Latest news with #SeverusSnape
Screen Geek
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Screen Geek
Jason Isaacs Calls Out "Racist" 'Harry Potter' Fans Over Paapa Essiedu Complaints
Actor Jason Isaacs starred in the Harry Potter movie franchise as Lucius Malfoy. Now the iconic story is being retold once again, albeit for television, and with a new cast attached. One of these cast members, Paapa Essiedu, has been the subject of backlash for being a black actor playing Severus Snape, a character formerly played by white actor Alan Rickman. Now Jason Isaacs is calling out these 'racist' Harry Potter fans in defense of Essiedu. As mentioned, Alan Rickman previously played the part of Snape throughout every Harry Potter feature film, and some fans are hesitant about Paapa Essiedu playing the part. Of course, it's going to be difficult for any actor to live up to Rickman, but Isaacs is confident that Essiedu is perfect for the role. He expressed as much while speaking with Collider at Fans Expo. Here's what Isaacs shared while discussing the actor and calling out the fans that have criticized his involvement: '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,' Isaacs said. '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.' Of course, this isn't the only reason Essiedu has been a subject of conversation. He has also illustrated support for the transgender community, which Harry Potter creator J.K. Rowling has consistently found herself at odds with in recent years. Some fans even suspected that Rowling would have Essiedu removed from the television series as a result of his support, though that has yet to happen and Rowling has been adamant that she wouldn't have anyone fired for their personal beliefs. The new Harry Potter television series is currently scheduled to premiere in 2026. Stay tuned to ScreenGeek for any additional updates regarding this highly-anticipated project as we have them. It's a big undertaking to once again adapt the iconic books by J.K. Rowling, especially after the feature films became such iconic works themselves, but we'll have to see how this endeavor turns out.
Daily Mail
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Beloved Harry Potter star fiercely defends Paapa Essiedu's casting as Snape in reboot amid 'racist' backlash
An original Harry Potter star has come to the defense of Paapa Essiedu's casting as Severus Snape in the upcoming TV reboot amid 'racist' online backlash. It was confirmed earlier this year that Essiedu, an acclaimed English actor who is of Ghanaian descent, would star in HBO 's new Harry Potter series as Hogwarts professor Snape, a role originated by the late Alan Rickman, a white man. The news of Essiedu's casting received mixed reactions from Harry Potter fans, with some left 'disappointed' due to his lack of resemblance to the beloved character, who is described as having 'a large hooked nose, and yellow, uneven teeth' in J.K. Rowling 's iconic novels. But during a recent appearance at FanExpo Denver, Jason Isaacs, who famously portrayed Lucius Malfoy in the Harry Potter films, passionately shared his support for Essiedu while slamming the 'rude' response to his casting. '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 said during a panel moderated by Collider. Isaacs, 62, continued: 'They will be swallowing their tongues when they see what [Essiedu] does on screen.' Essiedu's involvement in the TV adaptation of J.K. Rowling's book series was first confirmed in April by the show's producers. It came after months of speculation that the Emmy nominee had landed the iconic Harry Potter role, which Rickman notably portrayed throughout the film franchise from 2001 through 2011. When the rumors first swirled last year, many Harry Potter fans were prompted to share their thoughts on X (formerly known as Twitter) — with some branding the casting as 'woke.' One penned, 'I'm sorry but there is only one man who can be Professor Snape. Shame on HBO for going near this. It's just going to ruin something that should be left well alone.' Another typed, 'Paapa Essiedu shouldn't take this role for his own benefit. He could be the best actor in the world but he doesn't fit the characteristics of Snape from the book.' 'I don't understand the push to change everything from the original context,' they added. Another wrote, 'Paapa Essiedu is being eyed for the role of Professor Severus Snape in the upcoming 'Harry Potter' TV series. Another classic that goes woke.' However, many HP fans came to the star's defense as they argued that 'Snape's physical appearance is not vital to his character.' It was also announced in April that Emmy winner John Lithgow will play Headmaster Albus Dumbledore, while Janet McTeer will take on the role of Professor Minerva McGonagall, and Nick Frost will play Rubeus Hagrid. All four of them, including Essiedu, will star as regulars in the upcoming series, THR reported. In statement to the outlet, Francesca Gardiner, the showrunner and executive producer, and Mark Mylod, the director of several episodes and the executive producer, said they were 'delighted to have such extraordinary talent' in the show. 'We are happy to announce the casting of John Lithgow, Janet McTeer, Paapa Essiedu, Nick Frost, Luke Thallon and Paul Whitehouse to play Dumbledore, McGonagall, Snape, Hagrid, Quirrell and Filch,' they said. 