The Harry Potter fandom erupted in debate following comments from director Mark Mylod, who boldly claimed that Paapa Essiedu’s portrayal of Severus Snape in HBO’s upcoming TV series, set to premiere in 2026, surpasses Alan Rickman’s iconic performance in the original films. Mylod, known for Succession, made the statement during a May 2025 interview with Variety, praising Essiedu’s “raw emotional depth” and “fresh intensity” as a game-changer for the potions master. However, the remark has been met with fierce backlash from fans, who view it as a disrespectful jab at Rickman’s legendary portrayal, intensifying existing tensions around Essiedu’s casting.
Essiedu, a British-Ghanaian actor celebrated for I May Destroy You and The Lazarus Project, was announced as Snape in April 2025, alongside John Lithgow as Dumbledore and Janet McTeer as McGonagall. His casting sparked controversy due to Snape’s book description—sallow skin, greasy black hair, hooked nose—which some fans argued implied a white character. Posts on X labeled the choice “race-swapping,” with one user stating, “Mylod’s praise feels like a deliberate middle finger to Rickman’s legacy.” Others accused HBO of undermining the films, with comments like, “Alan Rickman is Snape. Calling Essiedu better is a mockery.” The sentiment reflects a broader divide, as some fans embrace Essiedu’s talent while others cling to Rickman’s defining performance.
Mylod’s confidence stems from Essiedu’s proven versatility. In I May Destroy You, Essiedu portrayed Kwame, navigating trauma with nuance, while his stage work with the Royal Shakespeare Company showcased a commanding presence suited to Snape’s complexity. Mylod told Variety, “Paapa brings a vulnerability and menace that redefines Snape for a new generation, untethered from past portrayals.” The series, written by Francesca Gardiner, aims to delve deeper into the books’ nuances, with Snape’s arc—his unrequited love for Lily, his double-agent role—gaining extended screen time. Supporters argue this format allows Essiedu to explore Snape’s youth and pain, potentially enriching the character. A fan on X wrote, “Essiedu’s intensity in Black Mirror’s ‘Demon 79’ screams Snape. Mylod’s not wrong to bet on him.”
Yet, the backlash highlights a deeper issue: fandom loyalty to the original films. Rickman, who died in 2016, crafted a Snape that balanced cold menace with heartbreaking devotion, earning universal acclaim. Fans argue that comparing Essiedu to him, especially before the series airs, dismisses Rickman’s cultural impact. The Guardian’s Jason Okundaye noted that Essiedu’s casting as a Black actor could add layers to Snape’s outsider status, but warned that Mylod’s “better than” claim risks alienating fans already skeptical of the reboot. Some X users echoed this, with one stating, “Mylod should’ve said ‘different,’ not ‘better.’ It’s disrespectful to Rickman’s memory.”
The controversy is compounded by the series’ fraught context. J.K. Rowling’s involvement as executive producer has drawn criticism due to her views on trans issues, and Essiedu’s signing of a trans rights letter in May 2025 stirred further debate. Reddit threads accused him of hypocrisy for working with Rowling, while others defended his right to separate art from politics. HBO has remained silent on Mylod’s comments, but the studio’s casting choices suggest a bold vision, with 32,000 auditions for Harry, Ron, and Hermione underway.
As filming begins at Leavesden Studios, Essiedu faces immense pressure to honor Snape while carving his own path. Mylod’s praise, meant to champion his star, has instead fueled a fandom firestorm. Whether Essiedu’s performance will silence critics or deepen the divide remains to be seen, but for now, the wizarding world is anything but united.
