Harry Potter star Paapa Essiedu’s ‘genius’ BBC drama you can binge now
You don't need to wait for Hogwarts.
If you can’t wait until the new Harry Potter series for your next Paapa Essiedu fix, you can binge-watch his performance in a ‘groundbreaking’ BBC drama.
Today, the actor, 34, was confirmed as Severus Snape in the HBO TV adaptation of JK Rowling’s novel series, alongside the likes of Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid and Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall.
Paapa’s career has gone from strength to strength since starting at the Royal Shakespeare Company in 2012, including roles in TV shows Gangs of London, The Lazarus Project and Black Mirror.
He’s also made waves in Hollywood, starring in films such as Murder on the Orient Express, The Outrun and Men.
But arguably Paapa’s breakthrough performance was in 2020 black comedy-drama I May Destroy You, created by Michaela Coel, 37, which became a smash hit during lockdown and is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
In it, he starred as the protagonist writer Arabella’s (Coel) best friend Kwame, supporting her as she rebuilds her life after being raped.
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
Up Next
Previous Page Next Page He had his breakthrough role in BBC show I May Destroy You (Picture: BBC Pictures)Regarded as one of the greatest TV shows of all time, I May Destroy You won numerous awards, including Baftas, Emmys and a Peabody.
Viewers were equally in awe of the series, with Google reviewer Esther Hameola writing: ‘Before anything, I want to acknowledge the genius writing of Michaela Coel. To think that the storyline highlights topics that are at the centre of all the important conversations that need to be had in this day and age.
‘I enjoy a series that puts emphasis on the dialogue between the characters. I love the dynamic that the friends share in this series.The storyline is quite intriguing, watching yourself relive the most traumatic events in your life while being in control of the narrative, is quite empowering to say the least. The characters on the show are 100% suited to the roles they play.’
Echoing their sentiment, Jack T shared: ‘Wow. It was raw, thought-provoking, funny shocking and dazzling. So glad I decided to watch it after being hooked after the first episode. It was a difficult watch at times ,but only because it showed us real life in a way that we had to look into our own lives and see how we behave towards others and how real life can at times be very ugly, very difficult but also amazing.’
Paapa described the show as a ‘historical moment in British TV’ (Picture: BBC/Various Artists Ltd and Falkna/Natalie Seery) Who's in the confirmed cast list for the Harry Potter TV series so far?At this point, the officially confirmed cast members set to star in the Harry Potter TV reboot are…
Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch
John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore
Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape
Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall
Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid
Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell
B Kelly also added: ‘An incredible series, Michaela Coel’s creative storytelling & direction is beyond. The story is sharp & visceral, yet always feels so filled with some form of beauty & grace It is an extremely real series – real humans living their interpersonal dreams & nightmares. It’s funny, it’s moving, beautiful and raw. I walked away feeling like I’d dipped my head in ice water then jumped in a long hot shower. I am so impressed.’
In I May Destroy You, Kwame’s storyline helped to examine and question the issues of consent and assault in the gay dating world, especially with the invention and presence of hookup apps like Grindr.
Speaking to the Obsessed With… I May Destroy You podcast in 2020, Paapa stated that he realises the impact the themes and discussions involved in the series will help change public perception.
‘It was a historical moment in British TV,’ he told host Sophie Duker.
Paapa Essiedu will be playing stern potions master Severus Snape in the Harry Potter TV adaptation (Picture: Ruth Crafer)‘I just felt it was so rich because of the story it told, not only with what happened to him but the depth of connection that those three central characters have together.
‘He can’t communicate that to Arabella because he knows she can’t deal with it at the time and he ends up taking the hit for it.’
HBO has yet to announce who will play Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter TV adaptation, but 32,000 children have auditioned for the roles, according to the BBC.
A number of fans have also said they plan to boycott the TV series due to Rowling’s comments about the trans community. Rowling, 59, has been criticised by some fans for expressing views that have been described as transphobic by the LGBTQ+ community and civil rights groups. Rowling has denied being transphobic.
I May Destroy You is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
