Harry Potter: Papa Essiedu is said to play Snape

The next cast for the "Harry Potter" series is just around the corner: apparently, the creators have found a candidate for the role of Snape – and that is likely to cause quite a stir.

According to a report in the Hollywood Reporter, the role has been offered to "I May Destroy You" actor Paapa Essiedu. He has previously impressed audiences with his performances in productions such as "Gangs of London", "The Lazarus Project" and "Black Mirror". If Essiedu takes on the role, it would be a strong sign of HBO's commitment to diversity in its cast. The "Harry Potter" films have been criticized in the past for having a predominantly white main cast – even though the books did not always specify the skin color of the characters. For many, the character of Severus Snape is undoubtedly associated with Alan Rickman. His portrayal had a lasting impact on the character. Essiedu would therefore have to follow in very big footsteps.

Previously, a possible cast for the new Dumbledore had already sparked discussions: Oscar-winner Mark Rylance is said to be on the verge of being signed for the legendary role. However, rumors about Cillian Murphy as Lord Voldemort have already been denied. Official casting announcements are still pending. Of course, we are most excited about the casting of Harry, Ron and Hermione.

The "Harry Potter" series is written by Francesca Gardiner, who is also an executive producer. "Succession" director Mark Mylod will direct several episodes. Book author J. K. Rowling is also on board as an executive producer. According to current plans, the series is scheduled to be released sometime in 2027.

The Harry Potter phenomenon: a spell that changed the world

Since the publication of the first book in 1997, J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series has had a lasting impact on the world of literature, cinema and pop culture. With over 500 million copies sold worldwide, a film series worth billions and a cultural influence that extends far beyond the pages of the books, Harry Potter is not just a story, but a global phenomenon. But what is it that makes this series so magical, and why does it endure decades after its first publication?

The story that changed everything

The world was introduced to the magical world of Hogwarts in 1997 with Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. The story of the young orphan Harry, who learns on his eleventh birthday that he is a wizard, immediately captivated millions of readers. Together with his friends Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, he embarks on adventures that are not only magical but also deeply human.

A significant part of the success lies in Rowling's storytelling. She created a world full of details that seemed so vivid and believable that readers of all ages could effortlessly immerse themselves in it. Hogwarts, with its secret passages, talking portraits and enchanted staircases, is more than a school – it's a sanctuary. This mixture of magic and real-life themes such as friendship, courage, loss and love made the series something special.

A global phenomenon

The books have been translated into 85 languages and the fan base spans the entire world. But it wasn't just the books that made Harry Potter a success –the film adaptations contributed significantly to making it a cultural milestone. Between 2001 and 2011, Warner Bros. brought eight films to the big screen, which together grossed over 7.7 billion US dollars. The films anchored the world of Harry Potter in the collective consciousness and turned actors such as Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint into international stars.

The series also created a wide range of merchandise, from wands and chocolate frogs to school uniforms from the four Hogwarts houses. Theme parks such as the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios in Orlando and Hollywood allow fans to immerse themselves in the magical world.

Timeless themes and universal values

One of the reasons why Harry Potter is still relevant today is because of its universal themes. The series deals with central issues such as the power of love, the importance of friendship and the fight against evil. Harry's conflict with the dark wizard Voldemort is not only an epic battle between good and evil, but also a reflection on power, prejudice and the value of individuality.

Young readers in particular will be drawn to the characters and their development. Harry's doubts and insecurities, Hermione's ambition and intelligence, Ron's loyalty and sometimes awkward nature - they are all characters you can identify with. Rowling shows that heroes are not perfect, but become human through their weaknesses and flaws.

Fandom and cultural influence

Another reason for the enduring success of Harry Potter is its active and passionate fan base. As early as the early 2000s, online forums were formed where fans discussed theories, wrote fan fiction and shared their own interpretations of the magical world. Platforms such as Pottermore (now Wizarding World) offer fans official content and exclusive insights into the background of the story.

The Harry Potter phenomenon has also had a lasting impact on pop culture. Terms such as "Muggles", "Expelliarmus" and "Dementors" are firmly anchored in the vocabulary of many people. Every year on September 1, the day the Hogwarts Express departs, fans gather on platform 9¾ at King's Cross station in London to celebrate this special moment.

Controversy and criticism

Despite its worldwide success, the Harry Potter franchise has not been without controversy. Recently, J.K. Rowling has been criticized for her comments on gender issues, which has caused a rift in parts of the fan community. Some fans have distanced themselves from the franchise, while others have split between the author and her work.

The expansion of the universe, particularly through the "Fantastic Beasts" film series, has also been met with mixed reactions. While some fans welcomed the return to the wizarding world, others found the magic of the original series difficult to replicate.

A magic that remains

Despite everything, Harry Potter remains one of the most influential stories of our time. For many people, the magical world of Hogwarts is a place they can return to again and again – be it by re-reading the books, watching the movies or visiting theme parks.

The story of Harry Potter is more than just a literary work; it is a cultural phenomenon that has inspired and will continue to inspire generations. It teaches us that even in the darkest of times, there is a spark of hope - and that true magic can be found in the relationships we build with others and the courage that lies within us all.