In a surprising turn of events, Daniel Craig, the former James Bond star, has stirred the pot with comments about the upcoming HBO Harry Potter television series, set to premiere in late 2026. During a recent interview with The Times on March 29, 2025, the 57-year-old actor weighed in on the controversial casting of Paapa Essiedu, a Black British actor, as Severus Snape—a character described in J.K. Rowling’s original books as a thin, sallow-skinned man with greasy black hair and a hooked nose. Craig’s remarks, which labeled the decision as “woke nonsense,” have ignited a firestorm of debate across social media and entertainment circles, raising questions about race, fidelity to source material, and the evolving landscape of modern adaptations. With filming scheduled to begin this summer at Leavesden Studios in the UK, the Harry Potter reboot is already shaping up to be one of the most polarizing projects in recent memory.

Craig, who has largely stayed out of the spotlight since handing over the 007 mantle, didn’t mince words when asked about the trend of reimagining established characters for diversity’s sake. “Snape’s a specific guy—greasy, pale, a bit of a mess. That’s how he’s written, and that’s how I see him,” Craig said. “Changing that just to tick some box feels like it’s missing the point. It’s not about race; it’s about what fits the story.” The actor, who has previously expressed admiration for Rowling’s work, argued that altering Snape’s appearance risks diluting the character’s essence, which he sees as tied to his outsider status in the wizarding world—a status defined by his upbringing and demeanor rather than his ethnicity. For Craig, the casting of Essiedu, known for his acclaimed roles in I May Destroy You and The Lazarus Project, represents a broader Hollywood trend he finds misguided.

The backlash was swift. On X, fans and critics accused Craig of clinging to outdated views, with one user writing, “Daniel Craig calling Snape’s casting ‘woke’ is peak boomer energy. It’s 2025—let’s move on.” Others defended Essiedu’s potential, pointing to his proven ability to portray complex, brooding characters. “Paapa Essiedu could bring a fresh depth to Snape that Alan Rickman never touched,” another fan posted. Rickman, who immortalized Snape in the original eight-film series from 2001 to 2011, was 55 when he first took on the role—far older than the book’s 31-year-old version—yet his casting faced little scrutiny at the time. Essiedu, at 34, aligns more closely with Snape’s canonical age, though his race has become the lightning rod for discussion.

The Harry Potter series has long grappled with issues of representation. Rowling’s books feature few characters of color, and the films reflected that homogeneity. The HBO reboot, helmed by showrunner Francesca Gardiner and executive producer Rowling herself, aims to expand the wizarding world’s diversity while staying true to its roots. Essiedu’s casting—still unconfirmed as of April 1, 2025, though Deadline reports he’s in final talks—follows other rumored choices, like John Lithgow as Dumbledore and Janet McTeer as McGonagall, signaling a bold reimagining. Yet, for some, Snape’s transformation crosses a line. In the books, his sallow complexion and unkempt appearance underscore his isolation, a trait Craig and others argue could shift uncomfortably if racial dynamics are introduced into his backstory of being bullied by James Potter and Sirius Black.

Supporters of the casting see it differently. “Snape’s race isn’t specified as ‘white’—sallow skin can belong to anyone,” one X user noted, referencing Rowling’s past defense of a Black Hermione in the 2016 play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Rowling herself has remained silent on Essiedu, though her history of retroactively diversifying her universe suggests she might approve. Meanwhile, Essiedu has stayed above the fray, recently telling Variety, “I’m here to act, not to argue. If they want me, I’ll bring everything I’ve got.” His potential Snape could explore new layers—perhaps a man doubly ostracized in a pure-blood-obsessed society—though detractors like Craig fear it might overshadow the character’s core narrative.

As the debate rages, the Harry Potter reboot faces a tightrope walk: honoring a beloved text while adapting it for a modern audience. Craig’s comments, whether seen as a principled stand or a misstep, highlight the tension between tradition and progress. With a decade-long series ahead, HBO’s gamble on Essiedu could either redefine Snape or alienate fans who, like Craig, see the potions master as an immutable figure—greasy hair, sallow skin, and all. For now, the wizarding world waits to see if this “woke” choice will cast a spell or a curse.