Former HARRY POTTER Actor Jason Isaacs Backs Paapa Essiedu As The New Severus Snape

Former HARRY POTTER Actor Jason Isaacs Backs Paapa Essiedu As The New Severus Snape

A vocal contingent of Harry Potter fans are against Paapa Essiedu's casting in HBO's upcoming reboot for one reason only, says Jason Isaacs.

By MarkJulian - Jul 07, 2025 06:07 PM EST
Filed Under: Harry Potter

It seems that whenever you come across an article or social media post about HBO's upcoming Harry Potter reboot, there are several trolling and racist comments about the fact that Paapa Essiedu was cast as Severus Snape, a role previously made famous by a masterful portrayal by Alan Rickman.

Previously, J.K. Rowling addressed the controversy, dismissing the notion that she should try to have Essiedu removed from the remake due to his outspoken support for trans rights, a stance that directly opposes her own views.

Now, another Harry Potter alum is also coming to Essiedu's support.

Jason Isaacs, who portrayed Lucius Malfoy in the original Harry Potter films, had nothing but praise for the British actor while attending FanExpo Denver.

"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 told the crowd [via Collider].

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.”

The casting of Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape has sparked debate among some fans who point to the character’s physical description in the books, where he's described as having sallow skin, a hooked nose, and greasy black hair, traits they feel establish Snape as a white person.

Some fans also believe that casting a Black actor as Snape changes how audiences might view his backstory. They argue that the bullying he faced from Harry's father could now carry unintended racial undertones.

However, plenty of fans are excited about Paapa Essiedu taking on the role. They point to his strong acting skills and welcome the chance to see a new and unique take on Snape.

In other news, Rowling recently shared that she's very impressed with the first two scripts she's read for the upcoming remake.

Francesca Gardiner (His Dark Materials), is the showrunner of the upcoming reboot and also wrote the pilot. It's unknown at this point, who wrote the second episode.

The new live-action Harry Potter TV series is expected to debut in 2026.

Newcomers Dominic McLaughlin, Alastair Stout, and Arabella Stanton will step into the legendary roles of Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger, respectively.

They'll be joined by an impressive supporting cast: John Lithgow will portray Albus Dumbledore, Essiedu as Snape, Janet McTeer will play Professor McGonagall, Nick Frost joins as Hagrid, Luke Thallon as Quirrell, and Paul Whitehouse as Filch.

Succession alum Mark Mylod is confirmed to direct several episodes of the debut season.

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