The Harry Potter multimedia franchise is getting a new series that will go back to basics and adapt the original books. Casting is currently underway for the series, which is set to be released on HBO, and now a new actor is reportedly being eyed to play Severus Snape in the Harry Potter series – Paapa Essiedu.
Essiedu, whose credits include I May Destroy You, would be the second actor to play the part after Alan Rickman gave an incredible performance in the Harry Potter feature films. As shared by Deadline, however, these discussions at HBO to have Essiedu take on the role are still in their early stages.
In fact, the outlet adds that “no formal offers have been made to the actor nor has his team conversed with HBO suits about a potential deal.” However, it does indicate that HBO is willing to pick cast members that are different than their feature film counterparts. Other actors reportedly eyed for the series include Mark Strong and Mark Rylance who’ve both been in talks to play Dumbledore.
Of course, with the series only being in pre-production, anything could happen until cameras begin rolling. It has been said, however, that the overall cast for the new Harry Potter series will be more diverse than previous live-action adaptations. This would be more in line with the stage play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
Francesca Gardiner is writing the series and also serving as an executive producer. Mark Mylod serves as EP and he is planned to direct multiple episodes of the show. J.K. Rowling will also serve as an executive producer alongside Neil Blair, Ruth Kenley-Letts, and David Heyman.
Stay tuned to ScreenGeek for any additional updates regarding the Harry Potter series coming to HBO as we have them. As for now, Paapa Essiedu would certainly be an interesting choice for Snape in a new Harry Potter adaptation, so we’ll have to see if he ends up landing the part.