Severus Snape to racebend for Max in new Harry Potter series

In the new ‘Harry Potter’ series being developed by Max, the role of Severus Snape will see a racebend with actor Paapa Essiedu being the top pick for the role, according to The Hollywood Reporter. This casting choice is stirring up excitement among fans, as Essiedu will bring a fresh take on the character in comparison to the late Alan Rickman’s iconic portrayal and the detailed description found in the books.

At 24 years old, Paapa Essiedu is best known for his role in the miniseries ‘I May Destroy You’, which earned him an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor. He has also appeared in ‘Black Mirror’ and Alex Garland’s ‘Men’. This change in casting continues the trend of racebending characters in the ‘Harry Potter’ franchise, following Hermione Granger’s portrayal in the stage play.

The series, scheduled for release in 2026 or 2027, aims to adapt all seven books by JK Rowling into seven seasons, staying true to the source material with showrunner Francesca Gardiner at the helm. Despite concerns about Rowling’s controversial statements, HBO has affirmed her involvement in the project, emphasizing their focus on the storytelling and the positive themes of friendship and acceptance found in the ‘Harry Potter’ books.

As the series continues to develop, fans can look forward to more casting announcements, including the highly anticipated role of Voldemort. With Oscar winners already rumored to be involved, the ‘Harry Potter’ series promises to be a new and exciting chapter in the beloved wizarding world.