Paapa Essiedu is taking on one of the most recognizable roles in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter series. The actor recently opened up about the pressure of portraying Severus Snape.
Paapa Essiedu recalls the pressure of playing Severus Snape
Speaking to People at the TIME100 Next Gala, Essiedu praised the three young actors joining the wizarding world. Dominic McLaughlin plays Harry Potter, while Alastair Stout portrays Ron Weasley. Arabella Stanton plays Hermione Granger.
“I’m so excited for the people to see the breadth of what these guys are bringing to this role because it’s just huge,” Essiedu told People. “It’s a huge weight and mantle that they’re putting upon themselves, and they’re just kids. They really are just kids.”
He praised McLaughlin, Stout, and Stanton as “really, really mature, hardworking, dedicated castmates.” He also called them phenomenal actors. “I really just can’t wait to see what people think because I think they’re going to love it,” he added.
However, stepping into a role previously portrayed by Alan Rickman came with considerable challenge. Essiedu recalled that his initial excitement about landing the part quickly gave way to the realization of what lay ahead.
“It’s like, wow, what an honor, what a privilege. And then there’s a kind of crushing kind of reality of the reality of what is to come. ‘Oh, f—. I’ve got to do it now,’” he said.
Despite the pressure, he expressed confidence in his fellow cast members and the creative team.
“It’s a beautiful thing,” he said. “And with something like this, it’s also so much about the people that you’re collaborating with, and I feel so much trust and endeavor in the people who I’m standing alongside on this journey. There’s a lot of feelings, but they’re all good.”
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone premieres on HBO on Friday, December 25, 2026, and will also stream on HBO Max.
