Who Is Paapa Essiedu? Meet HBO’s New Severus Snape
From Shakespeare’s Hamlet to Hogwarts: discover the British actor bringing Professor Snape to the Harry Potter television series, and the roles that made him one to watch.
Who is Paapa Essiedu?
Paapa Essiedu is an award-nominated British actor who has been cast as Severus Snape in HBO’s new Harry Potter series. Born in London in 1990, he built his career on stage and in acclaimed television dramas long before joining the Hogwarts cast.
HBO confirmed Essiedu as Snape on 14 April 2025. His best-known screen roles include Kwame in I May Destroy You and George in The Lazarus Project.
What has Paapa Essiedu acted in before Harry Potter?
Essiedu already had an extensive career. His path to Snape runs through classical theatre, a breakthrough BBC drama and genre television.
Hamlet — Royal Shakespeare Company
He made history as the first Black actor to play the title role in an RSC production of Hamlet, earning a UK Theatre Award for his performance.
I May Destroy You — Kwame
His portrayal of Kwame in Michaela Coel’s drama brought both Emmy and BAFTA nominations.
Gangs of London and The Lazarus Project
He played Alex Dumani in the crime drama and led the time-loop thriller as George Addo.
Black Mirror and The Outrun
He appeared as Gaap in Black Mirror: Demon 79 and as Daynin in the Saoirse Ronan film The Outrun.
Cast as Severus Snape
HBO named him in April 2025, ahead of the series’ Christmas 2026 premiere.
His drama school, the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, documents his Shakespeare career and his early television credits.
Why his Shakespeare background matters
Snape is a demanding character: a severe teacher whose loyalties and motivations are not immediately clear. Essiedu’s theatre work gives him experience with similarly complex roles, including one of Shakespeare’s most psychologically layered characters.
His landmark RSC Hamlet is an important part of his acting résumé. It predates his television breakthrough by four years.
Why this is relevant to Snape
This is an observation about his acting experience, not a claim about why HBO cast him. The network has not published a detailed explanation of its individual casting decision.
How does Paapa Essiedu’s Snape compare with Alan Rickman’s?
Essiedu is not replacing an actor midway through a production. He is taking on Snape for an entirely new television adaptation of the books, more than a decade after Alan Rickman’s final appearance in the film series.
Alan Rickman
Played Severus Snape in all eight original Harry Potter films.
Paapa Essiedu
Plays Snape in HBO’s new book-by-book television adaptation.
The series plans to spend more time with the books than the films could. For the wider format and casting changes, see why HBO is rebooting Harry Potter.
He has spoken about the responsibility of inheriting a character associated with Rickman. In a November 2026 interview, he also praised the three young leads for their dedication to the new series.
Source: People, 2 November 2026
When will Paapa Essiedu appear as Snape?
Essiedu is part of the cast of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, HBO’s eight-episode opening season. The series is scheduled to premiere on 25 December 2026 and stream on HBO Max where available.
First season of HBO’s Harry Potter series
For subscription options, compare HBO Max UK plans and prices.
In short
Paapa Essiedu brings a substantial stage and screen résumé to HBO’s Severus Snape, from his RSC Hamlet to I May Destroy You. His interpretation arrives with the new series on Christmas Day 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Four quick answers about the actor behind the new Severus Snape.
How old is Paapa Essiedu?
Paapa Essiedu was born on 11 June 1990, making him 36 years old in November 2026.
What was Paapa Essiedu in before Harry Potter?
His major credits include I May Destroy You, Gangs of London, The Lazarus Project, Black Mirror and the Royal Shakespeare Company’s 2016 Hamlet.
Did Paapa Essiedu watch the original Harry Potter movies?
Essiedu has said he loved reading the Harry Potter books as a child but had not watched the original films when he discussed taking on Snape.
Is Paapa Essiedu replacing Alan Rickman as Snape?
He is taking over the character in HBO’s new television adaptation. Alan Rickman played Severus Snape in the eight original Harry Potter films; those films are unchanged.
Hasnaat Mahmood
Hasnaat leads FindCheapStreaming and writes clear, source-led guides to streaming, TV casting and film news.
Sources and further reading
- Warner Bros. Discovery — official Snape casting announcement (14 April 2025)
- Guildhall School of Music & Drama — Essiedu’s theatre and screen career
- People — Essiedu on playing Snape and working with young cast (2 November 2026)
- Variety — Essiedu on the books, films and his casting (2026)
- IMDb — filmography and date of birth
- Wizarding World — official series information and premiere date