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‘Harry Potter’ Actor Slams “Racist” Fans After They Criticize HBO's Diverse Casting
WARNER BROS STUDIOS LEAVESDEN, JUL 6 – Jason Isaacs calls out racist backlash against Paapa Essiedu, praising him as one of the best actors and urging fans to await the HBO series airing in 2026.
- In May 2025, HBO cast Emmy-nominated actor Paapa Essiedu as Snape, sparking fan backlash and controversy.
- Backlash stems from critics citing deviations from Snape’s book appearance, Essiedu’s pro-trans advocacy, and Rowling’s controversial views on gender issues.
- Speaking at FanExpo Denver, Jason Isaacs defended Paapa Essiedu’s casting—rejecting critics’ book-accuracy complaints and saying, “I’ve seen some people online who are being rude about him.”
- The series' creative deviations, including casting Essiedu as Snape and early Fudge appearances, will deepen character focus and alter key dynamics.
- Filming at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden begins this summer, with the series set to air in 2026, prompting ongoing debates over casting diversity and representation.
39 Articles
39 Articles
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. ‘HARRY POTTER’ SERIES NEW SNAPE 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. P…
Harry Potter Film Actor Calls Fans 'Racist' Over Snape Casting Backlash
The backlash to HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter reboot Snape casting just got more heated—and this time, one of the original franchise stars is adding fuel to the fire. Jason Isaacs, best known for playing Lucius Malfoy in the original film series, is now publicly attacking fans who have voiced criticism over the casting of Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape. Speaking at FanExpo Denver, Isaacs didn’t hold back, accusing online commenters of prejudice an…
Harry Potter icon calls out "racist" objections to Professor Snape casting for TV series
Jason Isaacs has called out "racist" criticism of Paapa Essiedu following his casting as Severus Snape in the new Harry Potter series.The White Lotus actor, who played Lucius Malfoy in the original film series, heaped praise on The Lazarus Project star Essiedu as he prepares to follow in the footsteps of Alan Rickman, who played Snape in the films.“Paapa Essiedu is one of the best actors I’ve ever seen in my life. I’ve seen some people online wh…
‘Harry Potter’ Actor Slams “Racist” Fans After They Criticize HBO's Diverse Casting
Harry Potter actor Jason Isaacs, who plays Death Eater Lucius Malfoy in the film series, has called out “racist” fans who continue to criticize the casting of Paapa Essiedu (Black Mirror) as Severus Snape (previously played by the late Alan Rickman) in the HBO television series. Several casting announcements for the reboot have been made over the past few months, including the main characters, Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger, who…
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