New “Harry Potter” actor faces death threats over Snape role

New “Harry Potter” actor faces death threats over Snape role

Actor Paapa Essiedu, who has joined HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter project, admitted he is under intense pressure but has no intention of giving up.

Essiedu, who has been cast as Professor Severus Snape, has faced racist abuse and even death threats online.

In the original films, the character was portrayed by the late Alan Rickman, whose performance became iconic among fans. Essiedu acknowledged the responsibility that comes with taking on such a legendary role.

According to the actor, he will be 45 by the time the series is released, and his life is already beginning to change. Social media users are demanding that he step down from the role, flooding his accounts with harsh criticism and threats.

“Every time I open social media, someone is saying they will come to my house and kill me. I don’t think it will actually happen, but even this kind of reaction is not normal. No one should go through this because of their job,” he said.

Despite the backlash, Essiedu has no plans to leave the project. He believes that avoiding the issue will not solve racism. On the contrary, the pressure motivates him to work harder and make the character his own.

The series also stars Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, and Lox Pratt as Draco Malfoy.

Professor Dumbledore will be played by John Lithgow, Minerva McGonagall by Janet McTeer, and Rubeus Hagrid by Nick Frost.

Filming began last summer, and the premiere is scheduled for 2027.