Paapa Essiedu faces backlash over Harry Potter role

Paapa Essiedu, who is set to play Professor Snape in HBO Max’s upcoming Harry Potter series, has revealed facing threats over his role due to his race.

Speaking to The Sunday Times, the actor revealed, “I’ve been told, ‘Quit or I’ll murder you.’ It’s disturbing, but unfortunately part of the reaction.” He added that while he does not expect real danger, the messages affect him emotionally.

He continued, “It makes me want to make this character my own. I think about how I felt as a kid, imagining myself at Hogwarts. If a kid like me can see themselves in this world, that’s motivation to keep going.”

Additionally, he recalled, “My mum couldn’t afford a babysitter, so she would take me to the library. I loved escaping into those stories when life was harder.”

Meanwhile, most of the cast will be new, including Dominic McLaughlin as Harry, Arabella Stanton as Hermione, and Alastair Stout as Ron.

Moreover, Paapa Essiedu mentioned that he is signed on for ten years and recognizes the personal changes ahead, when the show ends, he will be 45 and his life will be very different by then.