Harry Potter’s New Snape Officially Doubles Down on Opposing J.K. Rowling

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Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape in HBO's Harry Potter series.

Published Nov 11, 2026, 7:45 PM EST

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Taking over one of the most recognizable roles in the Harry Potter franchise was never going to be easy, particularly when the late Alan Rickman made Severus Snape such an unforgettable part of the original movies. But for Paapa Essiedu, the challenge of bringing the Hogwarts professor to life has come with considerably more than the usual comparisons to his predecessor. Since his casting was announced, the actor has faced racist abuse and even death threats, while his public support for transgender rights has also attracted attention. And with HBO's new adaptation preparing to arrive this Christmas, Essiedu has made it clear that he's not interested in backing away from his beliefs.

Speaking with Vanity Fair, Essiedu confirmed his support for transgender rights while refusing to discuss Harry Potter creator J.K. Rowling, whose views on the subject differ from his own. He previously signed an open letter criticizing a UK Supreme Court ruling concerning the legal definition of sex, prompting speculation about whether his position could create tension behind the scenes.

"I don't want to talk about Jo at all. I believe, in my bones, that trans people, queer people, people of all creeds and color have got the right to be treated with respect and dignity and safety at all times—whether they're in the workplace, whether they're at home or in the street, whatever. That's what I believe, and that's the way that I choose to live my life. That's the creed by which I live."

Previously, Rowling stated that she had no issues with Esseidu taking a position on the matter and added that she would never try to take action against someone for holding different beliefs.

"I don't have the power to sack an actor from the series and I wouldn't exercise it if I did. I don't believe in taking away people's jobs or livelihoods because they hold legally protected beliefs that differ from mine."

Beyond the discussion surrounding Rowling, Essiedu has faced racist harassment since joining the series, including threats against his life, but he said any criticism of him should purely be down to the work on screen.

"There's some people who are just like, 'I've done my research, and I know what kind of actor you are, and you suck.' And they're totally entitled to their opinion. But then there are the people who are like, 'You are bad because you are Black'—which, to me, is racist. Well, actually not 'You're bad because you are Black.' But there is a racially driven animosity."

Who Stars in 'Harry Potter'?

Alongside Esseidu, the series stars John Lithgow (The Crown) as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer (Ozark) as Minerva McGonagall, Nick Frost (Shaun of the Dead) as Rubeus Hagrid, Lox Pratt(Lord of the Flies) as Draco Malfoy, Warwick Davis (Willow) as Filius Flitwick, Katherine Parkinson (The IT Crowd) as Molly Weasley, with Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley.

The cast also includes Tristan Harland as Fred Weasley, Gabriel Harland as George Weasley, Johnny Flynn (Emma.) as Lucius Malfoy, Bel Powley (The Diary of a Teenage Girl) as Petunia Dursley, and Daniel Rigby (Eric and Ernie) as Vernon Dursley. Stars joining for the second season include Rafe Spall (Shaun of the Dead) as Arthur Weasley and Kit Harington (Game of Thrones) as Gilderoy Lockhart.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone premieres December 25, 2026, on HBO and HBO Max.

Stay tuned to Collider for all the latest news and updates on the biggest and best movies and shows heading to your favorite streaming platforms soon.