J.K. Rowling, the creator of the Harry Potter franchise, has received over 2,000 letters from fans urging her to pursue a rumored lawsuit against Warner Bros. to reclaim the rights to her iconic series. The outpouring, reported on May 6, 2025, by outlets like FandomWire, stems from controversy over the casting of Black British actor Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter TV series, set to premiere in 2027. Fans, citing Snape’s description in the books as having “sallow” skin and a “hooked nose,” argue that Essiedu’s casting deviates from Rowling’s vision, prompting calls for her to regain control of the franchise. However, no evidence confirms an active lawsuit, and Rowling’s silence has fueled speculation, while Essiedu faces both support and backlash.

The Harry Potter series, announced in 2023, aims to adapt each of Rowling’s seven novels into a season, promising a faithful yet inclusive retelling. Essiedu’s casting, confirmed in March 2025, sparked immediate debate. Some fans, posting on X, claim the choice introduces unintended racial subtext, particularly in scenes where a white James Potter bullies Snape, potentially altering the story’s dynamics. A Teen Vogue op-ed echoed this, warning that casting a Black actor in a role tied to prejudice could amplify fan toxicity. Others, like The Guardian’s Jason Okundaye, praise Essiedu’s versatility, arguing his performance could enrich Snape’s complex arc as a marginalized figure in a blood-purity-obsessed world. The letters, largely from book purists, urge Rowling to fight for a “traditional” adaptation, reflecting frustration with what they see as Hollywood’s “woke” agenda.

Rowling’s history of legal action lends credence to fans’ hopes. In 2002, she successfully sued author Nancy Stouffer over copyright claims, securing a $50,000 fine for fraudulent submissions. Other disputes, like a 2005 lawsuit against the Wyrd Sisters band over their name’s use in Goblet of Fire, show her willingness to protect her intellectual property. Yet, reports of a current lawsuit remain unverified, with The Guardian and Vulture labeling them speculative, possibly fueled by Rowling’s polarizing stance on transgender issues. Her role as an executive producer complicates matters, as HBO has defended her involvement, stating to Variety in 2024 that her contributions are “invaluable.” Fans’ letters, shared on X, express betrayal, with one user writing, “JK promised a faithful adaptation, but Snape’s casting breaks that trust.”

Essiedu, known for I May Destroy You, has faced relentless harassment, prompting a plea on social media: “Please stop this and leave me alone!” Supporters, including fans on X like @TheDailyHPotter, laud his ability to embody Snape’s layered antihero, citing his stage work in Hamlet. Director Mark Mylod, per Deadline, privately urged Rowling to reconsider any legal action, praising Essiedu’s “depth.” Meanwhile, Rowling’s only public response came on May 5, 2025, via X, where she addressed Essiedu’s signing of a trans rights letter: “I don’t have the power to sack an actor and wouldn’t if I did.” This suggests she’s unlikely to push for Essiedu’s removal, let alone sue to reclaim rights, despite fan pressure.

The controversy underscores broader tensions within Harry Potter fandom. Rowling’s transgender views, endorsed by a 2025 UK Supreme Court ruling she partially funded, have alienated some fans, while others rally behind her. The casting debate has split purists, who spam HBO’s socials with demands to “#fixsnape,” and inclusivity advocates, who see Essiedu’s role as progress. Vulture notes the series risks losing both camps: those boycotting over Rowling’s involvement and those upset by casting changes. Other cast members, like John Lithgow as Dumbledore, have faced similar scrutiny, with Lithgow telling The Times he dismissed concerns about Rowling’s views.

As the Harry Potter series moves toward production, the fan-driven letter campaign highlights the franchise’s enduring cultural weight and the challenges of adapting it in a polarized era. Whether Rowling heeds the 2,000 letters remains unclear, but her past support for diverse casting, like Noma Dumezweni as Hermione, suggests she may not align with purists’ demands. For now, Essiedu’s Snape stands at the center of a storm, with fans and creators bracing for a decade-long saga that’s already proving divisive.