HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter TV series, set to premiere in late 2026 or early 2027, has ignited a firestorm of debate with its casting of British actor Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape. Known for his compelling performances in I May Destroy You and The Lazarus Project, Essiedu is a talented choice—but one that has sparked controversy for reasons far beyond his acting chops. The decision to cast a Black actor as the famously pale, sallow-skinned potions master, described in J.K. Rowling’s books as having “marble white” skin, has raised questions about fidelity to the source material, the amplification of racial themes in Snape’s backstory, and the potential real-world consequences for Essiedu himself. Is this casting a bold step toward inclusivity, or a misstep that risks undermining the story and exposing the actor to undue harm?

A Departure from the Books

HBO has marketed its Harry Potter series as a “faithful adaptation” of Rowling’s seven-book saga, promising a deeper exploration of the wizarding world with each season dedicated to a single novel. Yet, the casting of Essiedu as Snape—a character vividly described as “a thin man with sallow skin, a large, hooked nose, and yellow, uneven teeth” with “greasy black hair” and “cold, black eyes”—has drawn criticism for straying from this promise. Fans have pointed to Rowling’s own sketches and descriptions, which emphasize Snape’s pallid, almost sickly appearance, as evidence that Essiedu’s casting contradicts the source material. One X user lamented, “Snape’s pallid/sallow sickly skin is an iconic image and an important part of his characterisation in the book.”

The decision has fueled accusations of “race-swapping,” with some fans arguing that HBO is prioritizing diversity over authenticity. A post on X declared, “The casting of Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape is blatant DEI nonsense… Every single Harry Potter fan wanted Adam Driver.” Critics contend that other characters, such as Dean Thomas, Angelina Johnson, or Kingsley Shacklebolt, could have been expanded to promote diversity without altering a central figure like Snape.

Amplifying Themes of Abuse and Racism

Beyond book accuracy, the casting raises deeper concerns about how it reshapes Snape’s narrative. In Rowling’s books, Snape is a complex, morally ambiguous character: a bullied outsider who suffers at the hands of James Potter and his friends, harbors unrequited love for Lily Potter, and later becomes a cruel teacher and double agent. His backstory includes themes of prejudice, particularly around blood purity, as he is mocked for his Muggle heritage as the “Half-Blood Prince.” Casting a Black actor in this role introduces new racial dynamics that some argue could distort the story’s intent.

Scenes of James Potter bullying a young Snape—already fraught with class and social tensions—take on a heavier weight when Snape is portrayed as a Black man. A Reddit user noted, “What is going to happen with the Marauders tease him in the flashback and hang him upside down by his ankle? That doesn’t seem…appropriate.” Critics fear that these moments, set in the 1970s, could evoke real-world racial violence, inadvertently framing James and his friends as not just bullies but potential racists. One X post quipped, “A Black man would be perfect casting for Snape since Harry spends his entire school career going ‘I swear that guy is up to no good’ with no hard evidence and then becomes a cop.” While satirical, the comment underscores how the casting could shift perceptions of the story’s dynamics.

Moreover, Snape’s own behavior—his cruelty toward students like Harry and Neville—complicates the issue. A Teen Vogue op-ed argued that casting a Black actor as a character who is “cruel, acerbic” and whose actions “border on abuse” risks reinforcing negative stereotypes, especially when paired with his eventual redemption. The article warned that this choice could “worsen the existing racism and abuse in the series,” citing the Harry Potter fandom’s history of harassing Black actors, such as Noma Dumezweni, who played Hermione in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

The Cost to Paapa Essiedu

Perhaps the most troubling aspect of this casting is the potential toll on Essiedu himself. The Harry Potter fandom, while passionate, has a documented history of toxic behavior, particularly toward actors of color. Dumezweni faced a barrage of racist abuse for her role as Hermione, and Essiedu has already endured trolling since rumors of his casting surfaced in December 2024. A Teen Vogue critic expressed concern for Essiedu’s mental health and safety, stating, “We know where this leads: to further harassment of Black people, online and off.” Another fan on X pleaded, “Lord protect this man because I know HBO won’t.”

The backlash has not been universal, however. Supporters argue that Essiedu’s talent makes him an inspired choice, capable of bringing fresh nuance to Snape’s layered character. One fan wrote on X, “Paapa Essiedu is going to shock the world with how well he portrays Snape. Already calling it.” Others point out that Essiedu, at 34, is closer in age to the book’s 31-year-old Snape than Alan Rickman was during the films, offering a chance to portray a younger, more volatile version of the character.

A Broader Cultural Debate

The controversy over Essiedu’s casting reflects broader tensions in Hollywood about diversity, representation, and adaptation. Some critics accuse HBO of using Snape’s casting as a performative gesture to appeal to progressive audiences, especially in light of J.K. Rowling’s polarizing comments on transgender issues. Others see it as a continuation of the franchise’s efforts to diversify, as evidenced by the casting of a Black Hermione in Cursed Child, which Rowling herself defended.

However, the decision also raises questions about the balance between inclusivity and narrative integrity. A YouTube vlogger with over 700,000 subscribers argued, “Casting someone from a historically marginalised group brings whole new meaning to [Snape’s] dynamic” as an outsider facing prejudice. While this could enrich the story, it risks overshadowing Rowling’s original themes of class, blood purity, and personal redemption with modern racial allegories that may feel forced.

Can Essiedu Rise Above the Noise?

Despite the controversy, there’s no denying Paapa Essiedu’s ability to tackle complex roles. His Emmy-nominated work demonstrates a depth and intensity that could make his Snape unforgettable, provided the writing and direction support him. HBO’s showrunner Francesca Gardiner and director Mark Mylod have emphasized their commitment to a “fantastic” retelling, and Essiedu is joined by a stellar cast, including John Lithgow as Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as McGonagall, and Nick Frost as Hagrid.

Ultimately, the success of Essiedu’s casting will depend on whether HBO can navigate the delicate balance of honoring Rowling’s vision while introducing fresh perspectives. For now, the internet remains divided, with some fans ready to embrace a new Snape and others convinced the series is doomed. As one X user put it, “This show is going to be a cultural event, whether we like it or not.”

Will Essiedu’s Snape silence the critics and redefine an iconic character? Or will the casting prove a costly misstep for HBO’s ambitious reboot? Only time—and the series’ premiere—will tell. Until then, the wizarding world braces for a debate as heated as a potion gone wrong.