British actor Paapa Essiedu has reportedly been cast as Severus Snape in the upcoming Harry Potter television series, sparking a heated debate among fans. While many have applauded the ‘Gangs of London’ star’s casting, others have raised concerns about potential racist backlash and questioned the show’s commitment to giving fans a ‘faithful adaptation’ of JK Rowling’s books.
Snape, originally played by Alan Rickman, is one of the most complex and beloved characters in the Harry Potter franchise. Questioning the casting choice, some fans argued that the character’s description in the books—pale skin, greasy black hair, and a hooked nose—should have been adhered to.
A section of the fandom has suggested Adam Driver as a more suitable choice, pointing to his resemblance to Rickman’s Snape—including his long hair, deep voice, and ability to portray intense, brooding characters. Supporters of Driver argue that he fits the book’s description more closely and has a proven track record in dark, dramatic roles.
Social media has been flooded with mixed reactions. Some fans expressed disappointment, claiming that the casting strays from the source material, with one user stating: “They haven’t even started filming and they are already deviating from the books. Personally, I am disappointed.”
Others insisted that Alan Rickman’s portrayal was irreplaceable, saying, “This is the ONLY Snape I recognize! Paapa Essiedu can’t hold a candle to Alan Rickman.”
Others worried that Essiedu may face unwarranted criticism similar to past controversies over diverse casting in the Broadway Cursed Child play and Amazon’s The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. They accused Hollywood of forced diversity, arguing, “Paapa Essiedu is an insanely good actor, but why do they force diversity in everything? Is Hollywood incapable of writing good, iconic POC characters?”
On the other hand, many have defended Essiedu’s casting, emphasizing his acting talent over physical resemblance. Some have called out the backlash as ‘unnecessary’, noting that actors should not be limited by race if they can embody the role.
The Harry Potter series is expected to premiere in 2027. The series was originally scheduled for a 2026 release but was delayed.
