'Harry Potter' star Paapa Essiedu addresses backlash over Snape casting

Newsentertainmentenglishhollywood'Harry Potter' star Paapa Essiedu addresses backlash over Snape casting; says he took role with 'open eyes' 'Harry Potter' star Paapa Essiedu addresses backlash over Snape casting; says he took role with 'open eyes' TOI Entertainment Desk / etimes.in / Oct 31, 2026, 04:44 IST Actor Paapa Essiedu has addressed the backlash surrounding his casting as Professor Severus Snape in HBO's upcoming 'Harry Potter' series.

The actor, who will be taking over the mantle from the late Alan Rickman, has been facing trolling and racially charged death threats, since his casting announcement last year.Speaking to Variety at the 2026 TIME100 Next Gala on Thursday, Essiedu opened up about his decision to join the highly anticipated series despite the hostility surrounding his casting.

"The whole team has been so supportive of me," he shared. "Obviously, my priority is the work. I wouldn't take this job on [otherwise], but I walk into it with open eyes. I understand the broad spectrum of what the reaction to what we're doing means, and I take that mantle on with an open and full heart.

I've also been blown away by a lot of the support and well-wishes and excitement."Essiedu also expressed pride in the project and the efforts of the people involved in bringing the beloved wizarding world to television.

He said, "I'm really proud of what I've seen so far. There are so many people who worked so hard on this project — and who it means so much to. It's been a long time coming. It's been a long time that people have been saying a lot of things, and now's the time for people to engage with what we made.

"The new adaptation will revisit the story of Harry Potter's first year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, introducing a new cast to the franchise previously brought to the big screen by Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint and Rickman, among others.'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone' is scheduled to premiere on HBO Max on December 25.

Get the latest Bollywood & Entertainment News, and more. Download the TOI app. Give your child the gift of confidence! Claim your exclusive TOI Masterclass spot today! The TOI Entertainment Desk is a dynamic and dedicated team of journalists, working tirelessly to bring the pulse of the entertainment world straight to the readers of The Times of India.

No red carpet goes unrolled, no stage goes dark - our team spans the globe, bringing you the latest scoops and insider insights from Bollywood to Hollywood, and every entertainment hotspot in between. We don't just report; we tell tales of stardom and stories untold.

Whether it's the rise of a new sensation or the seasoned journey of an industry veteran, the TOI Entertainment Desk is your front-row seat to the fascinating narratives that shape the entertainment landscape. Beyond the breaking news, we present a celebration of culture.

We explore the intersections of entertainment with society, politics, and everyday life. Qazi Touqeer Comeback: Abhijeet Sawant recalls ‘one-show wonder’ taunts; praises Qazi-Arijit Friendship Recalled: singer shares Fame Gurukul memories Bigg Boss 20: Love Gill confronts ScoutOP over Kaashvi row; recalls unverified Ghuggi saga From Kanika Mann, ScoutOP to Amrapali Dubey, Arishfa Khan and more: Estimated net worth of popular Bigg Boss 20 contestants Bigg Boss 20: Kaashvi Hiranandani apologises after facing backlash over remarks against Love Bigg Boss 20 Weekend Ka Vaar: Kaashvi confronts ScoutOP on Love Gill bond; calls it ‘vulgar’ Weekend Ka Vaar Episode: Rohit Shetty backs YUNG DSA; urges him to play solo Rohit Shetty Slams Gangster Acts: filmmaker scolds Bigg Boss 20 ‘bully gang’; invokes Tiger Shroff firing From claiming to earn over Rs 30 lakhs a month to a car collection, net worth and more: Bigg Boss 20’s Scout OP’s lavish lifestyle Kaashvi Confronts Scout And Love: Girlfriend challenges ‘brotherly’ bond; urges him to cut her out