Overview

• At FanExpo Denver, former Lucius Malfoy actor Jason Isaacs labeled online criticism of Paapa Essiedu’s casting as racist and praised Essiedu’s talent.
• HBO has officially confirmed Essiedu as Severus Snape in its seven-season television adaptation, with each installment devoted to one of J.K. Rowling’s books.
• Showrunner Francesca Gardiner and director Mark Mylod are leading the project alongside executive producers David Heyman and J.K. Rowling.
• Rowling posted on X that she does not have the authority to remove actors from the series and would never dismiss someone over legally protected beliefs.
• Production is in pre-production with filming slated to begin this summer at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden and a premiere expected in late 2026 or early 2027.