RUMOURS are swirling that a British actor will be taking up one of the most iconic roles in the new Harry Potter series.
Emmy nominated Paapa Essiedu will reportedly be offered the role of Severus Snape in the new HBO adaptation of the JK Rowling blockbuster.
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Fans may be familiar with Paapa from his role as Kwame in the Bafta winning, BBC hit, I May Destroy You.
That was followed by a role in the chilling Charlie Brooker series, Black Mirror and theatre roles either side of the Atlantic in ‘The Effect’.
The part of Snape will undoubtedly be a key character in the much anticipated new series, having been masterfully played by the late Alan Rickman in the original Harry Potter film.
The reports have got fans excited but HBO have been key to point out that no firm offers have been made yet.
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A spokesperson said “We appreciate that such a high-profile series will draw a lot of rumour and speculation. As we make our way through pre-production, we will only confirm details as we finalize deals.”
Fellow actor Jordan Walker Ross took to X to comment on the potential news saying: “He’s a fantastic actor. While I don’t envy him having to follow the great Alan Rickman, I can’t wait to see what Paapa does with the role.”
Paapa is not the first British actor linked with a role in the new franchise with, Oscar winning, Mark Rylance, also being scouted to play another key character.
It was reported that the star of the BBC’s Wolf Hall: The Mirror and The Light series, could take up the post as Hogwart’s revered headmaster, Albus Dumbledore.
If true then he would be following Sir Michael Gambon and Richard Harris who both played the role of Hogwart’s leader in the original film series.
It seems that the wizarding world is equally tight lipped about this appointment too though according to Variety.
They said: “Variety understands that Warner Bros. Television hasn’t yet entered into negotiations with the actor, but the studio has reached out to gauge interest and availability.”
Not all the roles in the highly anticipated new series will be given to well-known faces though.
Earlier this year, HBO announced that it would be holding open auditions in the UK for the main three characters.
The roles of Ron, Hermione and even Harry himself were all up for grabs and they invited children aged 9-11 to apply for the positions that made household names out of Daniel Radcliff, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint.