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“Absolutely Won’t Be Watching”: Harry Potter Fans Fume Over Snape’s Casting In New Series
The upcoming HBO Harry Potter series has sparked controversy after Deadline reported that Paapa Essiedu is closing his deal to portray Professor Severus Snape.
One of the main concerns among fans of the franchise is that Essiedu’s appearance differs significantly from the character’s description in J.K. Rowling’s novels.
Snape, originally portrayed by the late Alan Rickman in the Harry Potter films, is described in the books as a “thin man with sallow skin, a large, hooked nose, and yellow, uneven teeth.”
Highlights
- Paapa Essiedu's casting as Snape in the new Harry Potter series sparks fan backlash over character accuracy.
- Potterheads say Essiedu's appearance contradicts Snape's description in the books.
- Some fans argue for talent over book accuracy, while others worry about the casting affecting character dynamics.
The character “has shoulder-length, greasy black hair which frames his face, and cold, black eyes.”
BP Daily - Your Source for Unbiased Reporting
Many Harry Potter fans reacted negatively to the news of Paapa Essiedu closing his deal to portray Professor Severus Snape
Image credits: Kaizen D. Asiedu
Snape’s race is never specified in the books, but, as Kaizen D. Asiedu pointed out in a viral video, Rowling includes terms that wouldn’t be used to describe a Black person.
“Is it because Snape cast a race transition spell or drank a Polyjuice Potion?” the Players star jokingly asked before taking a serious tone.
“It’s cool as a Black person to see Paapa having success. I get that racially diverse casting can offer new perspectives, but this is forced.”
He continued: “Harry Potter is a part of history. Many millennials’ fondest childhood memories are with these characters. Making Snape Black might help HBO’s diversity push, but it’s coming at the cost of being true to the source material.”
“I get that racially diverse casting can offer new perspectives, but this is forced,” complained Kaizen D. Asiedu
HBO may make Snape black in their Harry Potter TV show. Here’s the problem. pic.twitter.com/tDtDCGP1Pt
— Kaizen D. Asiedu (@thatsKAIZEN) March 8, 2025
Asiedu said that if the production company wants more diverse films and TV series, it can cast actors from minority groups in roles that don’t have a defined physical appearance in the books.
“And if you think race isn’t central to Snape’s role, I agree,” he added. “But we can’t be expected to not see color on one hand while HBO emphasizes color on the other.
“Even if J.K. Rowling supports this because her ideas have changed, the history she made hasn’t.”
Image credits: IMDB
Many fans were concerned that the casting of Paapa Essiedu might affect the character dynamics between James Potter and Snape, with the scenes of Harry’s father bullying Snape when they were younger now having racial undertones that weren’t present in Rowling’s books.
British actor Paapa Essiedu is known for I May Destroy You, Anne Boleyn, The Lazarus Project, and Black Mirror: Demon 79
Image credits: Wikipedia
Potterheads took to social media to voice their opinions about the casting and discuss the broader topic of whether films and TV series should prioritize diversity at the expense of book accuracy.
“When I was reading Harry Potter years ago, never did I think there should have been a brown Sri Lankan in the book! I just enjoyed the characters and their interactions as written in that country – Britain,” one of them wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
“The same way, I don’t read books from India and think, ‘Hmm there should have been a white trans woman.’ These are modern token gestures. If you want inclusivity, don’t destroy classics, but create something brand new!!!”
Image credits: Warner Media
Another fan believed that talent should be prioritized over book accuracy when producing an adaptation. “I only care if he was the best actor for the role. Denzel Washington would have been an awesome Snape in the movies.”
Someone else penned: “Given the nature of Snape and how most respond to him, I’m afraid this could backfire and make everyone in the Harry Potter world seem racist!”
In the books, Snape is described as a “thin man with sallow skin, a large, hooked nose, and yellow, uneven teeth”
Image credits: The Mother of All Nerds
Meanwhile, others speculated that Essiedu playing Snape could be HBO’s attempt to pander to more liberal fans who were disenchanted by Rowling’s transphobic remarks.
On Friday (March 7), Deadline reported that the I May Destroy You actor was “closing his deal” to portray Snape.
“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.”
Image credits: The Mother of All Nerds
The outlet also reported that Emmy-nominated actress Janet McTeer was in negotiations to play Professor Minerva McGonagall, originally played by the late Maggie Smith.
Golden Globe winner John Lithgow will reportedly portray Professor Albus Dumbledore. The role was previously played by Richard Harris in the first two films and by Michael Gambon in the remaining six.
The character “has shoulder-length, greasy black hair which frames his face, and cold, black eyes”
Image credits: The Mother of All Nerds
The highly anticipated Harry Potter series is designed to run over a decade. Casey Bloys, CEO of HBO and Max Content, called the show a “faithful adaptation” of Rowling’s novels that will “dive deep into each of the iconic books.”
Showrunner Francesca Gardiner revealed that the series will stick to the “canonical” ages of Snape, who will be 31. (Paapa Essiedu is 34).
The show, which will be filmed at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden where the Harry Potter movies were shot, is set to be released on HBO in late 2026 or early 2027.
The casting of Paapa Essiedu continued to spark heated debates among Potterheads
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What do you think ?
tori Ohno 9 months ago (edited)
This is every bit as offensive as the new version of Interview With A Vampire. Louis was a plantation OWNER. In the new version, he's a black man. That's not historically correct for the times, or true to the book. Quit changing books to fit your "woke" sensibilities people! It's every bit as bad as burning books just because you don't agree with them. Write your own stories if you want a different style, but stop mangling literature. Simply don't read it or put it on the screen if you don't like it the way it is.
Katchen 9 months ago
The new Interview with the Vampire drew on some of Anne Rice’s other work, so the changes didn’t come out of nowhere. It’s like they merged some of the stories and characters from IwtV and The Feast of All Saints.
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jonathan 9 months ago
Snape being a POC will change the whole dynamic of him being bullied and ostracised by James and the Marauders, and his relationship with Lilly.
Marlowe Fitzpatrik 8 months ago
Okay, this is the ONLY argument I can agree with. I'm interested to see how they let that play out. Maybe they simply ignore his skin-color in the bullying-scenes? Like in Doctor Who, Ninth Doctor, where we meet Rose and her boyfriend Mickey. And Rose is white and Mickey is black and it's not ever an issue. There's tension and eventually they break up, but it just never matters what color Mickey's skin has. I really, really liked that. So you could just show the bullying, keep the reasons the same as in the books, and ignore the fact that one of the kids is black. Maybe there will be other characters with non-white skin, too? That'd be a quick fix.
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Alex Martin 9 months ago
I've watched the movies many times and read the books a long time ago. Outside of a line or two of physical description, I can't recall a single moment where Snape being black or white would have an impact on the story. Any person taking over for Alan Rickman has enormous shoes to fill. I wish this actor well and pray that he does a wonderful job so that we all can enjoy a return to the Harry Potter world.
Marlowe Fitzpatrik 9 months ago
Thank you. I also think that it truly wouldn't matter much what his skin-color is. If he's a good actor, why not? It's also not "historically wrong", as someone above argued in regards to some movies or books. There were very few black wizards in the original movies, now that I think about it... If they had the muggle-non-muggle thing as a form of racism, the teachers and professors could have easily also been black (or any other skin-shade). Huh.
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Danny Haworth 9 months ago
No one will play Snape better than Alan Rickman. However let’s give him a chance!
David 9 months ago
I think the issue is, now we have to deal with the issue that James Potter and friends bullied the black kid. That means they need to do a lot of work to make sure any flashback scenes cannot be interpreted as racial.
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CK 9 months ago
It's important to cast someone who can represent the character well. So while Alan Rickman was a great actor, and so is Paapa Essiedu, they should never have cast a Muggle.
Ellinor 9 months ago
As a half-black person, I may not like the change but it saddens me that this will open a window for many racist people to just vent out.
Maria Virginia Marcos 9 months ago
It's not racism and it never will be if one talks about how obvious the situation is that they are changing original characters that are not black people for black people everywhere because they have no imagination to make an original and good story with them... that people like you are bothered and do not understand why they are ruining the original stories/characters is because they are not represented in those stories originally and for some good reason it must be, as if the creator did not feel like it...
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Michael Largey 9 months ago
Folks, let's stop and examine one definition of an actor - "Being someone you're not". I think that covers the situation here.
LakotaWolf (she/her) 9 months ago
Yep. I was unhappy (initially) when, in the Dark Tower movie, Roland the gunslinger was played by Idris Elba. In the books, Roland is specifically described as a white man with icy-blue eyes, and his ethnicity is actually a point of contention between himself and another character (Eddie), who constantly mocks him for being white and calls him various racial slurs. However, Idris Elba is a RIDICULOUSLY fabulous actor, and he did an excellent job playing Roland. The movie is absolute trash for many many other reasons, but not because Roland was played by a black man.
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Jacob B 9 months ago
I'm an avid book reader and Harry Potter is one of my favourite series. When I heard the news, I hated it. I like things being true to the original material as much as possible. It's very obvious this is a DEI choice. But after some time I just stopped caring. I still don't like the idea but it's not as big of a deal as one would think. Truth is, if the series ends up being good, people will forget this inclusive compromise. Just like they forgot Nick Fury from Marvel for example. I still would prefer they give more screentime to existing black characters from HP rather than changing well established ones. Like Kinglsey Shacklebolt for example. A literal hero in more ways than one. The TV series would be a good chance to show things from a few less known perspectives. They chose the easier and less sensible way though. Like it or not, Essiedu will have to give a BAFTA-worthy performance or the fans will roast him alive. And Rickman's legacy hanging over him will make it even harder.
Joey Jo Jo Shabadoo 9 months ago (edited)
Why would it be very obvious that its a DEI choice? The actor is from the Royal Shakespeare Company, where he was lauded for his Hamlet. He's been nominated for an Emmy and a BAFTA. How much more experienced would he need to be for you to consider him qualified?
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solace in rage 8 months ago
It isn't like Snape isn't described in detail in the books. Follow the lore of the setting and cast appropriately. There is a reason Wheel of Time and the LotR series fell extremely flat. Blackwashing to overcorrect the idiotic racial guilt phenomenon the last decade has gotten entirely out of hand, especially where redheads are concerned. It should be found as disgusting a practice as minstrel shows to do this.
luci (he/fae) 9 months ago (edited)
and we care why? when was snape's skin color ever a plot point dude
Earonn - 8 months ago
First comment points out the issue: they want a second Alan Rickman, not a Severus Snape. As for skin colour, honestly, in the world it plays, skin colour doesn't mean as much as being muggle-born, so where's the issue. Rather, give me a new interpretation of Snape, one that is as menacing, but in a different style from Alan - because otherwise I can just watch the old movies.
Наталья Медведева 8 months ago
Did you see Rowling’s drawings of Snape? Did you see photos of her chemistry teacher who inspired her to write Snape’s character? Then go watch this first and then write something here.
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Jules 9 months ago (edited)
I feel sorry for any actor who takes on an iconic role that's only ever been portrayed one way or by a single actor - they're pretty much doomed from the start especially if it's a particularly beloved actor. I think the POC who played Anne Boleyn may have suffered the same fate. I won't be watching it not because I'm a racist but I know it'll mar my experience as I won't be able to stop myself comparing to Alan Rickman.
Наталья Медведева 8 months ago
Snape’s appearance specifically was portrayed by Rowling herself. Go Google her drawings. Then Google Rickman’s face. Questions?
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Multa Nocte 8 months ago
I'm sure they'll go bankrupt because of that now. Pity.
Load More Replies... Nimitz 9 months ago
All these anit-woke mofos immediately deciding that the guy's gonna do a bad job because he's black. To be clear, Snape is described as being tall, thin, and lanky with greasy black hair, sallow skin, and cold black eyes. Nowhere did it say he's a white guy, that was just assumed because JK Rowling SPECIFICALLY called out that Kingsley Prior was a black man. So maybe just give the actor a chance? Who cares if he's black, it's gonna take a monumentally talented person to step into Alan Rickman's beloved shoes. Or, here's an idea, how about we all just move on from the Potterverse because of Rowling's incredibly loud incredibly racist, homophobic, and transphobic views?
Apatheist Account2 9 months ago (edited)
Sallow refers to yellow or pale brown, which is a bit of a stretch for him, as is the greasy black hair. It's not that he's going to do a bad job, it's that he doesn't represent the image that the character needs to have. I've not seen Rowling be racist or homophobic; she's pro-feminist, but that's about all.
