In mid-2025, English stage and screen actor Paapa Essiedu was boldly cast as the iconic Severus Snape in HBO’s upcoming “Harry Potter” series. Unfortunately (and, sadly, somewhat inevitably in the modern world), some fans of the Potterverse who couldn’t see past Alan Rickman’s brilliant portrayal of the character in the “Harry Potter” movie franchise weren’t happy with the casting.
Per Parade, Essiedu received a particularly harsh backlash to his casting, as the aforementioned fans weren’t even willing to give him a chance to prove he is the right choice for the role. Some of the messages he has received have been wholly unacceptable.
Fortunately, the more broad-minded among the “Harry Potter” fanbase have rallied around the 35-year-old actor to offer their support. Some point out that Essiedu is capable of pulling the Snape role off, while others believe he deserved a chance, regardless of their first impression of the casting.
Supportive Fans Say Paapa Essiedu Will ‘Crush’ the Severus Snape Role
Social media platform X is full of fans offering their support to Paapa Essiedu regarding his casting as Severus Snape in the new “Harry Potter” series.
One X user wrote, “Everyone’s debating whether Paapa Essiedu can replace Alan Rickman as Snape. Wrong question. He’s not replacing anyone. He’s doing Snape from the books. That’s completely different. Let’s just give him a chance when the HBO series comes out.”
Another user said, “he will do an amazing job just like Alan Rickman by doing it his own way.”
Someone else insisted, “Paapa Essiedu is going to crush this role and I can’t wait to see the ‘fans’ eat their words.”
Another supportive fan commented, “I believe that Paapa Essiedu would do a great job I wish him good luck as Snape.”
Finally, a level-headed individual wrote, “Paapa Essiedu is a brilliant actor and he deserves better than this.”
It’s lovely to see that, while Essiedu has undeniably received some cruel feedback, there are people who can’t wait to see his take on Severus Snape.
Essiedu Boasts an Impressive Filmography
GettyPer IMDb, Paapa Essiedu boasts an impressive filmography that categorically proves he’s versatile enough to pull off the role of Severus Snape.
In addition to his plethora of stage credits as part of the Royal Shakespeare Company, Essiedu has appeared in several movies and many television shows.
His big screen credits include 2017’s mystery film “Murder on the Orient Express,” 2022’s surrealist folk horror movie “Men,” 2023’s festive family comedy “Genie,” and 2024’s brilliant drama movie “The Outrun.”
On the small screen, some of the series he’s appeared in are the cime drama miniseries “Kiri,” the crime drama series “Gangs of London,” the black comedy-drama “I May Destroy You,” the anthology series “Black Mirror,” and the spy thriller series “Black Doves.”
We’d like to wish Paapa Essiedu all the best with his role as Severus Snape in HBO’s upcoming “Harry Potter” series. We’re sure he’ll nail it.
Per IMDb, Essiedu will be joined in the series by the likes of Dominic McLaughlin, Alastair Stout, Arabella Stanton, John Lithgow, Janet McTeer, and Nick Frost. It will premiere some time in 2027.
