Few characters in the Harry Potter franchise are as closely associated with one actor as Severus Snape.For all eight films in the series, the complicated Hogwarts professor was brought to life by Alan Rickman, whose performance transformed Snape from one of the series’ most mysterious characters into one of its most memorable. Now, the character is being reimagined once again.Following the announcement that Paapa Essiedu (I May Destroy You, Black Mirror) would portray Snape in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter series early last year, the casting decision sparked a major reaction among some fans who struggled to imagine anyone replacing Rickman’s iconic performance.Credit: BBCHBO’s Snape Casting Sparks Fan BacklashWhen HBO announced the new Snape for its Harry Potter reboot, Essiedu’s casting quickly became one of the most discussed decisions.While many fans welcomed the actor taking on the role, others criticized the choice to cast a Black actor as a character depicted as White in the books and the films, with the backlash becoming so intense that reports emerged of increased security measures surrounding the production.Some of the reaction went beyond normal fan debate, with Essiedu reportedly facing disturbing online abuse and threats following the announcement.Despite the controversy, HBO has continued moving forward with the series, which will retell J.K. Rowling’s original books across multiple seasons.However, since that announcement, fans have already been given another version of Snape.Credit: HBORelated: HBO Listens to Fans, Makes Significant Changes to New ‘Harry Potter’ Series After BacklashRiz Ahmed Becomes the New Voice of SnapeIn August 2025, Riz Ahmed (Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Venom) was announced as the voice of Severus Snape for Harry Potter: The Full-Cast Audio Editions, a new adaptation featuring a large ensemble cast bringing the wizarding world back to life in audio form.Of course, this project does not replace Essiedu’s version of Snape. Instead, it offers fans another interpretation of one of the franchise’s most iconic characters.Ahmed joins a cast that includes a number of acclaimed performers, giving audiences a new way to experience the original Harry Potter story. Arabella Stanton, who has been cast as Hermione Granger in the HBO series, also voices the bright Gryffindor witch in the first two seasons of Harry Potter: The Full-Cast Audio Editions.The casting of Snape also means Ahmed is following in the footsteps of Rickman, whose portrayal of Snape remains one of the defining performances of the entire franchise.As HBO prepares its television reboot and the full-cast audio editions introduce another version of the wizarding world, fans will soon have multiple takes on Snape to compare.Credit: Warner Bros.Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s StoneHBO’s Harry Potter is written and executive-produced by showrunner Francesca Gardiner (HBO’s Succession, His Dark Materials, Killing Eve). J. K. Rowling, Neil Blair, and Ruth Kenley-Letts of Brontë Film and TV, and David Heyman of Heyday Films are also onboard as executive producers. Mark Mylod (Succession, Game of Thrones, The Last of Us) will executive-produce and direct multiple episodes.The series also stars John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid, Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley.The first season, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, premieres on HBO on Christmas 2026.The entire series of Harry Potter: The Full-Cast Audio Editions is now available.What do you think of Riz Ahmed taking on the role of Severus Snape? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!The post ‘Harry Potter’ Officially Recasts Snape After Controversial HBO Casting appeared first on Inside the Magic.