Harry Potter fans have criticized the rumored casting of an iconic character in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter series, calling it “woke.”
British actor Paapa Essiedu, 34, has reportedly been “offered to play Severus Snape” in the reboot, sources recently reported. The Hollywood Reporter On Wednesday.
However, “it is not clear whether negotiations have begun in earnest.”
The late Alan Rickman notably played the role of the Potions Professor in Warner Bros. Harry Potter film franchise from 2001 to 2011.
Upon hearing the possibility of Essiedu being cast as Snape, some shared their thoughts on X (formerly known as Twitter).
One of them wrote: “I’m sorry, but there is only one man who can be Professor Snape.” Shame on HBO for coming close to this. It will just ruin something that should be left as is.
Another wrote: “Paapa Essiedu should not take on this role for his own benefit.” He could be the best actor in the world but he doesn’t fit the characteristics of Snape in the book.’
Harry Potter fans have criticized the rumored casting of an iconic character in the upcoming HBO series after British actor Paapa Essiedu, 34, was reportedly ‘offered to play Severus Snape’; seen in November in London
The late Alan Rickman notably played the role of the Potions Professor in the Warner Bros. Harry Potter film franchise from 2001 to 2011.
“I don’t understand the pressure to change everything from the original context,” they added.
Another wrote: ‘Paapa Essiedu is being considered for the role of Professor Severus Snape in the upcoming “Harry Potter” TV series. Another classic that wakes up.’
“Sorry my friend Paapa Essiedu but you CANNOT be Severus Snape,” added one social media user, while one shared: “Of course!” Because when I read the description of Severus Snape in the books, Paapa Essiedu is exactly what comes to mind.’
Another wrote: “Shoulder-length greasy black hair, hooked nose and sallow skin.” Does this sound like Paapa Essiedu to you? Or any person of color, for that matter?
One asked: “So Paapa Essiedu is the new Severus Snape in the Harry Potter series.” Because?’
‘Nothing against Paapa Essiedu, but he can NEVER be Severus Snape when it comes to Alan Rickman’s incredible performance. “I’m sorry but no,” wrote another.
One added: “Harry Potter were the first books I read as a teenager, they will always hold a special place for me.” Call me racist, I don’t care. Paapa Essiedu is simply not Severus Snape. Congratulations HBO, you are the new Disney. I’m out.’
Despite some backlash, others came to the Black Mirror actor’s defense, with one fan writing: “Won’t it occur to Harry Potter fans that dad Essiedu was simply the best person for the job?”
Upon hearing the possibility of Essiedu being cast as Snape, some shared their thoughts on X (formerly known as Twitter).
Another wrote: “Paapa Essiedu should not take on this role for his own benefit.” ‘He could be the best actor in the world but he doesn’t fit the characteristics of Snape in the book’
Another wrote: ‘Paapa Essiedu is being considered for the role of Professor Severus Snape in the upcoming “Harry Potter” TV series. Another classic that wakes up’
“Sorry my friend Paapa Essiedu but you CANNOT be Severus Snape,” added one social media user, while one shared: “Of course!” Because when I read the description of Severus Snape in the books, Paapa Essiedu is exactly what comes to mind.
“Paapa Essiedu is a phenomenal actress and in another world this would be a fascinating and inspired casting. Unfortunately, this series, ironically, is cursed from birth,” another shared.
One wrote: ‘I love Paapa Essiedu… Saw him in The Effect at the National Theater in London 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.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Paapa has already been offered the role of Snape, although “it’s unclear if negotiations have begun in earnest.”
The first season of the new TV show will follow JK Rowling’s debut novel, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, where the professor is one of the antagonists.
So far, as far as we know, no actors have officially signed on for the film series, but bosses are considering a few.
In a statement about Essiedu’s casting, HBO told the publication: “We appreciate that such a high-profile series generates a lot of rumors and speculation.
“As we move forward into pre-production, we will only confirm details as we finalize agreements.”
Paapa began his career on stage at the Royal Shakespeare Company, but made his television breakthrough when he was cast in the HBO miniseries I May Destroy You.
Despite some backlash, others came to the Black Mirror actor’s defense, with one fan writing: “Won’t it occur to Harry Potter fans that paapa essiedu was simply the best person for the job?”; seen in May in London
She earned nominations for a British Academy Television Award and a Primetime Emmy Award for her performance, before landing starring roles in Gangs Of London and The Lazarus Project.
More recently, the renowned actor appeared in the sixth season of Black Mirror in the fifth episode Demon 79.
It comes after the search for the new Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Grainger officially began in September, as casting directors prepared to scour the UK for actors to play the magical trio in an HBO reboot, but some fans fear he already has. It has been ruined.
An open casting call for the TV series has been published with full details, explaining that bosses are looking for children who will be between nine and 11 years old in April 2025 and who reside in the UK or Ireland.
The casting call said: ‘We are committed to inclusive and diverse casting.
“For each role, submit qualified artists, regardless of ethnicity, sex, disability, race, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other basis protected by law, unless specifically stated otherwise.”
Since the casting call didn’t provide details on what they want the actors to look like, fans were left divided over whether the new HBO show will be too different from the original franchise.
Meanwhile, others want the beloved film series to be “left alone” and don’t want any remakes.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Paapa has already been offered the role of Snape, although “it’s unclear if negotiations have begun in earnest.”
An open casting call for the TV series has been published with full details, explaining that bosses are looking for children who will be between nine and 11 years old in April 2025 and who are residents of the UK or Ireland.
In June, JK Rowling talked about what viewers could expect from the upcoming reboot when she announced that the show had found its producer and director.
Francesca Gardiner, known for Succession and Killing Eve, will be the showrunner, executive producer and writer of the new series.
Mark Mylod will direct several episodes and is known for working on other projects such as The Last Of Us, Succession and The Menu.
In X, Rowling wrote: “I’m really excited to announce our director and writer, who I interviewed as part of the production team.”
“They both have a genuine passion for Harry Potter, and after reading Francesca’s pilot script and hearing Mark’s vision, I’m confident the TV show will live up to the hype.”
In June, JK Rowling talked about what viewers could expect from the upcoming reboot when she announced that the show had found its producer and director.
The author will also be “heavily involved” with the reboot, which is scheduled to begin filming next year around spring 2025. After generating backlash, HBO came to Rowling’s defense; seen in 2022 in London
The author will also be “very involved” in the reboot, which is scheduled to film next year, around spring 2025.
After sparking backlash, HBO came to Rowling’s defense, saying in a statement: “We are proud to once again tell the story of Harry Potter: the moving books that speak to the power of friendship, resolve, and acceptance.” . JK Rowling has the right to express her personal views.’
“We will remain focused on the development of the new series, which will only benefit from your participation.”
While an exact release date has yet to be announced, the show is aiming for a release date sometime in 2026.