Backlash erupts over Paapa Essiedu's casting as Snape in Harry Potter series: ‘HBO killed the show in the womb’
April 2025 — HBO has officially revealed the lead cast for its highly anticipated Harry Potter web series, bringing a fresh take on J.K. Rowling’s beloved wizarding world. The announcement, made on Monday, has stirred major buzz online — particularly surrounding the casting of Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, a role immortalized by the late Alan Rickman in the original film series.
The new adaptation is described as a decade-long project, with each season expected to cover one book from the original Harry Potter series. The project aims to remain faithful to the source material while introducing new creative elements, visuals, and interpretations.
A Bold New Snape
British actor Paapa Essiedu, known for his acclaimed performances in I May Destroy You and The Lazarus Project, will take on the role of Professor Severus Snape, one of the franchise’s most complex and layered characters. While fans deeply respect Alan Rickman’s legendary portrayal, Essiedu’s casting has been met with both excitement and debate online.
Many are intrigued by the new direction and hopeful that the fresh casting will bring a different dimension to the misunderstood potions master. Others have expressed hesitation, largely stemming from nostalgia and emotional attachment to Rickman’s version.
Social Media Reacts
Following the announcement, social media lit up with reactions ranging from enthusiastic curiosity to critical skepticism. Some fans have praised HBO’s commitment to diversity and reinvention, while others questioned the decision to cast actors who significantly differ from the physical portrayals in the original films.
Still, supporters of the project are encouraging fans to approach the series with an open mind. As many have pointed out, casting in book-to-screen adaptations is not always about physical resemblance but rather the depth an actor can bring to a character’s emotional and psychological complexity.
Full Cast Also Revealed
Alongside Snape, the main cast has been officially confirmed:
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Dumbledore – [Actor Name TBD]
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Minerva McGonagall – [Actor Name TBD]
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Rubeus Hagrid – [Actor Name TBD]
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Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley – Full child cast is expected to be introduced in an upcoming press event.
(Note: Specific names for some roles were not yet announced at the time of publication. Check back for updates.)
What to Expect
HBO has emphasized that this adaptation is not a remake of the films, but rather a reimagination of the books in a long-form storytelling format. This gives the creative team room to delve deeper into the intricate subplots, character backstories, and magical lore that couldn’t fully fit into the original movies.
Production is expected to begin later this year, with a projected release in 2026 on the HBO Max streaming platform.
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