The casting of Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape in HBO’s Harry Potter TV series, slated for a 2026 premiere, has ignited fierce debate, with some fans questioning the choice of a Black actor for a character traditionally depicted as white. In a May 2025 press conference, director Mark Mylod addressed the controversy head-on, dismissing accusations of “woke” casting. “This is just a change, not a woke agenda,” Mylod stated, emphasizing that Essiedu’s selection was driven by his exceptional talent and ability to capture Snape’s complex essence, not by political motives. The remark, reported by Variety, aims to refocus the narrative on artistic vision amid a polarized fandom.
Essiedu, a 34-year-old British-Ghanaian actor known for I May Destroy You and The Lazarus Project, was announced as Snape in April 2025, joining John Lithgow as Dumbledore and Janet McTeer as McGonagall. In J.K. Rowling’s books, Snape is described with “sallow skin,” “greasy black hair,” and a “hooked nose,” traits embodied by Alan Rickman in the original films. Some fans, particularly on X, have argued that a Black actor deviates from this description, with posts claiming the casting prioritizes diversity over fidelity. One user wrote, “Snape’s look is iconic. Why change it for DEI?” Another suggested Essiedu’s race could alter Snape’s dynamic with James Potter, framing their rivalry as racially charged.
Mylod, whose credits include Succession, countered these criticisms by highlighting Essiedu’s qualifications. “Paapa’s work speaks for itself—his intensity, his vulnerability, his ability to embody pain and redemption make him perfect for Snape,” he said. Essiedu’s stage experience with the Royal Shakespeare Company and his Emmy-nominated roles demonstrate a depth suited to Snape’s layered arc as a double agent driven by unrequited love. Mylod stressed that the series, written by Francesca Gardiner, aims to explore the books’ nuances over multiple seasons, allowing Essiedu to portray a younger Snape closer to the novels’ timeline. “We’re not rewriting Snape’s story; we’re deepening it,” Mylod added, per The Hollywood Reporter.
The “woke” accusation reflects a broader backlash against diverse casting in adaptations. Similar controversies surrounded Noma Dumezweni’s Black Hermione in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and Halle Bailey’s Ariel in The Little Mermaid. The Guardian noted that Essiedu’s casting could enrich Snape’s outsider status, given his experiences of marginalization, but warned that HBO must avoid stereotypical tropes. Supporters on X have rallied behind Essiedu, with one fan tweeting, “Paapa’s going to nail Snape’s torment and brilliance. Casting talent over skin color isn’t woke—it’s smart.” Another praised his fit for a “haunted, younger Snape,” citing his chilling performance in Black Mirror’s “Demon 79.”
The controversy is complicated by J.K. Rowling’s role as executive producer, given her polarizing views on trans issues. Essiedu, who signed a trans rights letter in May 2025, has faced scrutiny for working with her, though he’s remained silent on the matter. Mylod sidestepped questions about Rowling, focusing instead on the creative process. “Our job is to tell a story, not to fuel culture wars,” he said. With 32,000 auditions underway for Harry, Ron, and Hermione, HBO is banking on a fresh yet faithful adaptation.
As filming looms at Leavesden Studios, Essiedu’s Snape remains a lightning rod. Mylod’s defense underscores a commitment to artistic choice over fan expectations, but the fandom’s divide persists. Whether Essiedu’s performance will unite viewers or deepen the rift is uncertain, but his casting signals a bold step for the wizarding world—one that prioritizes talent in the face of prejudice.
