Paapa Essiedu in talks to play Severus Snape in new Harry Potter series

The Gangs of London star has reportedly been offered the role as the iconic potions professor

According to the Hollywood Reporter, the 34-year-old is up for the role as the iconic potions professor in the television adaptation of the Harry Potter books.

Sources told the publication that Essiedu has been offered the part, although is is unclear if formal negotiations have begun.

Essiedu is best known for his roles in the acclaimed series I May Destroy You and Gangs of London, having started out his career at the Royal Shakespeare Company.

He's also had roles in the 2017 film adaptation of Murder on the Orient Express, and folk horror film Men.

In a statement to the Hollywood Reporter about Essiedu's potential casting as Snape, HBO said: “We appreciate that such a high-profile series will draw a lot of rumor and speculation. As we make our way through pre-production, we will only confirm details as we finalize deals.”

So far, no actors have been cast for the series, which is expected to run for seven seasons, with each season being an adaptation of one of J.K. Rowling’s books.

However, there have been rumours around some of the other parts, with Wolf Hall star Mark Rylance reportedly close to being cast as Albus Dumbledore.

Open casting has also begun for the roles of Harry, Ron and Hermione.

There doesn’t appear to be any suggestion that the show will see cameos or returns from any of the films’ original cast.

Last year, Daniel Radcliffe seemed to rule out the possibility of him returning, saying it would “weird.”

HBO has said the series will be a "faithful adaptation of the beloved Harry Potter book series" and will "feature a new cast to lead a new generation of fandom, full of the fantastic detail and much-loved characters Harry Potter fans have loved for over 25 years."

"Each season will bring Harry Potter and these incredible adventures to new audiences around the world, while the original, classic and cherished films will remain at the core of the franchise and available to watch globally.”

An exact release date for the series has not yet been confirmed, but earlier this year the CEO and chairman of HBO said he reckoned the series could air in late 2026 or early 2027.