Paapa Essiedu's casting as Snape in HBO's Harry Potter series invites backlash over race change: 'They've already ruined it'

British actor Paapa Essiedu has officially been cast as Professor Severus Snape in HBO¡¯s upcoming Harry Potter TV series, and the internet has thoughts. The announcement stirred up a whirlwind of reactions from Harry Potter fans Potterheads, with fans split over whether the casting fit J.K. Rowling¡¯s original vision of the character.

Why is the internet not convinced with Paapa Essiedu taking on the role of Snape?

Essiedu, best known for his roles in I May Destroy You and The Lazarus Project, is stepping into the shoes of a character made iconic by Alan Rickman. While many are excited to see how he takes the legacy forward of one of the most talked about characters, others are raising eyebrows over the creative choice.

At the core of the backlash is a Black actor taking over the role. In the books, Snape is described as pale with greasy black hair, basically details that some feel clash with this new direction. Fans believe that Snape's racial identity could shift how that narrative is interpreted.

?BREAKING: It has been confirmed that in the upcoming Harry Potter TV series by HBO Severus Snape will be played by Paapa Essiedu

Go woke, go broke? pic.twitter.com/zaaFIwwwsC

¡ª Basil the Great (@Basil_TGMD) April 14, 2025

On the flip side, some fans are rallying behind Essiedu, pointing to his talent and the chance to bring fresh nuance to Snape¡¯s morally grey story.

The internet reacts to Essiedu's casting

The internet is divided over Paapa Essiedu¡¯s casting as Snape. While some praise the fresh take, most fans have argued it strays from the books.

One Harry Potter fan page called it a disappointing choice, noting, "Snape is described in the books as being a 'thin man with greasy, shoulder-length black hair, a large hooked nose, sallow skin, and cold, black eyes." The drawing below was drawn by J.K. Rowling herself, which correlates with how she described Snape's appearance in the books. They haven't even started filming this TV series, and they have already ruined it."

What a massive disappointment.

Paapa Essiedu has officially been cast as Severus Snape in the Harry Potter TV series, as announced today by HBO.

The creators of the show, including J.K. Rowling, said that the TV series would be a faithful adaptation of the books. Snape is¡­ pic.twitter.com/4lyMtie18j

¡ª Harry Potter Universe (@HPotterUniverse) April 14, 2025

Another fan noted if it were about representation, it should not have come at a cost of accuracy. "Paapa Essiedu should not have been cast as Severus Snape in the Harry Potter TV series. Why not focus on expanding actual Black characters like Dean Thomas, Angelina Johnson, Lee Jordan, or Kingsley Shacklebolt?" the user noted.

Paapa Essiedu should not have been cast Severus Snape in the Harry Potter TV series.

Why not focus on expanding actual black characters like Dean Thomas, Angelina Johnson, Lee Jordan or Kingsley Shacklebolt? pic.twitter.com/VMI5y8KXce

¡ª Goat Herder 101 ? (@BillyGoat838) April 14, 2025

A third fan added, "So it's been confirmed that Paapa Essiedu is cast as Snape. This is the biggest mistake they could have made. This show could have been bigger than even Game of Thrones if done right and handled with care. Race-bending a pivotal character shows little to no respect for the source material. I'm beyond bothered by this."

So it's been confirmed that Paapa Essiedu is cast as Snape. This is the biggest mistake they could have made. This show could have been bigger than even Game of Thrones if done right and handled with care. Race swapping a pivotal character shows little to no respect for the¡­

¡ª ? ? ? ? ? ? ? (@xMRxZEROx) April 14, 2025

One fan wrote, "No hate to Paapa Essiedu, please; he did nothing to any of us. Hate the Warner, hate JK, but not Essiedu."

No hate to Paapa Essiedu please, he did nothing to any of us. Hate the Warner, hate JK but not Essiedu. https://t.co/ncOrVAcNvp

¡ª ???? ???????? ????? (@damianoshair) April 14, 2025

Some fans also defended the casting choice, with one stating, "The color of a man¡¯s skin should not be of more significance than the color of his eyes. Paapa Essiedu is a really good actor." Another listed out his accolades, which include Emmy and BAFTA nominations, to defend the casting choice.

Who else is joining the cast?

Alongside Paapa Essiedu, HBO has announced five more familiar faces joining the Harry Potter reboot. Veteran actor John Lithgow is stepping in as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer will take on Minerva McGonagall, and Nick Frost is set to play Hagrid. While Luke Thallon has been cast as Professor Quirrell, Paul Whitehouse is taking on the role of Filch.

HBO has just confirmed the first 6 cast members for the ¡®HARRY POTTER¡¯ TV series:

? Nick Frost as Hagrid
? John Lithgow as Dumbledore
? Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch
? Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell
? Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape
? Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall pic.twitter.com/RlsQ78N5bh

¡ª DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) April 14, 2025

What¡¯s the vision for the series?

HBO is promising a deeper, more detailed take on Rowling¡¯s seven-book saga. Francesca Gardiner (His Dark Materials) is on board as showrunner, with Succession¡¯s Mark Mylod directing multiple episodes. Rowling herself is listed as an executive producer; expect the core of the source material to remain intact, at least plot-wise.

Notably, the hunt is still on for the main trio¡ªHarry, Hermione, and Ron¡ªwith open casting calls reportedly encouraging a wide range of talent to apply.

The show is slated to drop sometime in 2026. Until then, fans will likely keep debating.

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