While nothing is 100% official yet, it looks like HBO has found our little Snape.

THR reports that British actor Paapa Essiedu is currently in talks to play the role of Hogwarts’ cunning Potions Master, Professor Severus Snape, next year Harry Potter Series. Essiedu is said to have been offered the role, but it is not clear whether serious negotiations have begun.

Essiedu has appeared in, among others Black Mirror, Gangs of London, The Lazarus ProjectAnd I can destroy youas well as films like Men, the outrunAnd Woman.

This version of Snape is described as “Insanely smart and casually cruel Hogwarts Potions Master who appears as the story’s main antagonist in the first season of the series.” The character was previously played by the late Alan Rickman in Warner Bros. eight Harry Potter Films.

HBO said in a statement: “We know that such a high-profile series will generate a lot of rumors and speculation. As we go through pre-production, we will not confirm details until we finalize contracts.”

We recently learned that Mark Rylance was “in talks” to play Hogwarts Headmaster Albus Dumbledore and the industry is convinced Bridge of Spies star is now close to concluding a contract.

Earlier today there was a rumor doing the rounds that Cillian Murphy (Oppenheimer, Batman Begins) could be in line for the role of the villainous Voldemort, but THR’s sources say there’s no truth to that.

The studio is currently looking for newcomers to play the three main roles, Harry, Ron and Hermione, and has launched an open casting call for children between the ages of 9 and 11. WBD is reportedly hoping to “fill the adult cast with some British actors.” most famous actors.

Francesca GardinerSuccession, His Dark Materials, Killing Eve) is on board as showrunner and executive producer, with Mark Mylod (Succession, Game of Thrones, The Last of Us) hired as executive producer and director of several episodes.

The show’s official logline is: “The series will be a faithful adaptation of the popular Harry Potter book series by author and executive producer JK Rowling. The series will feature a new cast that will lead a new generation of fandom, full of fantastic details and beloved characters from Harry Potter.” Fans have loved it for over 25 years.

“Each season will bring Harry Potter and these incredible adventures to new audiences around the world, while the original films, classics and beloved films form the core of the series and will be available to watch worldwide.”

Warner Bros. TV chief Channing Dungey said earlier this year that the series will be “deeper than you can get in just a two-hour movie…that’s the whole reason we’re on this journey.”

The Snow doesn’t have an official premiere date, but should be with us sometime in 2026.