Latest news with #Isaacs
Pink Villa
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Is OA Returning? Jason Isaacs Drops a Major Spoiler For Sci-Fi Show Coming Back After 6 Years
Jason Isaacs is set to return to the screens after showing off his brilliance in The White Lotus season 3. The actor made an appearance on Live with Kelly and Mark in the last month and shared an update on Netflix's sci-fi show, The OA, returning on the streaming platform. The series, which debuted in 2016 and ran for two seasons, was called off abruptly when the filming for Season 3 was underway. Isaacs portrayed the role of Dr. Hunter Aloysius Percy, alongside Brit Marling, Patrick Gibson, Ian Alexander, and Phyllis Smith, among others. Jason Isaacs spills the beans over the return of The OA While sitting down for an interview with Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos, the actor shared that the show is "not over yet" and the team is getting back together for the revival. Ripa went on to quip, "We were the original fans of The OA. We were diligent about our viewing; we binged it, we a certain point, we knew the moves.' Isaacs claimed that it was 'impressive.' The Patriot actor went on to state that the show's makers faced protests initially due to the cancelation of the show. They performed movements outside the Netflix building. He casually mentioned, "By the way, it's not over. Not for us." The British star further revealed that she recently had a meeting with the showrunners, Brit Marling and Zal Batmanglij. Isaacs shared, "We can't let it go. I was with them just a couple of weeks ago, and we have decided, whatever it takes." While the talk show hosts cheered over hearing that the show will come back, Jason went on to conclude, "I think there's only about 40 million people around the world who want to watch it. It was a very successful show. So hopefully, they'll watch whatever we do." Further details about The OA will be rolled out by the makers soon.
The South African
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
Jason Isaacs slams racist 'Harry Potter' fans over Snape casting
Jason Isaacs, famed for his role as Lucius Malfoy in the original Harry Potter films, has defended Paapa Essiedu amid backlash over the actor's casting as Severus Snape. Essiedu was cast as Snape for HBO's forthcoming Harry Potter series. Speaking at FanExpo Denver, Isaacs condemned the negative online reactions as 'racist' and 'rude.' He urged fans to reconsider their stance once they see Essiedu's performance. Paapa Essiedu, a distinguished British actor, earned acclaim for his Emmy-nominated role in I May Destroy You and appeared in Black Mirror and The Lazarus Project. He is the first Black actor to take on the iconic role of Snape, originally portrayed by the late Alan Rickman. Isaacs praised him as 'one of the best actors I've ever seen in my life.' He expressed confidence that detractors 'will be swallowing their digital tongues' after witnessing his work on screen. The upcoming HBO series aims to adapt J.K. Rowling's seven Harry Potter novels across multiple seasons. The reboot features a fresh ensemble cast. This includes John Lithgow as Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as McGonagall, and Nick Frost as Hagrid. Newcomers Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton, and Alastair Stout will portray Harry, Hermione, and Ron respectively. Johnny Flynn takes on the role of Lucius Malfoy, Isaacs's former character, according to Deadline. Isaacs's defence is particularly significant considering the controversy surrounding Rowling herself. The author has faced criticism for her views on transgender issues. Despite this, Rowling stated she would not interfere with casting decisions, emphasising respect for actors' livelihoods regardless of differing beliefs. Isaacs's stance challenges fans to move beyond outdated notions of character 'authenticity' tied to race, promoting a broader appreciation of talent and storytelling. Isaacs remarked: 'Paapa Essiedu is one of the best actors I've ever seen in my life. I've seen some people online who are being rude about him. What they're being is racist.' He added: 'All the cast of the new Harry Potter TV series are amazing. They will be swallowing their tongues, hopefully, you know, their digital tongues, when they see what Paapa does on screen.' This casting choice not only diversifies the Harry Potter universe but also invites audiences to reimagine beloved characters through a contemporary lens. The series is expected to be a major production, with Warner Bros reportedly investing around £1 billion (approximately R 25 billion). This will be used to expand Leavesden Studios and create authentic sets, including a real Hogwarts school and Privet Drive. As the global fanbase anticipates the series, Isaacs's outspoken support offers a powerful reminder that artistry and inclusivity must triumph over prejudice. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Express Tribune
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Harry Potter actor Jason Isaacs defends Paapa Essiedu's Snape casting amid backlash
Jason Isaacs, who portrayed Lucius Malfoy in the original Harry Potter films, has spoken out in defense of actor Paapa Essiedu, who was recently cast as Severus Snape in HBO's upcoming Harry Potter series. Isaacs made his comments during a panel appearance at FanExpo Denver, addressing the wave of criticism following Essiedu's casting. Isaacs described the online backlash as 'rude' and labeled some of the commentary as 'racist.' He emphasized that Essiedu is 'one of the best actors I've ever seen' and expressed confidence that critics would change their stance once they witnessed his performance. Essiedu, a Black British actor known for I May Destroy You and The Lazarus Project, is the first Black actor to play Snape. His casting has sparked controversy online, with some social media users objecting to the change in the character's racial depiction from the original films. Production for HBO's rebooted Harry Potter series is scheduled to begin in summer 2025, with a tentative release window spanning 2026–2027. The series aims to re-adapt J.K. Rowling's original seven-book saga with a new cast, with each season expected to cover one book. Further casting announcements are expected in the coming months.
