Nikhil Lakhani

Let me start off by saying I’m a certified Potterhead. I’ve read all seven books about 12 times each (yes I did an annual re-run for 12 years).

And my favourite character in the series is Severus Snape. So if there’s someone who should be offended by the “new” Snape in the upcoming HBO series, it should be me.

But I’m not offended and I’ll tell you why.

Alan Rickman the OG

The great Alan Rickman played many important characters in his acting career. But when you think of Rickman, you immediately think Snape.

He brought Snape to life in a way that was truly unforgettable and his rendition of J.K. Rowling’s famous Red Herring will live in our hearts until the end of time.

But different times call for a change of guard. Some of the fanbase so badly wanted Adam Driver as Snape – and yes he would have been magnificent with the deep, drawling voice straight out of Rickman’s book.

Instead, the casting director went for someone unorthodox. Enter Paapa Essiedu, the cool, suave black British actor who starred opposite Saoirse Ronan in The Outrun among other films and TV shows.

Now I’ll admit, I haven’t seen much of Essiedu on screen, but in the teaser and the trailer, to me, he looks the part. Yes, yes, don’t come at me with the “Snape Dogg” memes, believe you me you won’t be hearing Essiedu saying things like “Ma Pottah, bring me some o that sticky icky from your next Herbology class.”

Why Papa Essiedu will excel in the role

In many ways, the casting is perfect. Here’s why:

• Exclusion: Snape was often seen as an “outsider” even among fellow caucasians. He was bullied for being different (I’m sure the show’s creators will find a creative way to deal with “that” flashback scene from the books involving James Potter and his crew bullying Snape) and eventually turned to the Death Eaters for acceptance. This is a struggle that Essiedu might be able to relate to after all the backlash he’s received from the casting. He’s actually Snape in real life if you think about it.
  
• Age: In the books, Snape is around 32 years old, which is around Essiedu’s age. Rickman’s Snape brought a mature gravitas to the screen, but with Essiedu we can expect a fresher, more youthful take. He’s giving real “Half-blood Prince” vibes. It takes swag and cockiness to call yourself a “Prince” don’t you think?
  
• He’s already played a “white” character: Yes. Paapa Essiedu played Hamlet in a 2016 Royal Shakespeare Company production. So this isn’t his first rodeo.
  
• He has a background in theatre: Snape is very much Shakespearean in nature and as such the role requires a certain level of depth that stage actors can bring. This is where Essiedu’s theatre background will work in his favour.
  
• He’s fucking British: No, he’s not “Snape Dogg.” He’s not an American Gangster Rapper (though he could probably play one, given how versatile and awesome he is, but that’s for another show/film). He’s a cultured, cultivated British icon that’s made a name for himself as a serious actor. Give props where it’s due.

What’s with the backlash?

Seriously, I don’t get it. A Sikh guy at my high school played Troy Bolton in a school production of High School Musical. Dev Patel played Sir Gawain. We saw Lupita Nyong’o as Helen of Troy. People, it’s not literal. These are portrayals.

If you’re struggling to get behind Paapa Essiedu as Snape, try this. Look for the characteristics, the traits. How does Essiedu bring Snape to life? What’s his take on the character? What quirks does he bring that we’ll remember in time to come?

And if you’re still not convinced, remember there was a time the internet went into meltdown when they found out Heath Ledger was cast as The Joker in Nolan’s Dark Knight. We all know how that turned out.

All I’m saying is keep an open mind and you might be surprised with how much you enjoy Essiedu as Snape. It could be exactly what we need in this AI-slop of a world anyway.