Paapa Essiedu explains why abuse over Harry Potter role “fuels” him

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Paapa Essiedu has revealed that the online harassment and death threats he’s received since being cast as Professor Snape in the upcoming Harry Potter series on HBO actually motivate him.

A fresh take on the beloved series is coming, with each season adapting one of the books, beginning with ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.’ Dominic McLaughlin will play Harry, with Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley.

The new project has faced criticism from the start, and the decision to cast Essiedu as Professor Snape sparked negative reactions towards the actor.

Essiedu recently shared how the online harassment he’s experienced has impacted his emotional well-being since being cast in the Harry Potter series.

Harry Potter star Paapa Essiedu says “nobody should have to encounter this for doing their job”

Paapa Essiedu, known for his roles in shows like Gangs of London, The Lazarus Project, and Black Doves, told The Times he receives death threats online. He said that whenever he checks Instagram, he often finds messages from people vowing to harm him.

He argued that acting isn’t actually a particularly dangerous profession, and the fuss over his casting seems ridiculous when you consider he’s playing a wizard in a fantasy series.

Essiedu expressed hope for a positive outcome but emphasized that no one should experience this situation simply for doing their job. He acknowledged the risks many people face in their professions, noting his own role as a wizard in Harry Potter, and admitted the experience had been emotionally challenging.

The actor said the negative reactions have actually pushed him to work even harder to create his own unique version of Snape, rather than simply copying Alan Rickman’s performance. He explained, “The criticism motivates me and makes me even more determined to make the character my own, because it reminds me of how I felt when I was younger.”

I used to escape into stories like Harry Potter, imagining myself flying on a broomstick at Hogwarts. Knowing that someone like me could be seen in that world really inspired me. It gives me the strength to ignore hateful comments – even threats – and focus on creating work I’ll be proud of.

Essiedu understands that simply ignoring the racism he’s experienced won’t make it disappear, and he describes it as widespread. He also pointed out that not all Harry Potter fans are against him being cast as Snape, and that many have reached out to check on his well-being.

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2026-03-23 18:54