The makers of the upcoming web series, based on the Harry Potter novels by JK Rowling, have officially announced the first set of cast, and one of the major revelations made by them is that actor Paapa Essiedu will be seen essaying the role of Professor Severus Snape in the brand new show. While the makers must have thought that the announcement will make Potterheads happy, they were instead left fuming and flabbergasted over the casting.
Ardent fans of Harry Potter criticised the makers for casting Paapa Essiedu as Professor Snape only to make the show seem inclusive. “What a massive disappointment. Snape is described in the books as being a ‘thin man with greasy, shoulder-length black hair, a large hooked nose, sallow skin, and cold, black eyes’. They haven’t even started filming this TV series and they have already ruined it (sic),” a fan wrote on X.
Another user wrote, “Paapa Essiedu should not have been cast Severus Snape in the Harry Potter TV series. Why not focus on expanding actual black characters like Dean Thomas, Angelina Johnson, Lee Jordan or Kingsley Shacklebolt? (sic).” Hundreds of fans echoed similar sentiments online.
Who is Paapa Essiedu?
For those unversed, Paapa Essiedu is British actor, who kickstarted his acting career in 2012 with the Royal Shakespeare Company. He acted in several renowned productions including Hamlet, King Lear, The Merry Wives of Windsor, and others.
However, it was his 2020 show, I May Destroy You, which propelled him to overnight fame and success. He was nominated for the Emmys and British Academy Television Award. He also featured in Black Mirror: Demon 79 in 2023.
Essiedu made his film debut in the 2017 mystery thriller Murder on the Orient Express. He also starred in Men, Genie, A Number, The Effect, among other films.
Essiedu is yet to react to the backlash he has been receiving from Harry Potter loyalists.
Who plays what in Harry Potter series?
Besides Essiedu as Professor Snape, the Harry Potter series will see John Lithgow essay the role of Hogwarts Headmaster Albus Dumbledore, while Nick Frost will play Rubeus Hagrid.
Actress Janet McTeer will step into the shoes of Professor Minerva McGonagall, Paul Whitehouse will play Argus Filch, and Luke Thallon will play Professor Quirrell.
