HBO casting Snape as Black in Harry Potter reboot draws criticism
While many fans are praising the move as a bold step toward inclusion, others are raising concerns about what they see as forced racial diversity and how it may unintentionally alter the character's background.
Critics of the casting argue that transforming Snape into a Black character adds new racial implications to his backstory, especially his history of being bullied by James Potter and the Marauders at Hogwarts — a white James Potter tormenting a Black Severus Snape. What was once a morally gray school rivalry now risks being read through a racial lens. Without meaning to, the story introduces the dynamic of racial power imbalance into a narrative that originally centered on social exclusion, not race.
James Potter bullying the only black student at hogwarts in the 70's yeah sounds like a good idea https://t.co/wPz2mAoStn pic.twitter.com/ml1MTP7HED
— NoSoyDany (@_NoSoyDany) March 7, 2025
James Potter and Co weren't nice to Snape but this casting will fundamentally change the whole point of those characters if you give their bullying a racist undertone. https://t.co/mleXnS1bgb
— dr. a (@academicsheep) April 14, 2025
HBO will have a very bad reputation by the time they are on Prisoner of Azkaban!
Here me out.
Neville is afraid of Snape, hence his boggart is: Snape. Who comes out of a wardrobe? Snape... who now happens to be black.
Neville is afraid of a black man. pic.twitter.com/JzZWCG2hAS
— BlabberingCollector (@BlabberingC) March 21, 2025
I can't wait to see James Potter and his other white friends to bully Snape, who is now black. I wonder how that'll go!
Leviosa... pic.twitter.com/2JKDl8bH1G
— Pacosith (@Pacosith) April 14, 2025
Critics have also pointed out that instead of race-swapping a central character, the series could have explored the stories of existing Black characters already present in J.K. Rowling's universe—such as Dean Thomas, Angelina Johnson, Lee Jordan, and Kingsley Shacklebolt—who were often underdeveloped in both the books and films.
Paapa Essiedu should not have been cast Severus Snape in the Harry Potter TV series.
pic.twitter.com/VMI5y8KXce
— Goat Herder 101 (@BillyGoat838) April 14, 2025
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Jordan News
3 days ago
- Jordan News
Kate Middleton is a museum curator. Princess Charlotte influences her choices - Jordan News
Kate Middleton is a museum curator. Princess Charlotte influences her choices In an artistic move to add to her rich track record of cultural interest, Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, has entered the world of curating art exhibitions by selecting a collection of artifacts for a miniature display in one of the Victoria and Albert Museum's latest projects in London. The show was not without a family touch, as her daughter, Princess Charlotte, seems to have been the inspiration for one of the pieces on display. اضافة اعلان Kate Middleton, 43, co-curated the show during a visit to the new V&A East Storehouse on June 10. The future branch of the Victoria and Albert Museum, one of the most prominent cultural initiatives in the British capital, aims to provide direct access to art and heritage treasures for free to the public between now and early 2026. The Princess of Wales, in collaboration with the museum's curatorial team, selected a variety of pieces of art that embody a vision called 'Makers and Creators', a vision that seeks to explore how different and unique things can come together to tell an integrated social and cultural story. Princess Charlotte Inspires Her Mother: Ballet at the Heart of Choices One of Kate's most notable exhibits was a costume designed by Oliver Meisel, designed in the 1960 Royal Ballet production of "Sleeping Beauty" and worn by dancer Diana Fair. The choice was not random, as it is believed to have been inspired by 10-year-old Princess Charlotte's passion for the world of ballet, as Princess Charlotte is known for her love of ballet, having previously been photographed attending performances. Subtle artistic choices that express the taste of the Princess of Wales Besides ballet costumes, Kate's choices included other pieces: a watercolor painting by renowned British writer and painter Beatrix Potter. and a childish photo album of Beatrix's father, Robert Potter, which personalizes the show. She also opted for a handmade Welsh bedspread from 1830 to 1840, a symbolic reference to her title as Princess of Wales. In an interview with PEOPLE, the museum's art director, Tristram Hunt, expressed his admiration for Kate's attention to detail, saying: "She was very interested and educated, especially when it came to textiles and silk woven fabrics from William Morris." Hunt also explained that Kate showed a particular interest in the photography department, saying: "She was strangely excited, she knew the types of cameras well, and she liked the idea of exploring behind the