Paapa Essiedu to Star in Channel 4 Drama “Falling” Before Potentially Taking on Severus Snape Role
Paapa Essiedu, known for his roles in “I May Destroy You” and “Black Mirror,” is set to showcase his acting range in the upcoming Channel 4 drama “Falling” before potentially donning the robes of Severus Snape in HBO’s “Harry Potter” series. In this new project, Essiedu will play a Catholic priest alongside Keeley Hawes as a devoted nun in a love story penned by BAFTA-winning writer Jack Thorne.
“Falling” follows the story of Essiedu’s priest and Hawes’ nun, both deeply dedicated to their faith and community work. Unexpectedly, they find themselves falling in love, presenting a challenge to their vows and beliefs. The drama promises to be a witty, moving, and contemporary romantic tale that delves into themes of love, faith, and self-discovery.
The cast of “Falling” also includes Rakie Ayola, Jason Watkins, Niamh Cusack, Adrian Scarborough, David Dawson, Susan Brown, Sandra Voe, Holly Rhys, and Shayde Sinclair. Essiedu and Hawes have expressed their excitement about working on this project, praising Thorne’s writing and the opportunity to bring his scripts to life.
Thorne himself is thrilled to be exploring a love story, a departure from his usual work, and is grateful for the talented cast assembled for the project. The series is executive produced by George Ormond, George Faber, and Thorne, with Peter Hoar directing and Joe Donaldson producing.
“Falling” has been commissioned by Channel 4 and will be distributed internationally by Banijay Rights. The series is expected to captivate audiences with its heartfelt storytelling and compelling performances from its ensemble cast.