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Harry Potter Fans Divided Over the Casting of Paapa Essiedu as Snape
Updated on: 15 April, 2025 01:45 PM IST |Amruta Karulkar
Paapa Essiedu and Alan Rickman as Snape
The wizarding world is bracing for a fresh take as HBO prepares its upcoming Harry Potter web series. Casting announcements made on Monday have already stirred the cauldron, particularly concerning one of Hogwarts` most complex figures: Severus Snape.
The confirmation of Essiedu`s casting, following earlier rumours, has ignited intense debate online. Many fans expressed frustration, arguing that the character is described as "pale" in J.K. Rowling`s books.
One user on X (formerly Twitter) stated, “HBO just officially killed their show in the womb. Snape is white in the books, so he should be white in the show, This is just DEI nonsense, Now imagine what will look like when white James Potter bullies black Severus Snape… Great way to push a racism, victim agenda.”
Another echoed this sentiment: “This is the worst race swap in the modern history of race swaps... HBO has officially divided the fandom before filming has even begun all for the sake of DEI [Diversity, Equity and Inclusion]."
Also Read: Cillian Murphy Returns As Tommy Shelby In Peaky Blinders Movie, Here`s What We Know
Others questioned the motivation behind the choice. A Reddit user wrote, “I`m not against race swapping a character but Snape is such a bad candidate. The books describe his appearance so vividly.”
Another wondered, “I do wonder if they`re casting a black actor as Snape just because the producers want to rock the boat intentionally or if Essiedu`s audition was genuinely the best... I wish him the best, and hope he does a good job”. Some fans remain unconvinced: “I am truly sorry but I cannot get behind Paapa Essiedu playing Snape. I think I will have to pass on this tv series.”
However, many fans embrace the casting, seeing potential for added depth. One user wrote, “This is the ONLY way to give a new life to this character! Alan Rickman DEVOURED this role!... Paapa Essiedu can add a layer of dimension and nuance to Snape being an outcast & not chosen by Lilly! Racism add a layer of anger.”
Another praised the choice: “Absolutely captivating casting choices. Paapa Essiedu`s Snape feels both heartbreakingly vulnerable and terrifyingly complex – a revelation." Enthusiasm was clear from another fan: “Paapa Essiedu is going to shock the world with how well he portrays Snape. Already calling it.”
Also Read: Harry Potter Series Cast: Who Plays Who?
Surprise additions include Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell and Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch. The crucial roles of Harry, Ron, and Hermione are yet to be announced, following an open casting call that drew over 30,000 submissions. HBO describes the project, produced with Brontë Film and TV and Warner Bros. Television, as a "faithful adaptation" intended to explore the wizarding world season by season.
Also Read: Michael Gambon Who Famously Played Dumbledore Dies at 82
A Legacy and a New Face
For years, the late Alan Rickman`s portrayal of Severus Snape defined the character for a generation of fans. His iconic performance set a high bar. Now, Paapa Essiedu, known for his role in Gangs of London, steps into the Potions Master`s robes for the new series. This decision has sent ripples through the fandom, prompting widespread discussion about deviating from the character`s description in the books.The confirmation of Essiedu`s casting, following earlier rumours, has ignited intense debate online. Many fans expressed frustration, arguing that the character is described as "pale" in J.K. Rowling`s books.
One user on X (formerly Twitter) stated, “HBO just officially killed their show in the womb. Snape is white in the books, so he should be white in the show, This is just DEI nonsense, Now imagine what will look like when white James Potter bullies black Severus Snape… Great way to push a racism, victim agenda.”
Another echoed this sentiment: “This is the worst race swap in the modern history of race swaps... HBO has officially divided the fandom before filming has even begun all for the sake of DEI [Diversity, Equity and Inclusion]."
Also Read: Cillian Murphy Returns As Tommy Shelby In Peaky Blinders Movie, Here`s What We Know
Others questioned the motivation behind the choice. A Reddit user wrote, “I`m not against race swapping a character but Snape is such a bad candidate. The books describe his appearance so vividly.”
Another wondered, “I do wonder if they`re casting a black actor as Snape just because the producers want to rock the boat intentionally or if Essiedu`s audition was genuinely the best... I wish him the best, and hope he does a good job”. Some fans remain unconvinced: “I am truly sorry but I cannot get behind Paapa Essiedu playing Snape. I think I will have to pass on this tv series.”
However, many fans embrace the casting, seeing potential for added depth. One user wrote, “This is the ONLY way to give a new life to this character! Alan Rickman DEVOURED this role!... Paapa Essiedu can add a layer of dimension and nuance to Snape being an outcast & not chosen by Lilly! Racism add a layer of anger.”
Another praised the choice: “Absolutely captivating casting choices. Paapa Essiedu`s Snape feels both heartbreakingly vulnerable and terrifyingly complex – a revelation." Enthusiasm was clear from another fan: “Paapa Essiedu is going to shock the world with how well he portrays Snape. Already calling it.”
Also Read: Harry Potter Series Cast: Who Plays Who?
More Than Just Snape: Other Casting News
Essiedu isn`t the only new face heading to Hogwarts. HBO confirmed several key roles: John Lithgow (The Crown) will play Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer (Tumbleweeds) takes on Minerva McGonagall, and Nick Frost (Shaun of the Dead) embodies Rubeus Hagrid.Surprise additions include Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell and Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch. The crucial roles of Harry, Ron, and Hermione are yet to be announced, following an open casting call that drew over 30,000 submissions. HBO describes the project, produced with Brontë Film and TV and Warner Bros. Television, as a "faithful adaptation" intended to explore the wizarding world season by season.
Also Read: Michael Gambon Who Famously Played Dumbledore Dies at 82
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