The wizarding world of Harry Potter has long been a cultural touchstone, captivating audiences with its tales of magic, friendship, and heroism. However, a recent controversy has thrust the franchise into an unexpected spotlight, with former James Bond star Daniel Craig at the center of the storm. In early April 2025, reports emerged that Craig, known for his grounded and stoic portrayals, had a visceral reaction during a private screening of a new Harry Potter project. The source of his ire? A black actor cast as Severus Snape, the complex and brooding potions master originally brought to life by Alan Rickman. Craig’s alleged outburst—“Please delete woke from Harry Potter”—has ignited a firestorm of debate, with many interpreting his reaction as a rejection of what they perceive as forced diversity in J.K. Rowling’s universe.

The incident reportedly occurred during a preview of an upcoming HBO series, tentatively titled Harry Potter: The Next Chapter, slated for release in late 2026. The show aims to expand on the original saga, exploring untold stories from Hogwarts and beyond. While details about the casting remain under wraps, leaks suggest that a prominent black actor—whose identity has yet to be officially confirmed—has been tapped to play Snape, a character known for his pale complexion and dark, greasy hair in both Rowling’s books and the Warner Bros. films. Craig, who was invited to the screening as a guest of a producer, is said to have expressed shock and frustration, reportedly telling those present that the decision “ruined the authenticity” of the story he grew up loving.

Craig’s reaction quickly leaked online, amplified by posts on X where fans and critics alike seized on his words. “Daniel Craig just said what we’re all thinking,” one user wrote. “Snape isn’t black in the books—why change it? This woke nonsense has gone too far.” Others, however, saw his comments as a misstep from an actor otherwise admired for his progressive roles. “Craig’s out of touch here,” another countered. “It’s 2025—casting should reflect the world we live in, not some rigid nostalgia.” The phrase “delete woke from Harry Potter” began trending, turning a private moment into a public referendum on representation in legacy franchises.

For context, the Harry Potter series has faced its share of diversity critiques over the years. Rowling’s original works featured a predominantly white cast of characters, with rare exceptions like Dean Thomas and Cho Chang. The 2016 play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child made waves by casting Noma Dumezweni, a black actress, as Hermione Granger, a move that sparked similar debates but ultimately won praise for her performance. The new HBO project, backed by Warner Bros. and overseen by Rowling as an executive producer, appears to be doubling down on inclusive casting—a choice that aligns with broader industry trends but risks alienating purists like Craig.

Craig, 57, has not publicly elaborated on his outburst, though sources close to him insist he’s not opposed to diversity in principle. “Daniel’s a fan of the books,” an insider told The Sun. “He just felt this particular change didn’t fit Snape’s essence—it wasn’t about race, it was about the character.” Nevertheless, his reaction has fueled perceptions that “woke” ideology—often shorthand for progressive shifts in media—is encroaching on sacred storytelling ground. Snape, with his tragic backstory and morally ambiguous arc, remains one of Rowling’s most beloved creations, and Rickman’s iconic portrayal set a high bar that fans are fiercely protective of.

The backlash has put HBO in a tricky position as it prepares to unveil more of the series. While some argue that casting a black actor as Snape could bring fresh depth to the role, others see it as a pandering misstep. “It’s not about racism—it’s about staying true to the source,” one X user posted. “Snape’s look is tied to his story. Why mess with that?” Conversely, supporters of the casting choice point to the flexibility of fictional worlds. “Magic doesn’t care about skin color,” a fan replied. “Let’s see what this actor brings before we judge.”

As the debate rages on, Rowling herself has remained silent, though her past comments on creative adaptations suggest she’s open to reinterpretation—so long as it honors her vision. With The Next Chapter still in development, the controversy could shape its trajectory, forcing producers to weigh fan sentiment against artistic ambition. Craig’s unexpected role as the lightning rod in this saga underscores a broader tension in entertainment: how to evolve cherished stories without losing their soul. Whether his plea to “delete woke” gains traction or fades as a footnote, one thing is clear—the magic of Harry Potter is as divisive as ever in 2025.