‘Harry Potter’ fans unhappy with rumored Severus Snape casting in TV series: ‘Another classic goes woke’

LONDON, ENGLAND: There may be a new Severus Snape on the block but ‘Harry Potter’ fans are not very thrilled about the casting. 

With HBO announcing a ‘Harry Potter’ TV series earlier this year, casting is going on for the fan-favorite characters in full swing. 

While a section of the trolls previously complained about HBO roping in ‘Harry Potter’ creator JK Rowling as an executive producer, the studio has come under fire again for the rumored casting of Professor Severus Snape, per Daily Mail.

Recently, a source close to the makers of the upcoming show spilled to The Hollywood Reporter that British actor Paapa Essiedu, 34, has reportedly been “offered to play Severus Snape".

Paapa Essiedu reportedly tapped to play Severus Snape in 'Harry Potter' TV series

As per sources, Paapa Essiedu, known for his roles in ‘The Lazarus Project’ and ‘Gangs Of London’, among others, has reportedly been approached for the role of professor who plays an important role in shaping the events of the fantasy fiction. 

However, the sources added that while Essiedu has been offered the role, it is “not clear if negotiations have begun in earnest".

Previously, the iconic role was essayed by the late Alan Rickman in the Warner Bros-produced movie series from 2001 through 2011. 

As the rumor went viral on social media, many ‘Harry Potter’ fans expressed disapproval over the casting. Some even posted excerpts from Rowling’s books to highlight how Snape looked. 

In the books, Snape is described as a thin man with "sallow skin", a large, hooked nose, and yellow, uneven teeth.

'Harry Potter' fans unhappy with Severus Snape casting

Several 'Harry Potter' fans took to social media to grumble against the rumored casting of Paapa Essiedu as Professor Severus Snape as they urged HBO to stick to the books. 

One user wrote, "No. Please, no. Severus Snape should follow the character described in the book. It'll be awry seeing a black man play Snape (and I'm black so it's not a race thing) These cultural swaps would become the main focus of the series instead of what it actually is."

Someone else even complained about the new 'Harry Potter' series, saying, "Why make Harry Potter series 😱 It will never be better than movies."

"They want to change the entire archetype of snape, I can smell disaster from this," noted another user.

Someone else highlighted that Snape has been described specifically in the book, writing, "This is a hard pass for me. Snape is described very specifically in the books. He may be a great actor, but looks absolutely count here."

"My eye roll reaction to Paapa Essiedu being offered the role of Snape is exactly why this Harry Potter show is DOA. The films and books were timeless, and already big shoes to fill. But then try to pander to the woke left this way will not attract viewers. We’re tired of it. 🙄," added another user.

Someone else said, "Race is relevant. I am a woke leftist, who sneers at the anti-woke crowd, and I think this is a bad choice. People expect Snape to be a greasy haired, pale skinned, sallow and gaunt faced man. Paapa Essiedu may be incredibly talented, but he's the wrong choice for Snape."

"Paapa Essiedu is being eyed for the role of Professor Severus Snape in the upcoming “Harry Potter” TV series. Another classic that goes WOKE," commented another disgruntled user.

A user remarked, "I’m so confused. Why ignore the books description of the character… ?!"

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