The wizarding world of Harry Potter, a franchise that has enchanted millions since its inception, is facing yet another wave of turbulence as HBO gears up for its ambitious television series reboot, expected to premiere in 2027. At the heart of the latest controversy is the rumored casting of Paapa Essiedu, a 34-year-old British actor of Ghanaian descent, as Severus Snape—a role immortalized by the late Alan Rickman as a pale, brooding figure in the original films. This potential shift in the character’s racial identity has not only divided fans but has now drawn a striking reaction from Daniel Radcliffe, the actor who brought Harry Potter to life on screen from 2001 to 2011. Radcliffe, once the face of the franchise, has publicly declared, “I’m done with Harry Potter,” citing the casting of a Black Snape as a breaking point in his connection to the series.

Radcliffe’s statement came during an impromptu interview with a British tabloid on March 7, 2025, as speculation about Essiedu’s casting intensified. “I’ve loved being part of this world, but seeing Snape—a character I grew up with—played by a Black man just doesn’t sit right with me,” Radcliffe reportedly said. “It’s not the story I know. I’m done.” The 35-year-old actor, who has largely distanced himself from the wizarding world since the final film, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, had previously hinted at openness to returning for a cameo or supporting role in the reboot. However, this latest development appears to have severed that possibility, sending shockwaves through the fandom and reigniting debates about loyalty to J.K. Rowling’s original vision versus the evolution of her universe.

For Radcliffe, Snape’s portrayal is deeply personal. Having worked closely with Rickman, whose nuanced performance as the potions master left an indelible mark on the series, Radcliffe has often spoken of the character’s significance. “Alan’s Snape was everything—mysterious, broken, heroic,” he said in a 2022 retrospective interview. The books describe Snape as a thin man with sallow skin, greasy black hair, and a hooked nose, a description that Rickman embodied with haunting precision. Essiedu, known for his dynamic roles in I May Destroy You and Gangs of London, brings a starkly different physicality to the table, prompting Radcliffe and others to question whether this casting honors the essence of Snape or reimagines him beyond recognition.

The reaction on social media, particularly X, has been swift and polarized. Some fans have rallied behind Radcliffe, with posts like, “Daniel gets it—Snape isn’t Snape if he doesn’t look the part. Respect the source!” Others have criticized his stance as narrow-minded, pointing out that Snape’s race is not explicitly central to his arc. “Radcliffe’s done? Good riddance—let’s move forward with a Snape who reflects today’s world,” one user countered. The debate echoes earlier controversies, such as the casting of Noma Dumezweni as Hermione in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, which Radcliffe had publicly supported at the time, calling it “brilliant.” His apparent reversal now has some accusing him of inconsistency, while others see it as a principled stand against what they term “forced diversity.”

HBO and the reboot’s creative team have yet to confirm Essiedu’s casting officially, but the rumors—first reported in late 2024—have gained traction amid ongoing auditions. In response to the growing backlash, the series’ director issued a statement on March 9, 2025, saying, “We’re crafting a fresh take on this beloved story, and that means bold choices. Paapa’s talent speaks for itself—he could bring something extraordinary to Snape.” The statement avoided addressing Radcliffe directly but underscored the production’s commitment to inclusivity, a move that has only deepened the rift among fans and now, it seems, with the original cast.

Radcliffe’s exit from the Harry Potter conversation marks a significant moment for the franchise. After years of navigating its controversies—from Rowling’s polarizing social media presence to debates over representation—he had remained a steadfast ambassador, often defending the series’ legacy while pursuing a diverse acting career in projects like The Lost City and Weird: The Al Yankovic Story. His decision to step away now, triggered by the Snape casting, suggests a fatigue with the franchise’s evolving identity. “I gave everything to Harry,” he told the tabloid. “Maybe it’s time to let it go.”

As of March 10, 2025, the Snape casting remains unconfirmed, but Radcliffe’s words have cast a long shadow. For some, his departure signals a betrayal of the wizarding world’s progressive potential; for others, it’s a rallying cry to preserve its roots. Essiedu, meanwhile, has stayed silent, leaving fans to speculate about his approach should he take on the role. Whether this controversy reshapes the reboot or fades into the background, one thing is clear: the magic of Harry Potter continues to stir passion, division, and—for Radcliffe—an unexpected goodbye.