The saga ofHarry PotterIt is again the epicenter of a controversy that combines legal disputes, debates about diversity and tensions between its creator, J.K. Rowling, and the actors who gave life to their characters. Emma Watson, known for playing Hermione Granger in the films, has made a public call on April 28, 2025 through Instagram, urging Rowling to withdraw a lawsuit that seeks to recover the adaptation rights of the saga. In addition, Watson expressed his firm support for the choice of Paapa Essiedu, a black actor, to play Severus Snape in the new HBO series, challenging Rowling’s criticism, who described this casting as a “Woke” movement. These statements have revived the debate on racial representation and legacy ofHarry Potter.
The conflict between Rowling and Watson is not new. Since 2020, Watson, along with his companions Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint, has publicly criticized Rowling’s positions on trans rights, generating a gap that has deepened over time. The recent demand of Rowling, presented at the beginning of April 2025, seeks to cancel the rights of Warner Bros. about the adaptations ofHarry Potter, arguing that decisions such as the casting of Esssiedu betray their original vision. Rowling has described Snape, a pale leather character according to books, as a symbol of his narrative, and considers that the change of race alters the context of history. In X, the author has defended her position, stating that “the loyalty to books is a right of the author.”
Watson, in its publication, adopted a conciliatory but firm tone. “J.K. Rowling created a world that belongs to millions of fans, not just her,” he wrote. “I ask you to withdraw this demand, to only divide the community you loveHarry Potter. The diversity in the casting does not remain, add. ” About Essiedu, Watson was clear: “Paapa Essiedu is a brilliant actor, and his Snape will be a powerful interpretation. Art must evolve, andHarry PotterHe has always talked about inclusion. ” His message, accompanied by hashtags like #supportpaapa and #Harrypotterforalall, received thousands of answers, with fans by praising his courage and others accusing her of disloyalty towards Rowling.
The casting of Essiedu, announced by Deadline in March 2025, has generated polarized reactions. In the books, Snape is described as a man with hectrine leather, fatty hair and Aguileña nose, an immortalized image by Alan Rickman in the films. The choice of Essiedu, a British actor of Ghana ancestry, has been criticized by some fans who argue that it does not match the original description, while others see it as a step towards a more diverse representation. HBO has defended the decision, stating that “the series seeks to reflect today’s world without losing the essence of books.” However, Rowling has suggested that change could alter key scenes, such as James Potter’s harassment towards Snape, which could be interpreted differently with a black actor.
Watson’s support is aligned with his activism history. From her UN speech in 2014 on gender equality until its support for the trans community, the actress has used her platform to advocate for inclusion. In 2022, during the BAFTA awards, Watson made a comment performed as a evening criticism of Rowling, saying that he was “for all witches”, which unleashed speculations about her relationship with the author. Its recent publication reinforces this position, positioning it as a key figure in the movement to reimagine the universe ofHarry PotterIn a more diverse context.
Rowling’s demand faces significant legal obstacles, since contracts with Warner Bros. give the study wide creative control. Analysts suggest that the author could be using the controversy to maintain relevance at a time when her public image is divided. Meanwhile, the HBO series, which will adapt each book in a season, advances with a cast that includes John Lithgow as Dumbledore and Janet McTeer as McGonagall. Production, scheduled to be released in 2026, faces the challenge of satisfying fans while navigating rowling tensions.
Watson’s call reflects a desire to preserve the spirit ofHarry Potteras a unity symbol. However, the division between fans, some loyal to Rowling and others in favor of a more inclusive approach, suggests that the saga’s legacy will continue to be a cultural battlefield. As the series takes shape, Watson’s voice and ESSiedu’s talent could mark the beginning of a new era for Hogwarts, one that balances nostalgia with evolution.
