Paapa Essiedu, who plays Severus Snape in HBO’s “Harry Potter” series, has addressed the uproar over his casting, saying audiences hold strong feelings about the project and are entitled to them. Essiedu told Time he came to the story through the books, as many fans did. “People have got a lot of feelings about this,” he said, adding that everyone has the right to their own opinion. The interview lands weeks before the series is scheduled to premiere on HBO Max on Dec. 25.
The controversy began soon after HBO cast him in April 2025 in the role Alan Rickman made famous. Essiedu signed an open letter, backed by over 400 film and television professionals, that urged industry bodies including BAFTA, the BBC, the BFI and Channel 4 to protect trans people. The letter followed a UK Supreme Court ruling on the legal definition of a woman. Author J.K. Rowling, an executive producer on the series, welcomed that ruling, and her views on trans issues have drawn criticism for years.
Fans asked whether Rowling would push for his removal. She answered on X that she lacks the power to fire an actor and would not use it if she had it, saying she opposes stripping people of work over legally protected beliefs. HBO programming chief Casey Bloys has said her views are not being woven into the show.
Online hostility has not stayed within the bounds of that debate. Essiedu has said he received racist death threats, including a message telling him to quit or face murder. He told The Sunday Times the production team has made him feel “really supported,” and reports say the set tightened security. Jason Isaacs, who played Lucius Malfoy in the films, defended the casting and called its opponents racist. Co-star John Lithgow has also voiced disagreement with Rowling’s views on trans people.
Fans who object to the casting cite a mix of reasons, from loyalty to Rickman’s performance to Rowling’s public statements. The BBC is reportedly preparing a two-part documentary on the franchise and the author’s activism, so the series will arrive in a charged climate.
