Harry Potter TV series star says he has received death threats over taking Snape role: “I’d be lying if I said it doesn’t affect me emotionally”

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I was really shocked to hear that Paapa Essiedu, who’s been cast in the new Harry Potter series, has been getting death threats. It’s awful that anyone would send him such horrible messages just because of a role he’s playing.

The actor, famous for his roles in shows like I May Destroy You and The Capture, will play the complex character Severus Snape in the new HBO Max series based on JK Rowling’s popular books.

In an interview with The Sunday Times, actor Weruche Essiedu revealed that he’s received hurtful reactions to being cast in the upcoming show, which is set to debut in early 2027, and that these responses have been upsetting for him.

He chuckled and then added that the situation could easily become awkward later on. While he hoped he’d be alright, he stressed that no one should have to go through this simply for doing their job, noting that many professions involve real risk. He explained he’s playing a wizard in Harry Potter, and admitted the experience has been emotionally impactful.

Essiedu acknowledged receiving harsh criticism, but says it actually motivates him and strengthens his dedication to playing Snape.

When he was growing up, he often daydreamed about attending Hogwarts and flying on broomsticks. He realized that seeing someone like himself represented in that magical world was incredibly inspiring. It gave him the strength to ignore negativity – even hurtful comments – and pursue work he truly believed in.

Last year, Jason Isaacs, known for his role in the Harry Potter films, publicly condemned the racist harassment directed at Essiedu after Essiedu was cast in the television series.

Isaacs praised Paapa Essiedu as one of the most talented actors he’s ever witnessed, and criticized online negativity towards him, calling it racist. He made these comments at FanExpo Denver, as reported by Collider.

Everyone in the new Harry Potter TV series is fantastic. The actors will be stunned – likely digitally, with visual effects – by Essiedu’s performance.

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The new TV series will have eight episodes in its first season. Dominic McLaughlin will play Harry Potter, Alastair Stout will play Ron Weasley, and Arabella Stanton will play Hermione Granger. Stanton will also be the voice of Hermione in the full-cast audiobooks of the Harry Potter series.

Joining the cast as key characters are John Lithgow, known for his role in The Crown, playing Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer from Ozark as Deputy Headmistress Minerva McGonagall, and Nick Frost of Hot Fuzz as the groundskeeper Rubeus Hagrid.

Currently, Essiedu is appearing in season 3 of The Capture and will soon be featured in a moving new BBC series called Babies.

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Lewis KnightNews and Trends Editor

Lewis leads news and trending content at TopMob, ensuring we deliver what our audience wants. He’s a huge fan of TV and movies, especially anything with Nicole Kidman, but also loves science fiction, independent films, and the newest shows on HBO. With a background in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Film Studies, Lewis previously worked in advertising before spending three years at The Mirror, where he focused on community management, SEO, and reporting on showbiz, film, and television.

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2026-03-22 16:07