Key Takeaways
- Jason Isaacs calls out racism in backlash against Paapa Essiedu’s casting as Snape.
- Essiedu, a highly respected stage and screen actor, is poised to honor the legacy of Alan Rickman.
- HBO’s Harry Potter reboot is a decade-long, billion-pound project aiming to reimagine the iconic saga.
Harry Potter alum Jason Isaacs has strongly condemned the online racist attacks targeting actor Paapa Essiedu, who has been cast as Severus Snape in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter television adaptation.
During a panel appearance at FanExpo Denver, Isaacs—who portrayed Lucius Malfoy in the original film series—stood firmly behind Essiedu and called out the toxic backlash as blatant racism.
“What They’re Being Is Racist,” Says Isaacs
Isaacs didn’t mince words when addressing the hateful reactions to Essiedu’s casting. “Paapa Essiedu is one of the best actors I’ve ever seen in my life,” he said. “I’ve seen some people online who are being rude about him. What they’re being is racist.”
He emphasized that fans should wait to judge until they’ve seen the performance, expressing confidence that Essiedu will deliver a compelling portrayal. “They will be swallowing their tongues, hopefully — their digital tongues — when they see what he does on screen,” Isaacs added.
Also read: James Gunn’s ‘Superman’ Earns Glowing First Reactions: “A Soaring Triumph” for the DCU
A Respected Actor Taking on an Iconic Role
Paapa Essiedu brings a strong theater and screen resume to the role of Snape. The Emmy-nominated actor made his mark with performances in I May Destroy You, Black Mirror, and Gangs of London, among others. His classical training at the Royal Shakespeare Company further cements his ability to take on complex roles like the brooding Hogwarts professor.
The late Alan Rickman’s portrayal of Snape in the original films is widely revered, setting a high bar for Essiedu—but many, including Isaacs, believe he’s more than up to the task.
HBO’s Big-Budget Commitment to a Fresh Reimagining
HBO’s reboot of the Harry Potter saga is set to span a decade, with each season dedicated to a single book. The studio is investing heavily, reportedly expanding Leavesden Studios with new facilities, including a real-life Privet Drive.
While the cast continues to take shape—Daniel Rigby and Bel Powley are set to play Vernon and Petunia Dursley—the online conversation has turned toxic in some corners. However, voices like Isaacs’ are helping shift the narrative back toward talent and storytelling.
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