British actor Paapa Essiedu has spoken publicly about the disturbing online abuse he has faced since being cast as Severus Snape in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter television series. In a candid interview published on March 21, 2026, the actor revealed that the backlash has included racist comments and direct death threats.
Essiedu, known for his breakout role in I May Destroy You, shared that what should have been a career-defining moment quickly turned into a difficult experience. The casting announcement triggered intense criticism from a section of fans who objected to a Black actor playing the character originally portrayed by the late Alan Rickman in the film series.
I Have Been Told Quit or I Will Murder You
During his conversation with The Sunday Times, Essiedu did not hold back about the severity of the messages landing in his inbox. He described how the threats have become a regular part of his online experience.
“I’ve been told, ‘Quit or I’ll murder you,’” Essiedu said, recalling the messages he has received. He explained that the threats are not just empty words but appear frequently on his social media accounts.
“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,’” he stated. “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.”
The actor acknowledged the emotional weight of the situation despite trying to maintain perspective. “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.”
Turning Abuse Into Motivation
Rather than letting the hostility push him away from the role, Essiedu said the experience has strengthened his resolve. He shared that he channels the negativity into passion for his performance.
“But the abuse fuels me,” he explained. “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.”
Essiedu also shared his personal connection to the Harry Potter books, which he read growing up. He described them as a source of “escapism” during his childhood, though he admitted he never watched the original film adaptations starring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint.
A Decade-Long Commitment
The actor addressed the scale of the project, noting that Warner Bros. Television plans for the series to span approximately ten years. Essiedu, now 35, reflected on what that timeline means for his life.
“Yes, this is a big commitment,” he said. “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.”
The Harry Potter series is scheduled to premiere on HBO Max in 2027. The show will feature a new cast, with Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. Other confirmed cast members include John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, and Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid.
Standing by His Values
Beyond the casting controversy, Essiedu also addressed his public support for trans rights. He was among over 400 signatories of a petition calling on the UK entertainment industry to protect trans artists.
“My points of view are mine and will continue to be so,” Essiedu 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.”
When asked whether he had considered reporting the threats to authorities, Essiedu responded thoughtfully. “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.”
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Essiedu has built a strong reputation in British theatre and television since his debut in 2012. His notable stage work includes productions of The Merry Wives of Windsor and Hamlet. His breakthrough came in 2020 with the critically acclaimed series I May Destroy You, followed by appearances in Black Mirror and films such as Murder on the Orient Express.
The actor, who grew up reading J.K. Rowling’s novels, said the themes of the Harry Potter story drew him to the project. The HBO series is described as a “faithful adaptation” that aims to explore themes of “love triumphing over hate, of acceptance.”
Essiedu’s comments highlight a growing conversation about online harassment targeting actors in major franchises. His experience reflects how fan culture can cross from passionate discussion into personal attacks that have real emotional consequences for performers simply doing their jobs.
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