Paapa Essiedu is closer than ever to taking on the role of Professor Snape in the upcoming HBO Harry Potter series. Deadline reports that the I May Destroy You star is “closing his deal” to play Professor Snape , the mercurial and snippy Potions professor who seemingly torments Harry Potter and his friends but is actually an undercover agent for the school’s headmaster, Albus Dumbledore, working against the book series’ main villain, Voldemort. Currently, the role of Dumbledore is believed to be going to John Lithgow. HBO has neither confirmed nor denied the report, telling Deadline, “We appreciate that such a high-profile series will draw a lot of rumor and speculation. As we make our way through pre-production, we will only confirm details as deals are finalized.” Some fans may, unfortunately, push back against Snape being played by a Black British actor. Others might take issue with the characters’ ages being different from their film portrayals. As showrunner Francesca Gardiner...
