I May Destroy You’s Paapa Essiedu is reportedly in the running to take on the role of Severus Snape in HBO‘s upcoming Harry Potter TV series adaptation.
Several sources tell The Hollywood Reporter that the British actor was offered the part, but it’s still unconfirmed if negotiations have started. Snape will serve as the primary antagonist in season one as it follows the story of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.
The character was portrayed by the late Alan Rickman in all eight of the Warner Bros. movies.
No cast has been confirmed as of writing. However, THR adds that Mark Rylance is “close to being signed” to play Headmaster Albus Dumbledore. Sources also confirmed that Cillian Murphy going for the role of Voldemort were not correct.
HBO’s Harry Potter adaptation is currently scheduled to premiere in 2026. Filming will begin next summer.
“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,” HBO said in response.
Stay tuned for more details.
