‘Harry Potter’ Series Star Paapa Essiedu Says He’s Received Death Threats for Snape Casting
“I’ve been told, ‘Quit or I’ll murder you,’” the actor told 'The Times.'
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Share on Facebook Share on X Google Preferred Share to Flipboard Show additional share options Share on LinkedIn Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share on Tumblr Share on Whats App Send an Email Print the Article Post a Comment Logo text Paapa Essiedu has revealed he’s faced racist death threats after being cast as Professor Severus Snape in HBO ‘s upcoming Harry Potty television series. “I’ve been told, ‘Quit or I’ll murder you,’” the actor told The Times in a profile published Saturday. Essiedu said after his casting was officially announced in April 2025, he faced backlash for being a Black actor stepping into the role of Snape. “It really matters. 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. “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.” Related Stories TV How a Local Outcast Found His Nudist Haven in 'Neighbors' -- And What Happened Next TV White House Says Bill Maher Isn't Getting the Mark Twain Prize ... But Was He Offered It? The role of Snape was originated by Alan Rickman in 2001’s Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone . He went on to portray the wizard throughout its eight-film run. However, the I May Destroy You star added that “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,” he continued. When asked if he could stay offline to avoid negative discourse, Essi...
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