Paapa Essiedu Opens Up About Facing Death Threats After His Snape Casting in ‘Harry Potter’ Series
Paapa Essiedu, the newly cast actor for Severus Snape in the upcoming adaptation of the Harry Potter series, has reported receiving a series of racist death threats since his involvement in the project was announced.
In a recent interview with The Times U.K., Essiedu recalled the shocking nature of the vitriol he has faced: “I’ve been told, ‘Quit or I’ll murder you.’” The actor, known for his breakout role in I May Destroy You, will take on this iconic character originally portrayed by the late Alan Rickman, committing to the role for a decade, according to Warner Bros. Television’s plans for the series.
“Yes, this is a big commitment,” Essiedu acknowledged, noting that he will be 45 by the time his tenure concludes. “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 added.
Reflecting on his childhood love for J.K. Rowling’s novels, Essiedu described them as providing “escapism.” He expressed that the hateful comments regarding his casting only serve to deepen his resolve. “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.’ 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,” he said.
Essiedu emphasized that such abuse fuels his passion: “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.”
When questioned about the possibility of steering clear of social media, he acknowledged its challenges: “Even if you successfully ignore it, it doesn’t mean it’s not happening. The issue remains endemic, and anyway, people see stuff and message to ask if I’m OK.” He reflected on the futility of reporting such threats, remarking, “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.”
Despite the backlash, Essiedu joined the cast due to the source material’s themes of love and acceptance. He has also been an outspoken critic of Rowling’s anti-trans sentiments, participating in efforts to advocate for trans rights alongside over 400 fellow artists. “My points of view are mine and will continue to be so,” he stated. “I signed that letter because I believe that artists in the trans community have a right to be treated with dignity and should be able to work without being intimidated. I have been really supported by the production team, and I’d sign that letter again today.”
The Harry Potter series is slated to premiere next year.
