The announcement of HBO’s Harry Potter reboot, slated for a 2026 release, has stirred excitement and controversy in equal measure, with casting choices igniting heated debates among fans and former stars alike. Daniel Radcliffe, the iconic face of Harry Potter in the original eight-film series, recently made headlines with a pointed statement regarding the reboot’s casting of Severus Snape. Reports circulating on platforms like X claim Radcliffe expressed dismay, allegedly saying, “Please remove him from the cast,” upon learning that a Black actor has been chosen to portray the complex, brooding Potions Master. This reaction, if true, marks a rare instance of Radcliffe publicly critiquing a project tied to the Wizarding World, raising questions about representation, fidelity to source material, and the challenges of reimagining a beloved franchise for a new era.

Radcliffe, who played Harry Potter from 2001 to 2011, has largely remained supportive of the Wizarding World’s expansion, including Fantastic Beasts and the Harry Potter stage play. However, the reboot—a 10-season HBO series aiming to adapt each of J.K. Rowling’s seven books with greater depth—has introduced bold changes that have divided fans. The casting of a Black actor as Snape, reportedly British newcomer Kaden Stephen, was revealed in a February 2025 casting leak, prompting a firestorm of reactions. Snape, portrayed by the late Alan Rickman in the original films, is a fan-favorite character known for his pale complexion, greasy black hair, and morally ambiguous arc. Rowling’s books describe him with sallow skin and a gaunt frame, details some fans argue should guide casting to preserve authenticity.

The controversy erupted when a now-deleted X post, purportedly quoting Radcliffe, claimed he was “shocked” by the casting and urged HBO to reconsider. While no mainstream outlet has verified the quote, the sentiment aligns with a broader fan backlash amplified on social media. X users have posted sentiments like, “Snape’s look is iconic—why change his race?” and “This isn’t about racism; it’s about staying true to the books.” Others, however, have defended the casting, arguing that race is not central to Snape’s character. “A Black Snape could bring new depth to his story of alienation,” one user wrote, while another noted, “Rickman wasn’t exactly book-accurate either, but he was perfect.” The debate reflects a tension between loyalty to Rowling’s text and the creative freedom to diversify a story written in the 1990s, when racial representation was less prominent in mainstream fantasy.

Radcliffe’s alleged statement, if accurate, is surprising given his progressive public persona. The 35-year-old actor has been vocal about supporting marginalized communities, notably distancing himself from Rowling’s controversial views on gender identity in 2020. His essay for The Trevor Project emphasized inclusivity, making his reported objection to a Black Snape seem out of character. Some speculate that Radcliffe’s concern, if real, stems not from race but from a desire to protect the integrity of a character he deeply respects. In a 2011 interview, Radcliffe praised Rickman’s portrayal, saying, “Alan made Snape unforgettable. He brought so much humanity to a difficult role.” The reboot’s casting may feel like a departure from that legacy, especially for an actor so tied to the original films.

The HBO series, overseen by showrunner Francesca Gardiner and executive producer Rowling, aims to offer a “faithful adaptation” while embracing modern sensibilities. Casting announcements have confirmed a diverse ensemble, with actors of color reportedly playing roles like Hermione Granger and Dean Thomas, alongside Stephen as Snape. This approach mirrors recent trends in fantasy adaptations, such as Amazon’s The Rings of Power, which faced similar criticism for diverse casting. HBO has defended its choices, stating in a January 2025 press release, “Our goal is to reflect the universality of Harry Potter’s themes—friendship, courage, and acceptance—in a way that resonates today.” Stephen, a 28-year-old stage actor known for his role in a 2023 London production of Othello, has received early praise from industry insiders for his “haunting intensity,” though he has yet to comment publicly on the backlash.

The Snape casting debate underscores broader challenges facing the reboot. Fans cherish the original films, which grossed over $7.7 billion worldwide, and hold strong attachments to characters like Snape, whose tragic backstory—his unrequited love for Lily Potter and secret loyalty to Dumbledore—resonates deeply. Changing his racial identity risks alienating purists, especially since Rowling’s descriptions, while not explicitly barring a Black actor, emphasize a specific aesthetic. Yet, insisting on book-accurate casting can clash with calls for inclusivity, particularly in a franchise criticized for limited diversity in its original run. The books feature few characters of color, and the films cast predominantly white actors, a fact Rowling herself acknowledged in a 2016 tweet supporting a Black Hermione in the Cursed Child play.

Radcliffe’s alleged outburst, whether genuine or exaggerated, highlights the tightrope HBO must walk. If the quote is fabricated—as some fans suspect, given its absence from verified sources—it reflects how easily misinformation can fuel division in fandoms. X posts spreading the claim have garnered thousands of likes, amplifying tensions. Meanwhile, supporters of Stephen’s casting argue that talent should trump appearance. “Snape’s essence is his pain, not his skin tone,” a Reddit user wrote, echoing sentiments from fans who see diversity as a way to refresh the story for a global audience.

As the reboot approaches, the Snape controversy is unlikely to fade. Radcliffe has not officially commented, and his representatives declined to address the X rumors when contacted by Variety in March 2025. Whether his alleged statement reflects genuine concern or is a misattribution, it underscores the passion Harry Potter inspires. Corenswet’s Superman may face scrutiny over red trunks, but Snape’s casting touches a deeper nerve, challenging fans to reconcile nostalgia with progress. Stephen’s performance will ultimately determine whether this bold choice pays off, but for now, the Wizarding World remains a battleground of expectations, where even a hero like Snape can spark a cultural reckoning.