Key Points
-
Paapa Essiedu is reportedly cast as Severus Snape in New Harry Potter Series, sparking fan controversy.
-
Confirmed adult cast includes John Lithgow, Janet McTeer, Nick Frost, Paul Whitehouse, and Luke Thallon.
-
Casting for Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger is ongoing, with over 32,000 auditions.
Who Is Paapa Essiedu Playing in the New Harry Potter Series?
Paapa Essiedu is reportedly cast as Severus Snape in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter reboot, a multi-season television series adapting each of J.K. Rowling’s seven books into a decade-long production. Essiedu, a London-born actor of Ghanaian descent, is known for powerful performances in I May Destroy You, Gangs of London, and Black Mirror.
The role of Snape—the morally complex Potions Master and Slytherin head—was famously portrayed by Alan Rickman in the original film franchise. Essiedu’s selection has generated intense conversation online, largely focused on deviations from Snape’s physical book description: pale skin, greasy black hair, and a hooked nose. Critics of the casting argue it strays from the source material, while others champion the opportunity for a fresh, performance-led interpretation.
Notable works that have shaped Essiedu’s reputation include:
-
I May Destroy You (2020): Played Kwame, a deeply layered performance earning widespread acclaim.
-
Gangs of London (2020–2022): As Alex Dumani, demonstrated his capacity for dramatic intensity.
-
The Lazarus Project (2022–2023): A sci-fi thriller where Essiedu took the lead as George.
-
The Outrun (2024): A recent film adding to his cinematic profile.
Despite backlash, many in the industry point to Essiedu’s theater background and emotional range as strong assets for the complex character of Snape. Online reactions remain divided, with some fans recommending lookalike actors such as Adam Driver to replicate Rickman’s legacy. However, Essiedu’s casting reflects broader trends in modern adaptations, balancing performance quality with inclusive reinterpretation.
READ MORE: When The Pitt Season 2 Takes Place in the Holiday Timeline
Which Actors Are Confirmed for the Harry Potter Reboot Cast?
In addition to Paapa Essiedu, five major adult cast members have been confirmed. These include award-winning veterans from British and American film, TV, and theater (GQ).
| Character | Actor | Notable Previous Works |
|---|---|---|
| Albus Dumbledore | John Lithgow | “The Crown” (Churchill, Emmy winner), “Dexter,” “3rd Rock from the Sun,” multiple Oscar nominations |
| Minerva McGonagall | Janet McTeer | “Ozark,” “Albert Nobbs” (Oscar-nominated), “The Menu,” “The Honourable Woman” |
| Rubeus Hagrid | Nick Frost | “Shaun of the Dead,” “Hot Fuzz,” “The World’s End,” “Paul,” “Get Away” (2025 UK Premiere) |
| Argus Filch | Paul Whitehouse | “The Fast Show,” “Harry & Paul,” “Mortdecai,” “Alice Through the Looking Glass” |
| Professor Quirrell | Luke Thallon | Theater roles: “Albion,” “Patriots,” “Leopoldstadt,” “Hamlet” (RSC, 2025), first major screen credit |
John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore
An Emmy-winning American actor, Lithgow is best known for portraying Winston Churchill in The Crown, as well as memorable roles in Dexter and 3rd Rock from the Sun. His casting as Dumbledore brings prestige and gravitas to the iconic role, formerly portrayed by Richard Harris and Michael Gambon.
Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall
Oscar-nominated for Albert Nobbs, McTeer is a formidable talent. Her recent TV appearances in Ozark and The Honourable Woman highlight her capacity for authoritative and emotionally nuanced roles, ideal for the stern Transfiguration professor.
Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid
British comedy icon Nick Frost steps into the role of the half-giant gamekeeper. Known for Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, and The World’s End, Frost’s charm and physicality suit the affable and sometimes clumsy Hagrid. His recent appearance in Get Away (2025) signals continued activity in UK film and television.
Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch
A seasoned comedian and actor, Whitehouse gained fame through The Fast Show and Harry & Paul. He brings a comedic edge to the character of Filch, the perpetually grumpy Hogwarts caretaker.
Luke Thallon as Professor Quirrell
A rising star of British theater, Thallon is making his major screen debut as Professor Quirrell. His acclaimed stage work includes Albion, Leopoldstadt, and Hamlet (Royal Shakespeare Company, 2025). At 29, Thallon offers a fresh yet classically trained presence for the awkward Defense Against the Dark Arts professor.
READ MORE: Black Mirror Season 7 USS Callister Into Infinity Ending Guide
What Is the Casting Status for Harry, Ron, and Hermione?
As of mid-April 2025, the roles of Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger remain uncast. HBO initiated a public casting call in September 2024 for children aged 9 to 11 residing in the UK or Ireland. Over 32,000 auditions have been received.
The process is being overseen by casting directors Lucy Bevan and Emily Brockmann, in coordination with series showrunner Francesca Gardiner (His Dark Materials, Succession) and director Mark Mylod. Shortlists are currently being reviewed, with final callbacks expected later in 2025.
High-profile rumors surrounding adult roles have been largely debunked:
-
Mark Strong was speculated for Dumbledore but was not confirmed.
-
Brett Goldstein (of Ted Lasso fame) was rumored for Hagrid.
-
Gary Oldman (original Sirius Black) and Jared Harris both publicly declined any involvement in the reboot.
READ MORE: Will There Be a Third Season for the Last of Us?
What Is the Release Timeline and Production Plan?
Filming for the new Harry Potter series is scheduled to begin in summer 2025 at Leavesden Studios, the original location used for the films. HBO aims to follow a one-book-per-season format, resulting in a seven-season series likely spanning at least a decade.
While no premiere date has been confirmed, the earliest release window is late 2026 or early 2027. Each season is expected to remain faithful to the narrative arcs of Rowling’s books, diverging from the film adaptations by including previously omitted scenes and characters.
What Controversies Have Emerged Around Paapa Essiedu’s Casting?
Essiedu’s reported casting as Snape has become the central controversy surrounding the reboot (Forbes). Key criticisms include:
-
Book fidelity: Detractors cite discrepancies between Essiedu’s appearance and Snape’s written description—pale, sallow skin, hooked nose, and greasy black hair.
-
Legacy comparisons: Many fans are still attached to Alan Rickman’s definitive portrayal, which closely mirrored the original book’s tone and demeanor.
-
Online racism: A portion of the backlash has been racially motivated, prompting counterarguments in support of color-blind casting and industry inclusion.
Despite the reaction, Essiedu’s performance credentials remain strong, and many in the industry suggest that the show’s success will ultimately hinge on acting quality rather than visual resemblance.
Stay updated with the Latest News and Stories, follow us on our social media platforms.
You can follow us on:
Stay Connected!! Join our Whatsapp Channel
