The Harry Potter books and movies were such a gigantic hit when they were released, it was a worldwide phenomenon. Since then, its legacy has become more complicated with the book’s author becoming a divisive and outspoken public figure, driving a wedge between the franchise and many of its devoted fans.
But one other point of controversy amid the creation of the new show has been the casting. While many are slow to accept new actors in the roles we have come to know and love in the books and films, one disappointing pushback has been around some of the actors’ races.
Actor Paapa Essiedu, who was cast as Professor Snape in the upcoming HBO Max series adaptation, says he has received race-fuelled death threats. Essiedu told The Sunday Times of London in a new interview, “I’ve been told, ‘Quit or I’ll murder you.’” He went on:
“It really matters. The reality is that if I look at Instagram I will see somebody saying, ‘I’m going to come to your house and kill you.’ So while I’m pretty sure I’m not going to be murdered…That could age badly!
“But, yes, while I hope I’ll be OK, nobody should have to encounter this for doing their job. Many people put their lives on the line in their work. I’m playing a wizard in ‘Harry Potter.’ And I’d be lying if I said it doesn’t affect me emotionally.”
Essiedu is set to play potions master Snape — one of Potter’s nemeses — in the upcoming streaming adaptation, a role previously played by Alan Rickman. His casting ignited backlash from toxic fans.
He continued:
“But the abuse fuels me. And makes me more passionate about making this character my own, because I think of how I felt as a kid. I would imagine myself at Hogwarts on broomsticks, and the idea that a kid like me can see themselves represented in that world?
“That’s motivation to not be intimidated by someone saying they’d rather I died instead of doing work I’m going to be really proud of.”
The actor, who has appeared in Black Mirror and I May Destroy You, admitted he’d never seen the original movies, which starred Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, but had been a fan of J.K. Rowling’s book series as a child.
“I was an avid reader as a kid. My mum couldn’t afford a babysitter in the holidays, so she would take me to the library. I loved ‘Harry Potter.’ I never saw the films but the books were escapism when other things were less easy for me.”
The books are for everyone, and it doesn’t matter what the actors’ color of skin may be. If they were the best actor for the job, I’m excited to see them bring this story to life.
Essiedu has signed onto the series for ten years and told The Sunday Times it was a “big commitment.” “I’ll be 45 by the time I finish,” he said, “and I know my life is going to change in a big way, but I have to just surrender to that. I could have children by the end of this.”
The new series is set to launch on HBO Max in 2027 with an (almost) entirely new cast. The central trio will be made up of Dominic McLaughlin as Harry, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley.
via: Variety
