Harry Potter fans were very vocal when Paapa Essiedu was cast as Severus Snape.
Olivier Award-winning actor Essiedu, 36, plays Professor Snape in HBO’s upcoming TV adaptation.
The announcement attracted controversy due to Essiedu’s appearance differing from previous portrayals of Snape.
Essiedu’s casting contrasts past portrayals of Snape, including Alan Rickman’s performance in the film series and the character’s description in the books
Some online users have argued this changge fundamentally changes the story itself.
What have some fans been saying online?
In one Reddit thread, a user wrote: “As the new Harry Potter trailer dropped on HBO Max, I was disappointed to see they doubled down on casting a Black actor as Snape.
“This fundamentally changes the story.”
They added: “Nobody asked for a Black Snape.
“That change does not contribute in any way to world building, just causes discourse [the] Harry Potter fandom did not need.”
In a different thread, another individual defended Essiedu’s casting.
This person penned: “Paapa has enormous shoes to fill and I’m pretty sure they all know that.
“Most fans are remembering not book-Snape when thinking of Paapa playing him, but Alan Rickman.”
This user further highlighted Snape’s “morally grey, vindictive and cruel” nature.
They concluded: “If Paapa plays an accurate Snape and the show doesn’t water him down like the films did, it won’t matter that he’s Black.
“Harry will have every reason in the world to be suspicious of him.
“James will have every reason in the world to bully a student who openly practiced and identified with the dark arts.”
What has Paapa Essiedu himself said?
In March 2026, the actor revealed he’s received racially-motivated death threats as a result of his Potter casting.
Addressing the backlash, Essiedu told Variety: “Obviously, my priority is the work.
“I wouldn’t take this job on [otherwise], but I walk into it with open eyes.
“I understand the broad spectrum of what the reaction to what we’re doing means, and I take that mantle on with an open and full heart.
“I’ve also been blown away by a lot of the support and well-wishes and excitement.”
Essiedu’s Career So Far
Having begun his career in 2012, Essiedu has built up an extensive resumé.
This includes the titular role in Hamlet, as well as Romeo in Romeo and Juliet.
Essiedu is also a well-established on-screen actor.
He received a Primetime Emmy nomination for comedy drama TV series I May Destroy You.
You might have also seen Essiedu pop up in Black Mirror, The Capture, Gangs of London and The Lazarus Project.
His feature films include Murder on the Orient Express and The Thomas Crown Affair.
In 2026, he won the Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role.
He earned this accolade for playing Chris Keller in Arthur Miller’s play All My Sons.
Essiedu has honed his craft for years by working alongside acting greats.
His past co-stars include Bryan Cranston, Sir Kenneth Branagh, Michaela Coel and Jessie Buckley.
What’s ahead?
Viewers will see Paapa Essiedu as Snape when the show debuts on Christmas Day.
John Lithgow, Janet McTeer, Nick Frost, Katherine Parkinson and Johnny Flynn also play major roles in the series.
Speaking to People, Essiedu praised his young co-stars playing the central trio.
Dominic McLaughlin stars as Harry, Alastair Stout plays Ron and Arabella Stanton rounds out the group as Hermione.
Essiedu said: “I’m so excited for the people to see the breadth of what these guys are bringing to this role because it’s just huge.
“It’s a huge weight and mantle that they’re putting upon themselves, and they’re just kids.
“They really are just kids.”