HBO wants Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape ‘Harry Potter’ TV show

HBO is searching for the perfect Severus Snape for its upcoming Harry Potter TV series and believes "I May Destroy You" star Paapa Essiedu could be an ideal fit. 

Multiple sources have informed The Hollywood Reporter that the actor has been offered the role, though it remains unclear if formal negotiations have started.

In the films, the late Alan Rickman famously portrayed the cold yet occasionally sympathetic Severus Snape, a character anticipated to serve as the antagonist in the series.

As of now, no actors have been officially cast in the Harry Potter series, which is targeting a 2026 release. However, "Bridge of Spies" star Mark Rylance is reportedly nearing a deal to play the pivotal role of the wise and powerful Headmaster Albus Dumbledore. The series has sparked numerous casting rumours, though sources confirm that speculation about Cillian Murphy portraying Lord Voldemort is inaccurate. 

Paapa Essiedu began his career with the Royal Shakespeare Company, taking on the title roles in "Hamlet" and "King Lear." He has since appeared in films such as "Murder on the Orient Express" and "Men," as well as TV series including "Gangs of London," "The Lazarus Project," and the Black Mirror episode "Demon 79."

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If Essiedu secures the role, it would highlight HBO's commitment to delivering a more diverse cast—a contrast to the films, which were occasionally criticised for their predominantly white main cast. His casting could also bring a fresh perspective to the character.