“Leave, or I’ll kill you” — actor from the Harry Potter series is receiving threats on social media

Paapa Essiedu, who is set to play Severus Snape in HBO’s new Harry Potter series, revealed that after being cast, he faced harassment and death threats on social media: “People were writing to me: ‘Leave, or I’ll kill you.’”

Essiedu admitted that the threats and the backlash from fans related to his skin color are weighing on him. However, he has no intention of stepping away from the role, largely because he loved J.K. Rowling’s books as a child, and they served as a way for him to escape reality: “I imagined myself getting to Hogwarts, flying on broomsticks — I was fascinated by the idea that a child like me could end up in that magical world.” At the same time, the actor confessed that he is one of the rare people who never watched the original films. In them, Severus Snape was played by Alan Rickman.

Essiedu also said that working on the series will be a huge, long-term commitment for him: his contract is рассчитан на ten years. The actor understands that his life could change dramatically over that time — by the time production ends, he will be 45 years old.

The Harry Potter series is scheduled to premiere in 2027. Seven seasons are planned — one for each book. Rowling is serving as one of the project’s producers and consultants. Harry will be played by newcomer Dominic McLaughlin, Hermione by Arabella Stanton, who has already voiced the character in the audiobook, and Ron by Alastair Stout.

Among the adult cast: John Lithgow will play Dumbledore, Janet McTeer will play McGonagall, and Nick Frost will play Hagrid. The only actor from the original films is Warwick Davis, who is returning as Professor Flitwick. The music is being composed by Hans Zimmer.

We also wrote about who could play Voldemort. Warner Bros. is preparing the biggest launch in its history for the series.

What do you think of the Harry Potter series cast?