'We're delighted to have such extraordinary talent onboard, and we can't wait to see them bring these beloved characters to new life.' In reference to Rickman's famous portrayal of Professor Snape, Mylod said: 'Nobody can replace Alan Rickman, but we can find the next Alan Rickman.' Some fans were also upset with Lithgow's being cast as Albus Dumbledore due to him being an American actor playing a British character, particularly given JK Rowling's insistance that the cast of the original films be British. Taking to X, fans wrote: 'I can't understand why John Lithgow is the new Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter HBO series. Dumbledore is British, Lithgow is from the USA.' 'Nothing against John Lithgow, but Dumbledore and the whole Harry Potter franchise is British.' The series' main three characters - Harry, Ron and Hermione - were finally announced in May after months of anticipation and rumors. Dominic McLaughlin bagged the role of Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton is set to play Hermoine Granger and Alastair Stout will portray Ron Weasley. The lucky three kids are set to start filming the TV reboot this summer and were picked from more than 32,000 audition tapes from across the UK and Ireland. JK Rowling's seven hit books — which were originally made into films starring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint — will be made into seven seasons on HBO. Rowling is listed as an executive producer despite the controversy and backlash surrounding her views on transgender issues. The HBO TV show is said to be costing £75million an episode and the three child actors could land themselves even bigger fortunes than the original stars. Producers Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod praised the 'wonderful' talent of the three newcomers. They said: 'After an extraordinary search led by casting directors Lucy Bevan and Emily Brockmann, we are delighted to announce we have found our Harry, Hermione, and Ron. 'The talent of these three unique actors is wonderful to behold, and we cannot wait for the world to witness their magic together onscreen. 'We would like to thank all the tens of thousands of children who auditioned. It's been a real pleasure to discover the plethora of young talent out there.' The talented youngsters are used to acting and all have various experiences on stage or behind the camera. British actor-comedian Nick Frost will play half-giant Rubeus Hagrid, originally embodied by the late Robbie Coltrane John Lithgow (left) was been picked to play the new Professor Albus Dumbledore, a role originally played by Michael Gambon in the last six of eight Harry Potter films Following in Daniel Radcliffe's footsteps, Dominic played Oliver Gregory in a film titled Grow, also starring Alan Carr, Golda Rosheuvel and Nick Frost. Alastair, who will be taking on the role of Ron Weasley, featured in an advert for albert Bartlett's Jersey Royal potatoes. While Arabella has been on the West End and starred as Matilda in Matilda The Musical back in 2023. The young star also played Control in Starlight Express last year. More English actors were confirmed to star in the upcoming Harry Potter TV series, which will hit screens in 2027, in an announcement made in June. It was revealed that Katherine Parkinson, 47, will be playing Bill, Charlie, Percy, Fred, George, Ron and Ginny's mum Molly Weasley. The actress has played roles in various shows and films such as The IT Crowd, Doc Martin, Humans, St. Trinian's 2: The Legend of Fritton's Gold and Casualty. Molly was played by Julie Walters in the popular franchise. Johnny Flynn, 42, will play Draco Malfoy's dad Lucius - who was played by Jason Isaacs in the beloved Warner Bros. movies. The actor has appeared in various films and TV shows over the years. English actress Bel Powel has reportedly signed up to play Petunia Dursley in the TV adaption after shooting to fame in 2015 Some include Lotus Eaters, Cordelia, Scrooge: A Christmas Carol, Holby City, Les Miserables, Ripley and The Lovers. Bel Powley and Daniel Rigby have reportedly signed up to play Harry Potter's aunt and uncle, Mr and Mrs Dursley, according to Variety. Last month, Harry Potter creator Rowling confirmed that she worked closely with the writers on the upcoming series. She did so in a post on X (formerly Twitter) in which she raved about the first two episodes after reading them for the first time. 'I read the first two episodes of the forthcoming HBO Harry Potter series and they are SO, SO, SO GOOD!' the author wrote. When one follower enquired: 'So you are not doing the writing for the show?' she replied: 'No, but I've worked closely with the extremely talented writers'. In regards to filming, it was reported in May that the big-budget new series will be filmed in a £1 billion mini-centre, complete with its own school and medical centre. Producers have poured money into the vast new studio at Leavesden, just outside Watford, Hertfordshire. The site will include a school for the hundreds of young actors who are committed to filming the show, while another facility is being erected for the large numbers of animals expected to feature. A source told The Sun at the time: 'Warner Bros are making a huge commitment to the new TV show, looking at making multiple, lengthy series over the next decade. 'So they see pumping a huge amount of cash in upfront to construct this infrastructure as a worthwhile investment which they'll eventually get a return on.
