Paapa Essiedu, HBO's Snape for the 'Harry Potter' Series, Isn't Phased by Haters
The actor thanked fans for their support and said he expected there would be complaints about his version of the character.
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Image credits: HBO
In an interview with Variety during the TIME100 Next gala, Paapa Essiedu commented on the reaction to his look as Severus Snape in the new HBO Harry Potter series. The actor traded the buttoned robes immortalized by Alan Rickman for a gothic style, with dreadlocks at shoulder length, a leather jacket with a zipper and a flowing black cape.
For the actor, the aesthetic change goes beyond appearance. "I think aesthetics are important. I don't know if style is at the top of my mind when I create the character, but the way he looks says a lot about who he is and who he wants people to think he is," he stated. He credited the result to the work of the costume department.
“Harry Potter” star Paapa Essiedu says he “wouldn’t have taken this job on” if he couldn’t handle the Snape casting backlash: “Obviously, my priority is the work. I wouldn’t take this job on [otherwise], but I walk into it with open eyes. I understand the broad spectrum of what the reaction to what we’re doing means, and I take that mantle on with an open and full heart. I’ve also been blown away by a lot of the support and well-wishes and excitement.” https://t.co/dde9F8VTTv
— Variety (@Variety) October 30, 2026
The casting of Essiedu generated a wave of racist attacks online, including death threats. The actor, who had previously stated that the hostility motivated him to make the character his own, highlighted the support he received from his production colleagues. "The entire team has been very supportive," said Essiedu.
"Obviously, my priority is the work. I wouldn't accept this job [any other way], but I go into it with my eyes open. I understand the broad spectrum of what the reaction to what we're doing means, and I take on that burden with an open and full heart. I've also been overwhelmed by much of the support, the well wishes, and the excitement."
With the series premiere scheduled for the Christmas period, he expressed pride in the work delivered. "I'm very proud of what I've seen so far. Many people worked hard on this project, and now it's time for people to engage with what we've done."
It's worth remembering that the series will be one of the main attractions at CCXP26, the world's largest pop culture festival, which takes place annually in São Paulo. More details about the Harry Potter program, which may include appearances on the Thunder Stage and, of course, the iconic Omelete Stage, will be released in the coming weeks.
Everything you need to know about Harry Potter
The upcoming HBO Max series is scheduled to premiere at Christmas 2026 with eight episodes in its first season. Filming began last summer, and the production has already confirmed that the story will not be told solely from Harry's point of view.
The confirmed cast includes Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley.
John Lithgow will play Albus Dumbledore. The series will also bring back History of Magic classes with Professor Binns, played by Richard Durden, and will foreshadow the introduction of Lucius Malfoy, who will be played by Johnny Flynn.
The series premieres this Christmas on HBO Max.
