HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter TV series hasn’t even started filming, yet fans are already up in arms over casting choices. Just days after an uproar over an American actor playing Dumbledore, reports suggest British actor Paapa Essiedu is in the running to play Severus Snape—and let’s just say, not everyone is thrilled.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Essiedu, 34, has been approached for the role, though it’s unclear if negotiations have officially begun.
‘This Is Just Horrible Casting’
Fans wasted no time in heading to X (formerly Twitter) to vent their frustrations.
One particularly blunt post read:
“The casting of Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape is blatant DEI nonsense, and America is beyond over it. Every single Harry Potter fan wanted Adam Driver.”
Another user, while more measured, still wasn’t convinced:
“Paapa Essiedu is a good actor. I liked him in The Outrun. But… what is this? There’s not a single thing about him that screams Snape. It’s not even ‘so weird, it’s interesting’—it’s just horrible casting. Paapa is innocent though. Don’t hate on him.”
And one die-hard Harry Potter fan simply couldn’t hide their disappointment:
“This is so dumb. I like Paapa Essiedu, but he’s NOT suitable for Severus Snape. It just makes me sad and angry. Alan Rickman brought Snape to life like he was plucked straight from the page…”
Lithgow’s Dumbledore Casting Also Under Fire
This controversy comes just days after fans were left baffled by HBO’s decision to cast John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore.
The 79-year-old American actor confirmed the news in an interview with Screen Rant, admitting the role came as a “total surprise” to him.
“I just got the phone call while I was at Sundance,” he said. “It wasn’t an easy decision, because it’s going to define me for the last chapter of my life, I’m afraid. But I’m excited.”
Despite Lithgow’s impressive career, many fans weren’t happy about an American playing one of the most quintessentially British characters in the series.
“I love John Lithgow, but this is absolutely bananas. How are they not hiring a British actor for Dumbledore?” one user posted.
Another added:
“Nothing against Lithgow, but Harry Potter is British through and through. Why are they Americanising it?”
HBO hasn’t officially confirmed either casting yet, but judging by the reaction so far, they might have a tough time winning fans over.
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