Harry Potter Star Paapa Essiedu: Death threats won't stop me from playing Snape

Paapa Essiedu, the actor cast as Professor Severus Snape in HBO Max’s upcoming Harry Potter series, has revealed that he has faced racist death threats over the role.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Essiedu said that after his casting was officially announced in April 2025, some fans reacted negatively to the idea of a Black actor playing Snape.

Essiedu, 35, shared in an interview with The Sunday Times that he received serious threats telling him to “quit or they will murder” him, including messages on Instagram warning of harm.

 As reported by Variety, although he believes the threats are unlikely to be carried out, he admitted they still take an emotional toll. “ Nobody should have to face this just for doing their job. I’m playing a wizard in Harry Potter, and I’d be lying if I said it doesn’t affect me emotionally,” he explained.

On the other hand, Essiedu said the backlash has only made him more determined, pushing him to fully embrace the role and make it his own.

In the same report, he reflected on his childhood, sharing that he once imagined himself at Hogwarts. Now, the opportunity to bring representation to that world motivates him even more. “I won’t be intimidated by people saying I shouldn’t be doing this work.”

Essiedu also revealed that he has signed on for 10 years, calling it a major commitment. The actor said he’ll be around 45 by the end and is choosing to fully embrace the journey.

The fantasy series, set to launch on HBO Max in 2027, will feature a new cast. Dominic McLaughlin will play Harry, Arabella Stanton will portray Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout will take on the role of Ron Weasley.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, production began last July at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden in the U.K., with plans to adapt each of J.K. Rowling’s novels into a separate season, totaling eight installments.