6 Facts About the “Snape Controversy” and How the Original Books Contradict the New Actor

Harry Potter fans are living a scandal, after the announcement of the possible new Severus Snape in the HBO Harry Potter series.

Below we detail who this actor is and what happened with the controversy.

1. Will Paapa Essiedu be Snape?

The controversy began when HBO announced that actor Paapa Essiedu could be the next Severus Snape in a Harry Potter series.

Essiedu is a British actor of Ghanaian origin, which sparked controversy on social media.

2. Snape had a “pale face” according to the books

According to several fans, the Harry Potter books were clear with the physical description of Snape.

This is the description of “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone”

“Snape had a thin, yellow-skinned face, a hooked nose, and greasy hair.

His hair was straight and black, falling over his face.

His pale face looked like that of a bat.”

3. J.K. Rowling’s sketch was revealed

Fans shared drawings from 1999, made by J.K. Rowling herself.

Both drawings portray the character of Snape as a white, thin, creepy-looking man.

4. Snape was inspired by this man

The character of Severus Snape was inspired by John Lawrence Nettleship, J.K. Rowling’s chemistry teacher.

Nettleship was known for being strict, reserved, and somewhat intimidating, so the character inherited his character and appearance.

5. Fans want Adam Driver

Several Twitter users claimed that a better choice would be Star Wars actor Adam Driver.

Adam Driver even bears a physical resemblance to Alan Rickman, as they share an elongated face and similar hair.

However, it is unclear whether Driver has been cast in the production.

6. Paapa Essiedu is an excellent actor

Although his possible participation as Snape has been harshly criticized, there are those who defend Essiedu’s talent.

The actor was nominated for an Emmy for his incredible performance in “I May Destroy You.”

Here are some comments from fans:

“He is a tremendous actor, genuinely excellent. But he is the wrong choice for Snape.”

“He is a great actor, but he does not have that air of mystery and evil that made Snape so memorable in the films.”

I am Frankie and I love making these articles daily for 10 years. My cat ‘Snowy’ is the CEO of Notinerd.