HBO is reportedly considering black British actor Paapa Essiedu for the role of Severus Snape in its upcoming Harry Potter TV adaptation.

Known for his performances in I May Destroy You and The Capture, Essiedu has allegedly been offered the part of the enigmatic potions master, though negotiations are yet to be finalised.

The series will revisit JK Rowling’s iconic novels with an entirely new cast, as it aims to delve deeper into the book’s narrative.

If confirmed, Essiedu will succeed the late Alan Rickman, who portrayed Snape in the original film series. The project and its possible changes may be HBO’s attempt to bring fresh perspectives to the beloved characters.

After the news broke, folks took to social media to give their opinion on the race change, with one user writing “Professor Snape wasn’t black.”

Another wrote, “Here we go with the race switches! Hasn’t @jk_rowling learned that she can’t appease the woke mob? The least she can do is stick to her original material as closely as possible.”

The media has been split on the matter, with some not seeing the issue with the race switch.

In the meantime, casting for other key roles, including Harry Potter and Albus Dumbledore, remains unknown.