Harry Potter: Paapa Essiedu Closing Deal For Severus Snape

Update: Deadline now says Paapa Essiedu is closing his deal to portray Professor Severus Snape, and that Janet McTeer is in negotiations to play Professor Minerva McGonagall. They will join John Lithgow as Dumbledore.

Faithful adaptation of the beloved ‘Harry Potter’ book series

The official announcement from back in 2023 stated, “The series will be a faithful adaptation of the beloved ‘Harry Potter’ book series by author and executive producer, J.K. Rowling. From Warner Bros. Television, the new Max Original series will be available on Max in (US) and globally once produced.”

The announcement continued, “The stories from each of Rowling’s Harry Potter books will become a decade-long series produced with the same epic craft, love and care this global franchise is known for.  The series will feature a new cast to lead a new generation of fandom, full of the fantastic detail, much loved characters and dramatic locations that Harry Potter fans have loved for over twenty-five years.  Each season will be authentic to the original books and bring Harry Potter and these incredible adventures to new audiences around the world, while the original, classic and beloved films will remain at the core of the franchise and available to watch globally.”

“We are delighted to give audiences the opportunity to discover Hogwarts in a whole new way,” said Casey Bloys, Chairman and CEO, HBO & Max Content, at the time. “Harry Potter is a cultural phenomenon and it is clear there is such an enduring love and thirst for the Wizarding World. In partnership with Warner Bros. Television and J.K. Rowling, this new Max Original series will dive deep into each of the iconic books that fans have continued to enjoy for all of these years.”

“Max’s commitment to preserving the integrity of my books is important to me, and I’m looking forward to being part of this new adaptation which will allow for a degree of depth and detail only afforded by a long form television series,” said J.K. Rowling, at the time.

Previous from December 4, 2024:

It’s reported that the Harry Potter TV series is eyeing Paapa Essiedu to play Severus Snape, the fan-favorite character from the books and movies.

Severus Snape was played by the late Alan Rickman in the popular films.

The info comes from THR that adds if Paapa Essiedu gets the role, “it will also be an example of HBO following through on its promise that the series would have a diverse cast.” The site points out that the Harry Potter movies “have been criticized for having an entirely white core cast” and the casting “will presumably lead to a rather fresh take on the character.”

HBO wouldn’t confirm the casting and only commented on the rumor: “We appreciate that such a high-profile series will draw a lot of rumor and speculation. As we make our way through pre-production, we will only confirm details as we finalize deals.”

Paapa Essiedu is known for I May Destroy You, The Lazurus Project, Gangs of London, and The Capture.

THR also says Mark Rylance is up to play Headmaster Albus Dumbledore, and that Cillian Murphy playing Voldemort isn’t happening. Deadline also says Mark Strong is in contention to play Dumbledore.

Behind the series

The Harry Potter TV series is from Max in association with Brontë Film and TV, and Warner Bros. Television. Executive produced by J.K. Rowling, Neil Blair, and Ruth Kenley-Letts. David Heyman is executive producing.

HBO, in association with Warner Bros. Television, has named Francesca Gardiner (HBO’s “Succession” and “His Dark Materials,” “Killing Eve”) as showrunner and executive producer.

Mark Mylod (HBO’s “Succession,” “Game of Thrones” and “The Last of Us”) will server as executive producer and director of multiple episodes of the upcoming original Harry Potter series.

The new series, currently in development, will be available on Max’s expanding global footprint.