Isaacs Backs Essiedu as Snape in HBO's Harry Potter

Harry Potter star Jason Isaacs has denounced "rude" online backlash over the casting of Black actor Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape in HBO's upcoming Harry Potter television series.

Essiedu, known for roles in Black Mirror and HBO's I May Destroy You, was confirmed for the pivotal role of Snape last April, succeeding the late Alan Rickman from the original film series.

Isaacs, who portrayed Lucius Malfoy in the films, has now publicly supported Essiedu, condemning the online hate as blatant racism.

"Paapa Essiedu is one of the most talented actors I have ever seen," Isaacs stated during a FanExpo Denver panel, as reported by Collider. "I've observed some disrespectful comments about him online. What they're really expressing is racism.

"The entire cast for the new Harry Potter series is exceptional. Those critics will be left speechless—digitally speechless, hopefully—when they witness Paapa's performance on screen."

Snape is a central character in the Harry Potter saga, whose true motives remain ambiguous for much of the narrative. Only in the later books and films is his background fully explored, including his complex history with Harry's parents and the real nature of his loyalty to Voldemort.

Criticism of Essiedu's casting includes arguments that he does not match Snape's physical description from the books—a complaint also previously directed at the Black casting of Hermione in the hit stage production Harry Potter and the Cursed Child—and claims that a Black Snape alters key story dynamics, such as his childhood bullying by Harry's father and his unrequited love for Harry's mother.

While some argue the casting strays too far from the source material, others believe it will bring greater depth to Snape's story, resulting in a more powerful adaptation.

"The series is being developed by the same creative team behind the films, and they are dedicating each season to a single book," Isaacs explained. "It's going to be fantastic."

Veteran actor John Lithgow was the first announced for the series, taking the role of Albus Dumbledore. Subsequent casting reveals include Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid, Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell, Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch, and Katherine Parkinson as Molly Weasley.

Production on the Harry Potter TV series is scheduled to begin this year, with an expected premiere on HBO in late 2026 or early 2027.