Seeing Adam Driver as Kylo Ren, I firmly believe not casting him as Snape in HBO's Harry Potter is a gaping missed opportunity 

Disclaimer: This article on HBO's Harry Potter casting reflects the author's opinion. Reader discretion is advised.

HBO has finally disclosed the names of a few actors who have been cast in the Harry Potter series. It includes John Lithgow as Dumbledore and Janet McTeer stepping into McGonagall’s shoes, but what has caught most of the attention is the choice of Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape.

This casting has caused a buzz among fans, especially on social media platforms. Even I couldn't help but wonder how the makers finalized Essiedu. Adam Driver, to many, including myself, was the perfect pick.

His appearance as Kylo Ren in Star Wars: The Force Awakens revealed a sort of dark intricacy that is well-suited to a character such as Snape. As seen in the original Harry Potter movies, Snape is known for his darkness and intelligence, and after watching Driver as Kylo, I believe he would’ve owned that dungeon classroom at Hogwarts.

Don’t get me wrong. Paapa Essiedu is no amateur. He’s got serious acting chops, began a career with the Royal Shakespeare Company, and is known for his emotionally layered performances in shows like I May Destroy You and The Lazarus Project.

But deep down, Adam Driver as Snape hits different. Not only because he knows how to play a villainous and mysterious character, but also because of his physical appearance. From Driver's long, dark hair to his commanding voice, it feels like HBO missed a great opportunity to cast him in the Harry Potter series.

Adam Driver as Snape sounds like a perfect casting for HBO's Harry Potter series

For Potterheads who didn't watch the Star Wars sequel trilogy, Adam Driver played Kylo Ren, whose story is far more layered than just being a bad guy. Before he became Kylo Ren, he was actually Ben Solo, the son of two major Star Wars icons: Han Solo and Leia Organa. That makes him part of a legendary bloodline.

His uncle, Luke Skywalker, began training him to be a Jedi, but things didn’t go as planned. Ben was eventually drawn to the dark side of the Force by Supreme Leader Snoke. He then took on the name Kylo Ren and started idolizing Darth Vader, his grandfather, and tried to follow in his footsteps as a powerful force of darkness.

Sound familiar? That’s essentially Snape’s entire character arc. Watching Driver walk that fine line between villain and victim made me believe he could’ve captured Snape’s contradictions like no one else in the HBO Harry Potter series.

Physically too, Driver looks the part. His tall frame, angular face, and intense presence mirror Alan Rickman’s iconic Snape, and fans noticed that too. In fact, right after Essiedu’s casting in the Harry Potter series was revealed a few days back, the internet exploded with fan edits, side-by-side comparisons, and even petitions begging HBO to reconsider and cast Driver instead.

But then reality hits. Adam Driver is one of the biggest names in cinema right now. His schedule is packed, and committing to a multi-season TV series might not even be on his radar. Budget constraints alone might’ve made the conversation a non-starter.

Also, it’s clear that HBO’s creative team is leaning into a fresh perspective approach rather than simply trying to replicate the magic of the original Harry Potter films. Still, I can’t shake the feeling that this was a missed opportunity.

Not because I don’t believe in Paapa Essiedu. I actually think he’ll do a phenomenal job and maybe surprise a lot of people. But because Adam Driver felt like Snape already, in every brooding moment and conflicted choice he made as Kylo Ren.

Also Read: Harry Potter reboot series: Hero Fiennes Tiffin wants a role in the new HBO show, here's what he said

Kylo Ren could have been Adam Driver's Snape training

Kylo Ren and Snape are both characters who live double lives full of conflict. Kylo is Ben Solo underneath, torn between the light and dark sides of the Force. Snape, too, pretends to serve Voldemort while secretly working to protect Harry. Both hide their true selves: Kylo literally with a mask, Snape with a harsh attitude.

They also make dark choices for reasons that aren’t simple. Kylo kills his father, but it's clear he’s broken and manipulated. Snape’s actions lead to tragic consequences too, but guilt and love push him to protect Harry Potter for years.

In the end, both sacrifice themselves as Kylo saves Rey with his life and Snape dies in the war, his true intentions only revealed after death. What truly redeems them is love, and this is how Adam Driver could have used his acting skills and portrayal of Kylo to prepare for Snape in HBO's Harry Potter reboot.

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