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Nitka Tsar 8 months ago
Ah well…. Sure, Snape is supposed to look pale, but honestly, I think this might work. I‘m not sure I know this actor, but maybe he is brilliant in what he does. I will watch it to see
Наталья Медведева 8 months ago
Go watch it. Maybe HBO will at least have 10 watchers for HP show while the rest million people cancel their HBO subscription:)
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katherine roberts 8 months ago
Good grief...they need to make new stories not black wash original characters. You know why they don't remake Tianna as a white woman?
MagicJacket 9 months ago
I understand, sort of. The character was described one way by the author, and adaptations should try to follow that. But you know what? They already did. Rickman was fantastic as Snape. Now they are doing something new. I am more disturbed by the idea that they are making a Potter series, funneling even more money to noted transphobe and pretty awful person J,K, Rowling.
Наталья Медведева 8 months ago
Now please answer: who wants to watch this “something new”? Fans don’t want something new, they want “a fair books adaptation” with the scenes missing from the original movies.
Load More Replies... Roni Stone 9 months ago
I have many reasons why I won't watch an HP series, but having a man of color portray Snape is not one of those. Directing any more money toward the pocket of such a transphobic bigot author, however, is at the very top of my list. (Snape's skin color does not impact the "character" of the character a single iota, by the way.)
G A 9 months ago (edited)
The comment about people not realising Alan Rickman has died is hysterical! Clearly hasn't read the article at all and thinks they are being intelligent, rather than a complete tool. Anyway, I have no problem with someone else playing Snape or any other character, but this does smack of stunt casting, like the last couple of Dr Whos. He does not match the described character-at least go with the books. And John Lithgow is too old. He's already 78. No way is he managing 7 series at his age.
Beak Hookage 8 months ago (edited)
This entire thing is idiotic from beginning to end. Nobody asked for a d*amn TV series in the first place. Can we PLEASE stop milking that d*amn franchise to death? I adored the books and movies as a kid but by now I have had it with anything Potter related, including the author. There are other things to adapt for chrissakes! Bah.
KatSaidWhat 8 months ago
She lost the gays so she's trying to get black support instead is what I took from this.
Joey Jo Jo Shabadoo 9 months ago (edited)
"“When I was reading Harry Potter years ago, never did I think there should have been a brown Sri Lankan in the book! I just enjoyed the characters and their interactions as written in that country – Britain," Can you imagine? A brown person in Britain? Clearly a well-reasoned, sensible critique grounded in the reality who is British.
MayaAlli 9 months ago
Lmao! You all are so bad! There are countless condescending posts condemning JK Rowling from the same commentators that now act as if someone stuck a cucumber up their behinds. The series will be great, the actors will do a great job. Get over yourselves.
Apatheist Account2 9 months ago
He will never be able to hold a candle to Rickman's portrayal. No-one ever could.
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Zara VP 9 months ago (edited)
I know I'm going to receive a lot of hate for this but here is my opinion: If a beloved Black character were suddenly replaced with a White person, the backlash would be intense, and it wouldn't be accepted by the majority of people and the producers would be called "racist". There'd be a massive outcry, and it would never happen. But for some reason, when the change goes the other way — where a traditionally White character is replaced by a Black one — it's often seen as progressive or empowering. Why is it that one direction causes such outrage, but the other is often celebrated? Doesn't this create a double standard?
Remi Flynne 9 months ago (edited)
The difference is that white people generally haven't been discriminated against for a great many years, that's the flaw in your argument. However, that doesn't make it okay to just change the physical appearance of a character if their appearance is somehow integral to the role. If it doesn't impact the story in any way (beyond being different to an author's description) then why not?
Load More Replies... brittany 8 months ago
i mean i wont be watching, but not because i object to their casting choices. im simply not interested. the original movies came into my life at a time when i really needed them to and that will always have a special and lasting place in my heart. i get people of newer generations wanting to see and experience it with new faces and that's fine. im good with remembering it the original way with the original actors. best of luck to the new cast, i hope they find an appreciative audience
Joanne Earle 8 months ago
I get that every show and movie wants to be inclusive....but the books are canon. If they are going to make a TV series with one season per book to get it ALL in, then they have to be faithful to the descriptions of the characters. James and Sirius bullying Snape definitely becomes a 'racial issue' if this guy is cast. The woman cast as McGonagall is too young at 63. Book McGonagall was close to 80 when Harry started at Hogwarts. Please stick to the book descriptions!
