British actor Paapa Essiedu, cast as Snape in HBO Max’s 2027 "Harry Potter" series, faced racist death threats but remains committed to the role for representation.

British actor Paapa Essiedu, cast as Severus Snape in HBO Max’s upcoming "Harry Potter" series, has revealed he received racist death threats following the casting announcement, including messages threatening to murder him if he continued in the role. He described the online abuse as deeply distressing, though he does not believe he is in immediate physical danger. Essiedu said the harassment has fueled his determination to portray the character authentically, especially for young Black viewers seeking representation. The series, set to premiere in 2027, marks a major shift in the franchise’s casting, sparking controversy among some fans.