The wizarding world has a new Severus Snape, and there’s no doubt about it: British actor Paapa Essiedu has officially been cast in the role for HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter reboot series, set to premiere in 2027. The announcement, initially reported in December 2024 and confirmed in April 2025, marks a historic moment as Essiedu becomes the first Black actor to portray the iconic Potions Master and head of Slytherin House, a character previously brought to life by the late Alan Rickman in the original eight-film series. As the reboot prepares to begin production this summer, Essiedu’s casting has ignited a firestorm of reactions—ranging from enthusiastic support to heated debate—while promising a fresh interpretation of one of literature’s most complex anti-heroes.

HBO’s Harry Potter reboot series, greenlit by Warner Bros. Discovery in April 2023, aims to deliver a decade-long adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s seven-book saga, with each book—The Sorcerer’s Stone, Chamber of Secrets, Prisoner of Azkaban, Goblet of Fire, Order of the Phoenix, Half-Blood Prince, and Deathly Hallows—receiving its own season. The series, led by showrunner Francesca Gardiner and executive producer Mark Mylod, both known for their work on Succession, promises a faithful retelling of the books, delving deeper into the story’s nuances than the original films, which grossed over $7.7 billion from 2001 to 2011. Production is set to begin at Leavesden Studios in the UK, the same location where the films were shot, with Rowling serving as an executive producer alongside Neil Blair, Ruth Kenley-Letts, and David Heyman.

The casting of Severus Snape was one of the most anticipated announcements for the reboot, given the character’s complexity and the indelible mark left by Alan Rickman, who portrayed Snape across all eight films until his passing in 2016. Snape, a former Death Eater turned double agent, is a cornerstone of the Harry Potter narrative—a man whose cold exterior masks a deep well of loyalty, grief, and love, particularly for Harry’s mother, Lily Potter. His arc, culminating in the revelation of his role as an unsung hero in The Deathly Hallows, has made him a fan favorite, with Rickman’s performance often cited as one of the most iconic in cinematic history.

Paapa Essiedu, a 35-year-old British actor of Ghanaian descent, brings a formidable resume to the role. Known for his Emmy-nominated performance in I May Destroy You and his work in Black Mirror’s “Demon 79” episode, Essiedu has established himself as a versatile talent capable of balancing humor, solemnity, and emotional depth. His stage work, including roles in The Effect and A Number, has earned him critical acclaim, with The Guardian’s Jason Okundaye describing him as “one of the finest British actors” for his commanding presence and emotional precision. Essiedu’s casting was confirmed alongside other series regulars, including John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, and Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid, with the young leads—Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley—announced just yesterday, May 27, 2025.

The decision to cast a Black actor as Snape has been met with both celebration and controversy, reflecting broader debates about representation and fidelity in adaptations. In Rowling’s books, Snape is described as having “sallow skin, a hooked nose, and greasy, shoulder-length black hair,” a description that doesn’t specify race but has traditionally been interpreted as white, particularly given Rickman’s portrayal. However, the term “sallow” refers to a yellowish or pale complexion, which can apply across ethnicities and could be achieved through makeup on Essiedu to reflect Snape’s sickly demeanor. Fans advocating for the casting argue that Essiedu’s talent transcends physical description, with one X user noting, “Paapa Essiedu is going to bring a depth to Snape that we haven’t seen before. His range is incredible—race shouldn’t matter.”

Critics, however, have been vocal in their opposition, with some claiming the casting deviates too far from the books. Posts on X and Reddit have highlighted concerns, with comments like “Snape is canonically white” and hashtags like “#fixsnape” appearing on HBO’s social media accounts. Some fans have argued that Essiedu’s casting as a Black actor introduces unintended racial dynamics to the story, particularly in Snape’s backstory. In the books, Snape is bullied by James Potter and Sirius Black during their Hogwarts years, a dynamic that shapes his bitterness and allegiance to Voldemort before his redemption. With Essiedu in the role, some worry that James’s actions could be interpreted as racially motivated, a layer not present in the original text. One X user remarked, “James bullying a Black Snape changes the whole dynamic—it makes James look like a toxic jock, not just a flawed kid.”

This concern has been echoed in critical analyses, with some pointing out that Harry’s early suspicion of Snape upon arriving at Hogwarts might also take on a problematic tone in this context. However, supporters counter that such interpretations can enrich the narrative, adding a modern lens to the themes of prejudice, identity, and acceptance already woven into Rowling’s story. The Guardian’s Jason Okundaye wrote, “A Black Snape starts to look like a much richer prospect—not too complex for a children’s series where all the themes of prejudice are already present.” Essiedu’s own versatility, demonstrated in roles like Kwame in I May Destroy You—where he portrayed a man rebuilding himself after trauma—suggests he can capture Snape’s journey from a bullied outsider to a conflicted hero with nuance and depth.