British actor Paapa Essiedu has reportedly been cast as Severus Snape in the upcoming Harry Potter television series. Some fans believe that Adam Driver would be a better choice for the role, highlighting his striking resemblance to Alan Rickman’s portrayal of Snape. Others have called out the backlash as ‘unnecessary’, noting that actors should not be limited by race if they can embody the role. The Harry Potter series is expected to premiere in 2027. The series was originally scheduled for a 2026 release but was delayed. It is now expected to be released in late 2015 or early 2016, with the first episode premiering on July 25, 2015. The second episode will be released on July 26, 2015, with a third episode on July 27, 2015 and a fourth on July 28, 2016. The third and final episode will air on July 30, 2015 at 9 p.m. ET on BBC One and July 31, 2015 on BBC Two. The final episode of the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 will be aired on July 29, 2016 at 10 p.M. ET.