In a stunning turn of events that has set the internet ablaze, leaked behind-the-scenes images of British actor Paapa Essiedu portraying Professor Severus Snape during what appears to be the filming of a new Harry Potter project have gone viral, sparking heated fan reactions, endless speculation, and reigniting the magic of the wizarding world for a new generation.

The images, which first surfaced on Reddit before exploding across X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, show Essiedu in full costume: long black robes, signature greasy black hair, and that unmistakable cold stare that defined Alan Rickman’s legendary portrayal of the Half-Blood Prince. The setting looks unmistakably like a dimly lit corridor in Hogwarts, instantly recognizable to longtime fans.

A Bold Reimagining or a Hidden Prequel?

What has fans buzzing isn’t just the actor himself—it’s what this casting means. Warner Bros. has yet to issue an official statement, but sources close to the production suggest that this may be part of the upcoming Max (formerly HBO Max) reboot of the Harry Potter series, announced in early 2023. According to those reports, the show aims to retell the original book series over multiple seasons with an entirely new cast.

While Paapa Essiedu—known for his critically acclaimed performances in I May Destroy You and Gangs of London—wasn’t on any rumored cast lists, fans are now speculating whether he has taken on the complex role of Severus Snape, previously immortalized by the late Alan Rickman.

Many fans are calling this a “bold and inspired choice”, noting Essiedu’s emotional depth, gravitas, and unique ability to convey the morally gray tones that make Snape such a compelling character.

“Snape was always about the internal struggle—pain, betrayal, love, and sacrifice,” wrote one user on Facebook. “Paapa has the acting chops to bring something new and powerful to the role while still honoring Rickman’s legacy.”

A Divided Fanbase: Tradition vs. Transformation

However, not everyone is on board.

As the photos continue to circulate, some fans are expressing disappointment, arguing that Snape is too iconic to recast, while others have taken issue with the decision to reboot the series at all. But the overwhelming sentiment leans toward curiosity and open-minded excitement, especially given the level of secrecy and high production value apparent in the leaked images.

On film forums and Facebook groups dedicated to fantasy and Potter fandoms, debates are raging. Is this part of a direct adaptation? A prequel series? Or even a surprise spin-off film exploring Snape’s backstory during the First Wizarding War?

None of it has been confirmed—but the leaks have succeeded in doing what every studio dreams of: they’ve reignited massive fan engagement and brought the Wizarding World back into the cultural conversation.

Who Is Paapa Essiedu?

For those unfamiliar with Paapa Essiedu, he’s one of Britain’s brightest rising stars. A classically trained stage actor and Royal Shakespeare Company alumnus, Essiedu earned international praise for his role in I May Destroy You, earning BAFTA and Emmy nominations.

His casting as Snape—if confirmed—could be a turning point, both for his career and for the future of the franchise. Essiedu brings with him a fresh perspective and the gravitas needed to carry a character steeped in layers of moral ambiguity and emotional complexity.

Critics and fans alike are already calling this the “most intriguing casting reveal of the year”—and possibly a sign that Warner Bros. is willing to take creative risks to make the reboot feel new, diverse, and meaningful to today’s audiences.

What’s Next?

While Warner Bros. and Max have remained silent, the images continue to dominate trending lists on platforms like Facebook Watch and Instagram Reels. Fan-made edits, reaction videos, and casting breakdowns are flooding the internet. If this was an intentional leak—it worked. If it wasn’t, the studio may still count it as a win, given the surge of global interest.

Whether or not Paapa Essiedu is truly playing Snape, one thing is certain: the Wizarding World is far from finished, and its next chapter could be more thrilling, emotional, and inclusive than ever before.

Stay tuned. The magic is just beginning.