Paapa Essiedu has faced racially charged death threats after being cast as Snape in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter series. The makers have increased on-set security, calling the backlash unfortunate but anticipated
Paapa Essiedu
The Harry Potter TV series is currently under production, and the makers announced the cast last year. The show, being produced by HBO, will feature fresh faces bringing back the magic of Hogwarts School. Reactions to the new casting have been mixed, but actor Paapa Essiedu has reportedly received death threats after being cast as Professor Snape. He has been on the receiving end of severe online abuse, including racially motivated threats.
Security enhanced on Harry Potter sets
The makers have heightened security on set amid threats targeting Essiedu. Casey Bloys, CEO of HBO and HBO Max, confirmed the increased security and said the backlash was expected given the show’s massive global fan base.
Speaking to Variety, he said, “With actors on major IP shows — especially one with such passionate fans — things can get scary. We anticipated this and provided training and best practices for social media, along with a strong security team. Unfortunately, it’s something we thought might happen, and we’re being as careful as possible.”
When Paapa Essiedu addressed backlash
Some Harry Potter fans have expressed disappointment and frustration over a Black actor being cast as Professor Snape. The role was previously portrayed by the late Alan Rickman in the films.
Earlier, Paapa addressed the backlash in an interview with The Sunday Times, saying, “I’ve been told, ‘Quit or I’ll murder you.’ If I look at Instagram, I’ll see someone saying they’ll come to my house and kill me. While I hope I’ll be okay, nobody should face this for doing their job. Many people risk their lives at work — I’m playing a wizard in Harry Potter. I’d be lying if I said it doesn’t affect me emotionally.”
The upcoming series, expected to premiere in 2027, features a largely new cast, including Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. The young trio were selected from more than 30,000 actors who auditioned in a casting call last fall, reported Variety.
Led by showrunner Francesca Gardiner and director Mark Mylod of 'Succession,' HBO's new take on the beloved book-turned-movie-franchise will follow the young Potter as he discovers he's a wizard, leaves his Muggle family behind and sets off to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, reported Variety.
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