As HBO trudges ahead with its high-profile reboot of the Harry Potter series, most major roles have now been cast, including the announcement of 9 major roles just this week However, one decision continues to dominate online discourse: the casting of Papa Essiedu as Severus Snape.

From the moment the announcement went public, the backlash has been unrelenting. While other casting choices have sparked minor debates—such as the updated portrayal of Hermione Granger—Essiedu's selection as Snape has received disproportionately heated responses across all platforms. And now, a new rumor is throwing more fuel on the fire: that HBO may be preparing to recast Snape altogether.