Landing a lead role in the new Harry Potter television series is a life-changing milestone. But for Paapa Essiedu, who is set to play the iconic, complex Severus Snape, stepping into the Wizarding World has come with a disturbing level of toxic backlash.
In a new interview with The Times U.K., the acclaimed actor opened up about the severe online abuse he has faced since his casting was announced, revealing that the vitriol has escalated all the way to death threats.
Stepping into a beloved franchise often means dealing with intense fan opinions, but Essiedu is facing a dangerous level of harassment.
“I’ve been told, ‘Quit or I’ll murder you,’” he shared with the outlet. “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.”
Despite his success, Essiedu admitted that the constant barrage of hate takes a toll. Pointing out that he is simply “playing a wizard in Harry Potter,” he added, “I’d be lying if I said it doesn’t affect me emotionally.”
Even though the harassment is severe, Essiedu has chosen not to take legal action or report the internet trolls to the authorities. For him, penalizing keyboard warriors wouldn’t solve the root of the problem.
“Even if you successfully ignore it, it doesn’t mean it’s not happening. The issue remains endemic,” he explained. When asked about reporting the threats, his answer was incredibly grounded: “No. 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.”
Instead of letting the racist backlash push him out of the project, Essiedu is using the negativity as motivation to deliver an unforgettable performance. His ultimate goal is to inspire the next generation of fans.
“The abuse fuels me. And makes me more passionate about making this character my own, because 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.”
Beyond the casting backlash, Essiedu also addressed his unwavering support for the transgender community. In a franchise that has been heavily clouded by the controversial views of its creator, J.K. Rowling, Essiedu made it clear where he stands and noted that the network has his back.
“My points of view are mine and will continue to be so,” Essiedu stated, referring to an open letter he signed advocating for trans rights. “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.”
Despite the rocky start with internet trolls, Essiedu is fully prepared to buckle in for the long haul. The HBO series is expected to adapt all seven books over a decade-long run, making this role a defining chapter of his life and career.
“Yes, this is a big commitment,” he acknowledged. “I’ll be 45 by the time I finish and 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.”