scenes of the museum and understanding what was going on behind the scene." Kate is known for her fondness for photography, and she has personally taken many official photos of her children, which were posted on the accounts of the British royal family. Kate also studied art history at the University of St Andrews, which enhances her credibility in participating in this curation. Here's the news: Royal journey in secret: Prince William and Kate Middleton secretly attend Rihanna's party before announcing their engagement Kate has a long relationship with the museum Since 2018, Kate has been the official patron of the Victoria and Albert Museum, one of the world's most prestigious art museums. In 2023, she helped open the Young V&A branch for children aged 1 to 14, featuring interactive lounges. The new V&A East Storehouse provides a true window into the National Museum's collections from various creative disciplines, from fashion to theatre, from street art to sculpture. Sayidaty
Jordan News
4 days ago
- Jordan News
Peacemaker 2 by John Cena. This story is the series and the date of the show - Jordan News
Peacemaker 2 by John Cena. This story is the series and the date of the show John Cena has ignited the excitement of the audience for the second season of the series «Peacemaker 2», scheduled to air from August 21, on the platform (HBO Max), and consists of eight episodes. اضافة اعلان The international star revealed the date of the series, which comes three years after the presentation of its first season, on the sidelines of his participation in the «San Diego Comic Fair», during which he wore the costume of the famous character, which he embodies in the series. Peacemaker 2 by John Cena. This story is the series and the date of the show The series stars Frank Grillo, Jennifer Holland, Freddie Struma, Steve Aggie, Sol Rodriguez, Tim Meadows, Daniel Brooks, Dee Bradley Baker, Chokodi Iyoji, Robert Patrick, Annie Chang, Lockleen Monroe, Michael Rocker and David Denman. The story of the second season revolves around Christopher Smith, who introduces his character John Cena, who first appeared as a peacemaker in the 2021 DC film "The Suicide Squad," as the "peacemaker" begins working with A.R.G.U.S., an advanced research group that unites superhumans. In the first season of the series, he investigates the butterfly project and is tasked with eradicating the parasitic aliens that have taken over the minds of humans around the world. Eventually, saving the day, he met members of the old Justice Ensemble, made up of Henry Cavill, Jason Momoa, Gal Gadot, and Ezra Miller, who later ended up appearing in the DC Cinematic Universe. In another context, since the beginning of July, the film "Heads of State", which brings together John Cena and star Idris Elba, will be screened on the "Prime Video" platform, and it is a suspense work full of adventure and comedy. "Heads of State", which brings together John Cena and Idris Elba John Cena plays a veteran Hollywood star who becomes America's president, while Elba plays the British prime minister, a former soldier with great experience and quick reaction, and the story revolves around their cooperation against a global conspiracy after being attacked and forced to confront the situation. Seena and Alba are joined by Indian star Priyanka Chopra Jonas, who plays a British intelligence agent. John Cena announced last summer that he was retiring from the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) game after more than twenty years, during which he remained a big star and attracted to the public, with the aim of focusing on the film industry. Last month, Riyadh Season honored the international star as part of the "Night of Champions" event, in recognition of his great journey in the field of the international entertainment game (WWE), and his position on its throne for two decades. Zahrat Al Khaleej - Jordan
Roya News
6 days ago
- Roya News
British star Florence Pugh calls out "Israel's" starvation of Gaza
British actress Florence Pugh has publicly condemned the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, describing the situation as 'forced starvation' and a 'war crime.' In a social media story, the Oscar-nominated star urged people not to look away, calling on her followers to face the reality of the suffering endured by Palestinians in the besieged enclave. 'If you've averted your eyes out of shame or guilt or embarrassment in the past, I encourage you to watch and listen and try and help change while we still can,' she wrote. 'What's happened to these people is horrific. Empathy shouldn't be this hard and there shouldn't be this many excuses.' Pugh emphasized that the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza is not the result of a natural disaster but a deliberate act of violence. she shared another post that said: 'This is not a food crisis. This is a war crime. This is not a famine. This is forced starvation.'