The Independent
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Harry Potter star defends Snape casting in HBO adaptation
Jason Isaacs, who portrayed Lucius Malfoy in the Harry Potter films, has defended Paapa Essiedu's casting as Severus Snape in the forthcoming TV series. Isaacs labelled critics of Essiedu's casting as 'racist,' asserting that Essiedu is one of the finest actors he has ever seen. Essiedu's casting has also drawn attention due to his public stance on trans rights, which differs from that of Harry Potter creator J.K. Rowling. The new HBO Max series is planned as a faithful adaptation of the Harry Potter books, with each season covering one of the seven novels. Filming for the series is scheduled to begin this summer at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, Hertfordshire, with a likely debut in late 2026 or early 2027.
See - Sada Elbalad
08-03-2025
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
HBO's "Harry Potter" Series Close to Find Its Snape & McGonagall
Yara Sameh HBO is closing in on two more main cast members for its high-profile TV adaptation of the hugely popular 'Harry Potter' book series. Oscar-and Emmy-nominated actress Janet McTeer is in talks to play Professor Minerva McGonagall. Additionally, Emmy nominee Paapa Essiedu, one of the first actors identified for the series, is closing his deal to portray Professor Severus Snape. They are poised to join John Lithgow, who will be playing Professor Albus Dumbledore. 'We appreciate that such a high-profile series will draw a lot of rumor and speculation,' HBO said in a statement. 'As we make our way through pre-production, we will only confirm details as we finalize deals.' The series, designed to run over a decade, comes from writer-showrunner Francesca Gardiner and director/executive producer Mark Mylod. Casey Bloys, chairman and CEO of HBO and Max Content, at the time of the original announcement, called the series a 'faithful adaptation' of J.K. Rowling's novels that will 'dive deep into each of the iconic books.' Speaking at a Max event in London last December, Gardiner revealed the series will stick to the 'canonical' ages of Snape, who will be only 31, as well as the Dursleys, who will be much younger than they were in the movies. That explains the choice of thirtysomething Essiedu for the role of Snape, the antagonist-turned-hero played in the Harry Potter movies by the late Alan Rickman. Severus Snape is a Professor of Potions at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry who eventually becomes Headmaster. Meanwhile, McTeer is just a couple of years younger than the late Maggie Smith was when she was cast as Deputy Headmistress Minerva McGonagall in the film franchise two and a half decades ago. The Transfiguration professor at Hogwarts, McGonagall also is the nurturing head of Gryffindor House and the Deputy Headmistress under Headmaster Albus Dumbledore (Lithgow). In the Fantastic Beasts prequel films, the role was played by Fiona Glascott. With the HBO series, the Harry Potter franchise continues to build a more inclusive and racially diverse universe, an effort that started with the casting of Noma Dumezweni as Hermione in the long-running stage play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. It is something another popular fantasy franchise, The Lord of the Rings, also embarked on when transitioning to the small screen with the Amazon series. The Harry Potter TV series, which will be filmed at Warner Bros Studios Leavesden where the movies were shot, is slated to debut on HBO in late 2026 or early 2027. Some 32,000 kids sent audition tapes for the lead roles of Harry, Hermione and Ron, with the final casting choices yet to be revealed.
