After being cast as Severus Snape in the upcoming reboot, Paapa Essiedu has received criticism, and even death threats.
The new HBO series is set to begin with Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone this Christmas, introducing an entirely fresh cast to a new generation.
Paapa Essiedu taking on the role of Severus Snape, famously played by Alan Rickman, has sparked intense reactions online. Speaking to The Times, the actor admitted the backlash has already crossed a serious line, according to UNILAD.
“I’ve been told, ‘Quit or I’ll murder you’,” he revealed.
Despite that, Essiedu is fully aware of the scale of the opportunity, and the long-term commitment that comes with it. The reboot is expected to span a decade, meaning he’ll be in his mid-40s by the time it wraps.
“I know my life is going to change in a big way, but I have to just surrender to that. I could have children by the end of this,” he said.
Paapa Essiedu as Snape
The actor also reflected on his personal connection to the story, saying: “My mum couldn’t afford a babysitter in the holidays, so she would take me to the library.
“I loved Harry Potter. I never saw the films but the books were escapism when other things were less easy for me.”
Essiedu acknowledged that part of the controversy surrounding his casting stems from the fact that Snape is originally described as white in the books.
“It really matters,” he explained. “The reality is that if I look at Instagram I will see somebody saying, ‘I’m going to come to your house and kill you.’”
While he doesn’t believe the threats will be acted on, he admits the impact is still real.
“So while I’m pretty sure I’m not going to be murdered… That could age badly! But, yes, while I hope I’ll be OK, nobody should have to encounter this for doing their job. Many people put their lives on the line in their work. I’m playing a wizard in Harry Potter. And I’d be lying if I said it doesn’t affect me emotionally.”
“That’s why I’m doing it”
Still, instead of backing down, Essiedu says the backlash has only strengthened his resolve.
“I think of how I felt as a kid. I would imagine myself at Hogwarts on broomsticks, and the idea that a kid like me can see themselves represented in that world? That’s motivation to not be intimidated by someone saying they’d rather I died instead of doing work I’m going to be really proud of.”
He also pointed out that ignoring the abuse doesn’t make it disappear.
“The issue remains endemic and, anyway, people see stuff and message to ask if I’m OK,” he said, adding that he hasn’t reported the threats. “I don’t think some 17-year-old boy being put in jail for two weeks for threatening to murder me would actually make me feel any better.”
For Essiedu, the decision to take on the role ultimately comes back to the core message of the story itself.
“The themes that run through Harry Potter are of love triumphing over hate — of acceptance,” he said. “And that’s why I’m doing it.”
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