The Harry Potter reboot, set to air on HBO, has ignited a firestorm of controversy, and Hollywood legend Harrison Ford has added fuel to the flames. In a May 2025 interview with Variety, Ford slammed director Mark Mylod’s decision to cast Black British actor Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, calling it “stupid woke casting” that undermines J.K. Rowling’s original vision. Ford, known for his roles in Star Wars and Indiana Jones, also urged fans to support Rowling’s rumored lawsuit to reclaim the Harry Potter copyright from Warner Bros. Discovery, intensifying an already divisive debate within the fandom.
Ford’s comments come as HBO faces a deluge of over 50,000 letters demanding Essiedu’s removal from the role, with fans citing Snape’s description in Rowling’s books as having “sallow skin, greasy black hair, and a hooked nose,” implying a white character. The backlash, amplified on platforms like X and Reddit, accuses HBO of prioritizing diversity over fidelity, with hashtags like #FixSnape trending. Ford echoed these sentiments, stating, “This isn’t about talent—Essiedu’s a fine actor—but Snape is a specific character crafted by Rowling. Changing that to tick boxes is lazy and disrespectful to the source.” He argued that the casting risks altering Snape’s complex arc, particularly his use of “Mudblood” and his outsider status, which could take on unintended racial undertones.
The 82-year-old actor, who has previously avoided political controversies, surprised many with his outspoken stance. Ford praised Rowling as “a literary genius” whose work deserves protection, urging fans to back her legal efforts. “Rowling created a world that billions love. If she’s fighting to keep it true, we should stand with her,” he said. Reports suggest Rowling is preparing a lawsuit to regain control of the Harry Potter copyright, frustrated by HBO’s creative liberties. A successful suit could grant her veto power over casting and story decisions, potentially impacting Essiedu’s role and the reboot’s trajectory.
HBO has defended Essiedu, with showrunner Francesca Gardiner calling him “perfectly suited” to portray Snape’s depth and complexity. The network’s diverse cast, including John Lithgow as Dumbledore and Janet McTeer as McGonagall, reflects its commitment to inclusivity. Casey Bloys, HBO’s chief, dismissed boycott calls on The Town podcast, pointing to the success of Hogwarts Legacy despite similar controversies. However, Ford’s intervention has emboldened critics, with X posts like “Harrison Ford gets it! Stop woke nonsense!” gaining traction. Some fans even launched a petition supporting Rowling’s lawsuit, which has garnered 10,000 signatures.
The controversy isn’t without nuance. Some Black and brown fans argue that Essiedu’s casting could complicate Snape’s narrative, risking misinterpretations of his actions as racially motivated. Others, however, see it as a bold reimagining, with one X user writing, “Essiedu could bring a fresh layer to Snape. Why not give him a chance?” The debate echoes past casting controversies, such as the racist abuse faced by Noma Dumezweni as Hermione in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Essiedu, who signed a trans rights letter in 2020, has faced hateful comments, prompting supporters to rally with #StandWithPaapa.
Rowling’s own controversies add complexity. Her gender-critical views have alienated younger fans, with a YouGov poll showing 41% of Gen Z feeling less connected to Harry Potter. Essiedu’s alignment with trans rights, alongside co-stars like Eddie Redmayne, has fueled speculation of tension with Rowling, though she clarified on X, “I have no authority to fire actors, nor would I.” The reboot, billed as a “faithful adaptation,” must navigate these fault lines while satisfying a global audience.
Ford’s comments have drawn criticism for inflaming an already toxic discourse. A Guardian op-ed called his remarks “disappointing,” arguing that they dismiss the value of diverse representation. Yet his star power has amplified the anti-casting movement, with letter campaigns expected to surpass 60,000. Filming at Leavesden Studios is set to begin this summer, but the mounting pressure could force HBO to reconsider its approach.
The Harry Potter reboot was meant to rekindle the magic, but it’s now a lightning rod for cultural battles. Ford’s intervention, paired with Rowling’s legal gambit, underscores the challenges of adapting a beloved franchise in a polarized era. As the wizarding world grapples with its identity, Essiedu’s Snape remains at the heart of a saga that’s as much about society as it is about storytelling.