USA Today
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
'Harry Potter' star Jason Isaacs slams 'racist' criticism of series star Paapa Essiedu
Jason Isaacs isn't here for all the muggle back talk. The "Harry Potter" alum, who played Lucius Malfoy in the wizarding drama franchise, weighed in on the controversy surrounding Paapa Essiedu's casting in the upcoming HBO series adaptation of the films. Essiedu, 35, is set to portray Hogwarts professor and Slytherin head Severus Snape, originally played by Emmy-winning actor Alan Rickman. Isaacs, 62, took aim at the racially charged criticism against Essiedu, whose dark complexion differs from that of the original Snape. The British actor, born and raised in London, is of Ghanaian descent. "Paapa Essiedu is one of the best actors I've ever seen in my life," Isaacs said during a July 5 panel discussion at Fan Expo Denver moderated by Collider. "I've seen some people online who are being rude about him. What they're being is racist." Meet your new Harry Potter: HBO series casts Harry, Ron and Hermione HBO's "Harry Potter" series, which does not yet have a release date, will be a new adaptation of the bestselling children's book series by J.K. Rowling, which was made into a hit film series in the 2000s that starred Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson. Rowling serves as executive producer on the show. Dominic McLaughlin is set to play orphan-turned-boy-wizard Harry Potter, while Arabella Stanton will play Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout will play Ron Weasley. "All the cast of the new Harry Potter TV series are amazing," Isaacs told Collider. Critics "will be swallowing their tongues, hopefully — you know, their digital tongues — when they see what (Paapa) does on screen." 10 bingeable memoirs to check out: Celebrities tell all about aging, marriage and Beyoncé Essiedu, known for his roles in "I May Destroy You," "Black Mirror" and "The Outrun," shared his excitement at joining the magical world of "Harry Potter" in an April Instagram post announcing his casting. The actor affectionately signed off the post's caption as "Professor Snape." "An honor and a privilege to be going on this journey with these legends," Essiedu wrote at the time. "We shall eat, and we shall leave no crumbs. See you at Hogwarts." Contributing: Brendan Morrow, USA TODAY
USA Today
02-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Texas A&M transfer guard is reportedly cleared for non-contact work
Texas A&M's 2025 basketball roster will feature 12 new additions under first-year head coach Bucky McMillan, who has all but rebuilt the program after Buzz Williams departed for Maryland after six seasons in College Station. Outside of landing Indiana transfer forward Mackenzie Mgbako, former Texas Tech and Creighton point guard Pop Isaacs looks like one of the most critical players on the roster. Last season with the Bluejays, Isaacs averaged 16.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.9 assists, while shooting 41% from the field and 38% from three-point range. Before suffering his season-ending injury, Issacs was on a roll, scoring 25, 18, 25, and 27 in his final four out of five games, which included 18 made 3-pointers. However, after briefly transferring to Houston before choosing the Aggies, Issacs had not been cleared for contact as he continued to heal from his hip injury. Still, as of this week, McMillan told CBS Sports college basketball insider Jon Rothstein that Isaacs has been cleared for non-contact work and will gradually return to the court this month. This is significant news for a player who needs to hit the ground running for the Aggies to gain symmetry in the locker room, as sophomore forward Chris McDermott is the only returning player from the 2024 roster. Still, this was always expected, given that every other player had either graduated or entered the transfer portal. Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.
