations have begun in earnest.'

This comes after fans were furious that American actor John Lithgow was cast as the new Professor Dumbledore in the upcoming wizarding HBO series, which is due out in 2026.

Taking to X, fans wrote: 'I can't understand why John Lithgow is the new Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter HBO series. Dumbledore is British, Lithgow is from the USA.'

'Nothing against John Lithgow, but Dumbledore and the whole Harry Potter franchise is British.'

'I love John Lithgow. Absolutely bananas they're not hiring a British actor to play Dumbledore.'

'WarnerBros quite literally need to pull something out of their hat to save Harry Potter. John Lithgow as Dumbledore certainly feels like it's going to put a lot of people off wanting to watch it. Whatever happened to keeping it all British?'  

According to Deadline, HBO is now also closing in on two more main cast members as Emmy-nominated actress Janet McTeer is in negotations to play Professor Minerva McGonagall.

Essiedu is also said to be days away from being official cast for the series.

HBO declined comment, 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.'