The upcoming HBO Harry Potter series has officially cast its Severus Snape, and fans are already diving into the actor’s previous work. British actor Paapa Essiedu has been cast as the iconic potions master in the new adaptation, replacing Alan Rickman’s legendary portrayal. Essiedu, 34, brings a fresh, intense energy to the role and has quickly become one of the most talked-about casting choices of 2026.
Before stepping into Snape’s black robes, Essiedu starred in one of the most underrated sci-fi thrillers of recent years: The Lazarus Project (2022–2023), a Sky Original series that aired on Peacock in the US. The show has built a dedicated cult following for its clever time-loop premise, high-stakes tension, and strong performances—but it’s now facing removal from streaming platforms, making it a must-watch before it disappears.
What Is The Lazarus Project?
Created by Joe Barton (Giri/Haji), The Lazarus Project follows George (Paapa Essiedu), a seemingly ordinary man who begins experiencing déjà vu and blackouts. He soon discovers he’s part of a secret organization that uses time-loop technology to prevent global catastrophes by resetting time before disasters occur. When a massive threat looms, George must decide whether to follow protocol or break the rules to save the woman he loves.
The series blends high-concept sci-fi with emotional drama, exploring themes of free will, morality, grief, and the cost of playing God with time. Essiedu’s performance as George is widely praised—layered, vulnerable, and quietly intense—earning him comparisons to early-career Riz Ahmed or Dev Patel. The show’s tight plotting, philosophical undertones, and shocking twists made it a sleeper hit among sci-fi fans.
Season 1 (8 episodes) aired in 2022, followed by Season 2 in 2023. While critically solid (Rotten Tomatoes scores in the mid-80s) and beloved by viewers, it never achieved massive mainstream breakout status.
Streaming Availability and Expiry Alert
As of February 2026:
- The Lazarus Project is currently streaming on Peacock (US) and Sky/NOW (UK).
- Peacock has confirmed the series will be removed from the platform on March 31, 2026, as part of a content rotation and licensing agreement expiration.
- No other major US streaming service currently holds the rights, meaning once it leaves Peacock, it may become difficult to stream legally without purchasing or waiting for a new home.
Fans and critics are urging viewers to watch now, especially with Essiedu’s Harry Potter casting driving renewed interest. The timing couldn’t be more urgent—less than two months remain to stream the full series before it potentially goes into limbo.
Why Essiedu’s Performance Makes It Essential Viewing
Essiedu’s work in The Lazarus Project showcases exactly why he was chosen for Snape: quiet intensity, emotional depth, and the ability to convey inner turmoil beneath a composed exterior. George is a man torn between duty and love, much like Snape’s own conflict between loyalty to Dumbledore and lingering devotion to Lily Potter. Watching the series now offers a perfect preview of Essiedu’s range ahead of the Harry Potter reboot.
The show also features strong supporting turns from Anjli Mohindra (Bodyguard), Caroline Quentin, and Rudi Dharmalingam, plus clever time-loop mechanics that keep every episode unpredictable.
Final Recommendation
If you’re a Harry Potter fan eager to see the new Snape in action—or simply love smart, character-driven sci-fi—stream The Lazarus Project on Peacock before March 31, 2026. It’s a gripping, underrated gem that deserves more attention, and Essiedu’s lead performance is a revelation. Don’t wait—time loops may save the world in the show, but they won’t save the series from leaving streaming soon. Watch it now while you still can.
Source - https://www.cbr.com/paapa-essiedu-sci-fi-series-the-lazarus-project-leaving-netflix-january-2026/
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