3 Reasons Why Paapa Essiedu Might Not Be the Best Choice for Severus Snape in the New Harry Potter TV Show on HBO
- Paapa Essiedu’s look isn’t a perfect fit for Professor Severus Snape.
- Essiedu’s acting style might not match Snape’s dark humor.
- Fans have huge expectations after Alan Rickman’s character.
The casting news for HBO’s Harry Potter remake is starting to roll in, and things are getting interesting. While everyone’s excited for the new TV series, there’s already one casting decision that’s raising eyebrows: Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape.
You know Snape—he’s that dark, mysterious, and complex character who plays a major role throughout the Harry Potter books. And while Essiedu is a talented actor, some fans are seriously questioning if he’s the right fit for the job.
So, why is everyone suddenly worried about the British actor as Snape? Let’s take a look at three reasons why he might not be the best choice for the iconic role.
1. Paapa Essiedu’s Physical Resemblance Issue
First things first—let’s talk about Snape’s appearance. In the Harry Potter movies, Alan Rickman’s portrayal of Professor Severus Snape became iconic not only because of his acting skills, but also because of how he looked. In fact, it was revealed that Rowling wrote the character of Snape based on the image of Rickman.
Rickman had that signature, sharp face, dark eyes, and tall, lanky build that made him perfect for the role of the dark, brooding professor. Snape’s appearance was so unique, it practically became part of his character.
His greasy black hair, his hooked nose, pale skin, and uneven, yellow teeth made him stand out as someone unsettling and mysterious. Now, Paapa Essiedu is a talented actor, but his physical appearance is quite different from Rickman’s. Essiedu doesn’t really look like Snape as described in the books.
He doesn’t have that sharp, hooked nose or the sallow, pale skin that fans associate with the character. Essiedu is a little shorter than Rickman and has a different facial structure. This might sound like a small issue, but looks matter when you’re playing such an iconic character like Snape.
For fans who are used to seeing Rickman in the role, it’ll be hard to picture Essiedu as Snape right away. Some might argue that casting doesn’t always have to be based on looks, but Snape’s appearance was an important part of his character.
His physical traits matched his mysterious and slightly sinister vibe. It’s going to be tough for Essiedu to pull that off if he doesn’t look the part, especially when fans have a pretty strong image of Snape in their heads already.
2. Tonal Shift—Is Essiedu Right for Severus Snape’s Dark Humor?
One of the things that made Snape such a fascinating character was his tone. Snape was sarcastic, witty, and even a little funny—though in a very dark way. He had that dry humor and sharp sarcasm that made him both intimidating and oddly entertaining.
Alan Rickman nailed this balance, making Snape come across as both sinister and somewhat comedic at the same time. It was part of what made Snape so unique and multi-dimensional. Now, let’s talk about Paapa Essiedu.
Essiedu is a great actor, no doubt. He’s done some fantastic work in shows like I May Destroy You, The Lazarus Project, and Gangs of London. But his acting style is very different from what we’ve seen in Rickman’s portrayal of Snape.
Essiedu tends to lean toward more intense, dramatic roles that are very different from the sarcastic, dark humor Snape is known for. In fact, a lot of his roles have been in shows and movies that are much more serious and dramatic.
While Essiedu has proven he can do intense and emotional scenes, Snape’s character needs someone who can deliver lines with just the right amount of coldness and wit. Snape is a master of understatement—he can be cruel with a single sentence and make you laugh in the next moment, all while remaining totally nonchalant.
Fans of the books and movies are used to Snape’s dry, sarcastic tone, so Essiedu would need to find a way to match that perfectly—otherwise, it might feel like a different character entirely.
3. Audience Expectations Mount, Questioning if Paapa Essiedu Can Live Up to Alan Rickman’s Legacy
Alan Rickman owned the role of Severus Snape. Rickman’s portrayal of Snape is one of the most beloved and iconic performances in movie history. When fans think of Snape, they think of Rickman’s voice, his mannerisms, and his way of speaking.
It’s going to be nearly impossible for anyone to step into that role without being compared to him. And let’s be honest, those are some pretty big shoes to fill. Paapa Essiedu is still somewhat of a newcomer to many Harry Potter fans.
While he’s known in some circles for his roles, he doesn’t have the same kind of established presence as Rickman did. So, when fans hear that Essiedu is being considered for Snape, there’s bound to be some skepticism. Check out some reactions:
Fans of the Harry Potter series have been living with Rickman’s portrayal of Snape for over a decade, and that’s a tough act to follow. This isn’t just about finding a good actor—it’s about finding someone who can live up to the expectations set by one of the most iconic film portrayals in history.
Rickman’s Snape is the standard, and it’s going to be very difficult for Essiedu to avoid constant comparisons to that. Fans might have a hard time accepting someone new in the role, especially if they feel like Essiedu doesn’t bring the same energy or depth to the character that Rickman did.
The Harry Potter reboot is set to drop on HBO Max in 2027!
