Paapa Essiedu refuses to let racist backlash overshadow his role as Snape in ‘Harry Potter’

The British actor says he’s focused on bringing depth to the beloved character despite facing racist criticism and death threats over his casting.

For Paapa Essiedu, stepping into the world of “Harry Potter” has come with more than the usual pressure of taking on a beloved character. The British actor, who will portray Severus Snape in HBO’s upcoming television adaptation, has faced racist backlash and even death threats since his casting was announced.

But Essiedu isn’t allowing the controversy to distract him from the work.

Speaking with Variety at the TIME100 Next gala Thursday, the 36-year-old actor discussed his approach to the role and the support he’s received from the production team.

“The whole team has been so supportive of me,” Essiedu told the outlet. “Obviously, my priority is the work.”

He acknowledged that he understood the magnitude of joining a franchise with such a passionate fan base, particularly as a Black actor portraying a character previously played by the late Alan Rickman.

“I walk into it with open eyes,” Essiedu said, adding that he’s also been encouraged by the support and excitement surrounding the series.

His casting has sparked intense debate among fans, with some objecting to the decision to cast a Black actor as Snape. The backlash has extended well beyond criticism of the creative direction.

In March, Essiedu revealed to The Sunday Times that he’d received messages threatening his life.

“I’ve been told, ‘Quit or I’ll murder you,’” he said.

Although he acknowledged the emotional toll of the abuse, Essiedu explained that it had also strengthened his determination to make the role his own.

He recalled growing up immersed in the Harry Potter books and imagining himself attending Hogwarts. The possibility that a child who looks like him might now see themselves represented in that fictional world has become a source of motivation.

Essiedu, whose credits include “I May Destroy You” and “Black Mirror”, isn’t the only actor to address the controversy.

Jason Isaacs, who portrayed Lucius Malfoy in the original film franchise, defended Essiedu’s casting last year, calling out the racism behind some of the criticism.

“Paapa Essiedu is one of the best actors I’ve ever seen in my life,” Isaacs said during a FanExpo Denver panel, as reported by Collider.

Despite the scrutiny, Essiedu says he’s proud of what the cast and crew have created.

“I’m really proud of what I’ve seen so far,” he told Variety, emphasizing the dedication of the people working on the series.

With the show’s premiere approaching, Essiedu hopes audiences will finally shift their attention from the controversy surrounding his casting to the performance itself.

“Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” premieres this Christmas on HBO Max.