Paapa Essiedu As Severus Snape: Black Actor Faces Backlash, Meet His Stunning White Wife Rosa Robson

Harry Potter TV series is finally making rounds on the internet, and it seems like we are finally getting closer to the highly-anticipated show that is all set to premiere in 2026. If the early reports are to be believed, the production is expected to begin in the coming months, sparking huge excitement among Potterheads worldwide. After a series of rumours and speculations, the makers behind HBO's Harry Potter TV series have revealed the names of some of the cast members.

According to a report on BBC, Nick Frost is on board to play 'Hagrid'. In contrast, Janet McTeer will play 'Professor Minerva McGonagall', and Paapa Essiedu will play 'Professor Severus Snape'. Not only this, famous Hollywood actor, Paul Whitehouse has been cast to play the caretaker of Hogwarts school, 'Argus Filch'. Luke Thallon is also a part of the show, and he will portray the vital character of 'Quirinus Quirrell'. 

Back in February, HBO also revealed that they've shortlisted John Lithgow for the role of 'Albus Dumbledore'. The makers haven't revealed any more details about the remaining cast members, and it is still unknown who will play the golden trio, Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. Apart from all these cast confirmations, the one that stood out was Paapa Essiedu, who is going to be burdened by the legacy of the late legendary actor Alan Rickman, who played the character of 'Severus Snape' previously. 

Who is Paapa Essiedu? Why 'I May Destroy You' actor is facing backlash for being cast for the role of Severus Snape in HBO's Harry Potter TV series

Paapa Kwaakye Essiedu is a British actor, who is renowned for his work in all three major mediums, theatre, films, and television. For the uninitiated, Paapa Essiedu made his acting debut on the big screen back in 2017 with the film, Murder On The Orient Express. In the following years, he appeared in several hit films like Men, Genie, and The Outrun. Apart from films, he has worked in multiple famous TV shows, including Utopia, I May Destroy You, The Lazarus Project, Black Mirror, and more.

Paapa Essiedu also has rich experience working in theatre, he joined the Royal Shakespeare Company back in 2012 and appeared in numerous productions like The Merry Wives of Windsor, Hamlet, and King Lear. Due to all this experience and versatility in his acting, Paapa has been chosen by HBO to play 'Severus Snape', one of the top characters in JK Rowling's Harry Potter books and movies. As soon as the announcement was made live in public, people couldn't believe it and tagged HBO's decision as a 'disappointment'. 

Most people speculated that HBO is allegedly trying to push their racism agenda by casting Paapa Essiedu for the character of 'Severus Snape'. It has been heartbreaking for the Potterheads to see a 'Black actor' playing the character of 'Severus Snape'. The reason behind this is the fact that both in books and previously made films, Severus Snape's character is mentioned and played by a white man.

Thus, in many people's and critics' opinions, it wasn't necessary to select a black actor for this particular character. One netizen penned a comment that received the loudest cheer, explaining the reaction of every Potterhead in the world. The comment can be read as:

"If I were Paapa Essiedu, I wouldn't even audition for Snape. Fan or not, he should know some roles aren't meant for everyone—no white actor would ever go for T'Challa, and it's the same energy."

Who is Paapa Essiedu's wife, Rosa Robson? Meet the stunning diva who is a famous actress and comedian

Talking about Paapa Essiedu's personal life, he is married to famous American actress and comedian, Rosa Robson. The couple married in 2023 and is considered one of the most sought-after couples in Hollywood. Rosa is best known for her role in the famous sitcom, Buffering. Amidst all the buzz around Paapa's casting as 'Severus Snape', some netizens are trolling HBO for allegedly promoting their racism agenda through an actor, who is married to a white woman. No wonder trollers are hitting new lows with the passing of each day. We hope the backlash will soon end; otherwise, it will be a tough road for Paapa ahead.

What are your thoughts on Paapa Essiedu's casting as 'Severus Snape' in HBO's Harry Potter TV show? Let us know.

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