“Warner Bros and HBO RUINED IT!”: Paapa Essiedu’s Snape Casting Ignites Fan Outrage and Adam Driver Memes

The wizarding world is ablaze with controversy, and it’s not because of a rogue spell. HBO’s highly anticipated Harry Potter TV series, set to reimagine J.K. Rowling’s iconic books, has sparked a firestorm online with the casting of British actor Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape. Directed by Mark Mylod and showrun by Francesca Gardiner, the series promised a faithful adaptation, but fans are crying foul, flooding social media with memes and rants proclaiming, “Warner Bros and HBO RUINED IT!” At the heart of the uproar? Many believe Adam Driver was the perfect choice for Snape, and they’re not letting this go quietly.

A Casting Choice That Shattered Expectations

Paapa Essiedu, known for his stellar performances in I May Destroy You and The Lazarus Project, is undeniably a talented actor. His casting as the brooding, complex Potions Master was confirmed on April 14, 2025, alongside other heavyweights like John Lithgow as Dumbledore and Janet McTeer as McGonagall. Yet, the announcement has divided the Harry Potter fandom. In Rowling’s books, Snape is described as a pale, sallow-skinned man with greasy black hair and a hooked nose—a stark contrast to Essiedu’s appearance. Fans who hold Alan Rickman’s iconic portrayal close to their hearts argue this casting strays too far from the source material.

Social media platforms, especially X, have become a battleground. One user posted, “HBO just officially killed their show in the womb…Snape is white in the books, so he should be white in the show.” Another lamented, “Paapa Essiedu is a great actor, but this is the worst race swap in modern history.” The backlash has been intense, with some fans accusing Warner Bros. of prioritizing diversity over fidelity, fearing it could alter key dynamics, like James Potter’s bullying of a young Snape, by introducing unintended racial undertones.

The Adam Driver Meme Explosion

Amid the outrage, one name keeps resurfacing: Adam Driver. Fans have long championed the Star Wars actor as the ideal Snape, citing his brooding demeanor, sharp features, and commanding presence as a perfect match for Rowling’s description. When Essiedu’s casting was announced, the internet erupted with memes imagining Driver in the role. One viral post quipped, “Adam Driver saying ‘I may vomit’ while glaring at Harry was my dream Snape moment, and HBO crushed it.” Another meme featured Driver’s face photoshopped onto Rickman’s Snape, captioned, “The Snape we deserved.”

The Driver obsession isn’t new. Since rumors of a Harry Potter reboot surfaced, fans have campaigned for him, with posts like, “Adam Driver is basically Snape in real life—HBO, why?” The memes are equal parts humor and frustration, reflecting a fandom that feels unheard. Some suggested alternatives like Benedict Cumberbatch or Matthew Macfadyen, but Driver remains the fan-favorite fantasy casting.

Defenders of Essiedu’s Casting

Not everyone is waving pitchforks. Supporters argue that Essiedu’s talent outweighs physical discrepancies. “Paapa is a bloody good actor,” one fan wrote on X. “The color of his skin shouldn’t matter if he nails Snape’s complexity.” Others point out that the Harry Potter series has a history of diverse casting, like Noma Dumezweni as Hermione in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, which faced similar backlash but ultimately won praise. Essiedu’s stage experience with the Royal Shakespeare Company and his Emmy-nominated roles suggest he could bring a fresh, nuanced take to Snape’s layered character.

Why the Controversy Matters

The debate isn’t just about Snape—it’s about balancing creative freedom with fan expectations. HBO’s series, set to span a decade and premiere in 2026 or 2027, aims to dive deeper into Rowling’s world, exploring unseen corners of Hogwarts. Yet, fans fear that major deviations, like Essiedu’s casting, could undermine the “faithful adaptation” promise. Some suggest expanding existing Black characters like Kingsley Shacklebolt or Angelina Johnson instead of altering iconic roles.

The backlash also highlights broader tensions in Hollywood over representation and adaptation. While some see Essiedu’s casting as progressive, others view it as a misstep that risks alienating a passionate fanbase. HBO’s response? They’ve disabled comments on some social media posts to curb toxicity, but the memes and debates rage on.

What’s Next for the Wizarding World?

As filming approaches this summer, all eyes are on HBO to see how they navigate this storm. The casting of Harry, Ron, and Hermione—still unannounced after 32,000 audition submissions—will likely fuel more debate. For now, Essiedu faces the daunting task of stepping into a role immortalized by Rickman, while fans cling to their Adam Driver dreams.

Will Essiedu’s Snape win over the skeptics, or has HBO cast an Unforgivable Curse on its own series? Share your thoughts below and join the conversation on social media—because in the wizarding world, everyone has an opinion.

Sources: Deadline, Sportskeeda, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter