On April 14, HBO introduced key casting for the extremely anticipated adaptation, revealing that John Lithgow will play Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer will tackle Minerva McGonagall, Essiedu will painting Severus Snape, and NickFrost will step into the position of Rubeus Hagrid. “We’re delighted to have such extraordinary expertise onboard, and we will’t wait to see them deliver these beloved characters to new life,” mentioned showrunner Francesca Gardiner and director Mark Mylod in a joint assertion. Each are additionally government producers on the collection.
Whereas some could acknowledge him from previous standout performances, many are simply attending to know the British actor. Discover out extra about him beneath.
He’s From London and of Ghanaian Descent
Born and raised in London, Essiedu is of Ghanaian heritage and sometimes speaks about illustration and variety within the leisure business.
He Has a Robust Background in Theatre
A graduate of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Artwork (RADA), Essiedu made historical past as the primary Black actor to play Hamlet for the Royal Shakespeare Firm in 2016.
He Rose to Fame in I Could Destroy You
Essiedu gained widespread popularity of his position as Kwame in Michaela Coel’s groundbreaking HBO/BBC collection I Could Destroy You (2020). His portrayal of a queer man grappling with trauma and identification earned him each an Emmy nomination for Excellent Supporting Actor and a British Academy Tv Award nomination.
He additionally acquired a BAFTA nomination for Greatest Actor for his main position within the sci-fi thriller collection The Lazarus Venture.
He’s Set to Play Severus Snape in HBO’s Harry Potter Sequence
Essiedu has formally been solid as Professor Severus Snape in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter tv adaptation. He joins a star-studded ensemble that features Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell, and Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch. The collection is anticipated to premiere in 2026 and guarantees to supply a trustworthy adaptation of J.Okay. Rowling’s beloved Harry Potter books.
He’s Been with Rosa Robson for Nearly a Decade
Essiedu has been together with his companion, actress and comic Rosa Robson, since 2016. Whereas the couple retains their relationship largely personal, they’ve been noticed collectively at numerous public occasions over time.
