HBO's 'Harry Potter' Series: Snape Actor Says 'I Hope I’ll Be Okay' After Death Threats

Paapa Essiedu, the actor tapped to play Severus Snape in HBO's upcoming Harry Potter series, is speaking out about the alarming backlash he’s faced since his casting was announced. The star told The Times that he has received racist abuse and even death threats online, with messages warning, “Quit or I’ll murder you.”

“The reality is that if I look at Instagram I will see somebody saying, ‘I’m going to come to your house and kill you,’” Essiedu said. “While I hope I’ll be OK, nobody should have to encounter this for doing their job. Many people put their lives on the line in their work. I’m playing a wizard in Harry Potter. And I’d be lying if I said it doesn’t affect me emotionally.”

Essiedu Said the Abuse 'Fuels' Him

Despite the threats, Essiedu said the backlash has only fueled his determination. “The abuse fuels me,” he said. “It makes me more passionate about making this character my own, because I think of how I felt as a kid. I would imagine myself at Hogwarts on broomsticks, and the idea that a kid like me can see themselves represented in that world? That’s motivation to not be intimidated by someone saying they’d rather I died instead of doing work I’m going to be really proud of.”

When asked if he reported the threats, Essiedu admitted he hasn’t. “I don’t think some 17-year-old boy being put in jail for two weeks for threatening to murder me would actually make me feel any better,” he said.

Social media has been a battleground since the casting announcement. Some Harry Potter purists took issue with the choice, pointing to the iconic portrayal of Snape by Alan Rickman in the original films. But a large portion of fans have rallied around Essiedu, applauding HBO for diversifying the wizarding world.

On X, one fan wrote: “Paapa Essiedu as Snape is exactly the representation we needed. Can’t wait to see him own the role.” Another added, “People losing their minds over a talented actor playing a role doesn’t make sense. Support Paapa.”

The Backlash Behind the Snape Casting

Essiedu’s casting as Snape has sparked backlash largely because the character was previously portrayed by Alan Rickman, a white actor, in the original Harry Potter films. The controversy intensified after some critics tied the project to J.K. Rowling, whose past anti-trans statements have made her a polarizing figure.

However, several voices have defended Essiedu. Jason Isaacs, who played Lucius Malfoy in the films, praised Essiedu's acting abilities and labeled the negative responses “racist.” Essiedu himself has been vocal in supporting trans rights, highlighting the importance of dignity and safety for trans artists in the industry.

I don’t have the power to sack an actor from the series and I wouldn’t exercise it if I did. I don’t believe in taking away people’s jobs or livelihoods because they hold legally protected beliefs that differ from mine. pic.twitter.com/nKcAl3gcvO

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) May 5, 2025

Even Rowling responded to calls for Essiedu to be removed from the series, writing on X that she “does not believe in taking away people’s jobs or livelihoods because they hold legally protected beliefs that differ from mine.”