LakotaWolf (she/her) 9 months ago
Please quote actual lines from the book where Snape is described as "a white man" or "a Caucasian'.
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Michael Largey 9 months ago
"Virtue signaling" is a phrase used by people who have none to signal - and no argument for their position. Or just go out and make your own d**n movie.
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tori Ohno 9 months ago (edited)
This is every bit as offensive as the new version of Interview With A Vampire. Louis was a plantation OWNER. In the new version, he's a black man. That's not historically correct for the times, or true to the book. Quit changing books to fit your "woke" sensibilities people! It's every bit as bad as burning books just because you don't agree with them. Write your own stories if you want a different style, but stop mangling literature. Simply don't read it or put it on the screen if you don't like it the way it is.
Katchen 9 months ago
The new Interview with the Vampire drew on some of Anne Rice’s other work, so the changes didn’t come out of nowhere. It’s like they merged some of the stories and characters from IwtV and The Feast of All Saints.
Load More Replies... jonathan 9 months ago
Snape being a POC will change the whole dynamic of him being bullied and ostracised by James and the Marauders, and his relationship with Lilly.
Marlowe Fitzpatrik 8 months ago
Okay, this is the ONLY argument I can agree with. I'm interested to see how they let that play out. Maybe they simply ignore his skin-color in the bullying-scenes? Like in Doctor Who, Ninth Doctor, where we meet Rose and her boyfriend Mickey. And Rose is white and Mickey is black and it's not ever an issue. There's tension and eventually they break up, but it just never matters what color Mickey's skin has. I really, really liked that. So you could just show the bullying, keep the reasons the same as in the books, and ignore the fact that one of the kids is black. Maybe there will be other characters with non-white skin, too? That'd be a quick fix.
Load More Replies... Alex Martin 9 months ago
I've watched the movies many times and read the books a long time ago. Outside of a line or two of physical description, I can't recall a single moment where Snape being black or white would have an impact on the story. Any person taking over for Alan Rickman has enormous shoes to fill. I wish this actor well and pray that he does a wonderful job so that we all can enjoy a return to the Harry Potter world.
Marlowe Fitzpatrik 9 months ago
Thank you. I also think that it truly wouldn't matter much what his skin-color is. If he's a good actor, why not? It's also not "historically wrong", as someone above argued in regards to some movies or books. There were very few black wizards in the original movies, now that I think about it... If they had the muggle-non-muggle thing as a form of racism, the teachers and professors could have easily also been black (or any other skin-shade). Huh.
Load More Replies... Danny Haworth 9 months ago
No one will play Snape better than Alan Rickman. However let’s give him a chance!
David 9 months ago
I think the issue is, now we have to deal with the issue that James Potter and friends bullied the black kid. That means they need to do a lot of work to make sure any flashback scenes cannot be interpreted as racial.
Load More Replies... CK 9 months ago
It's important to cast someone who can represent the character well. So while Alan Rickman was a great actor, and so is Paapa Essiedu, they should never have cast a Muggle.
Ellinor 9 months ago
As a half-black person, I may not like the change but it saddens me that this will open a window for many racist people to just vent out.
Maria Virginia Marcos 9 months ago
It's not racism and it never will be if one talks about how obvious the situation is that they are changing original characters that are not black people for black people everywhere because they have no imagination to make an original and good story with them... that people like you are bothered and do not understand why they are ruining the original stories/characters is because they are not represented in those stories originally and for some good reason it must be, as if the creator did not feel like it...
Load More Replies... Michael Largey 9 months ago
Folks, let's stop and examine one definition of an actor - "Being someone you're not". I think that covers the situation here.
LakotaWolf (she/her) 9 months ago
Yep. I was unhappy (initially) when, in the Dark Tower movie, Roland the gunslinger was played by Idris Elba. In the books, Roland is specifically described as a white man with icy-blue eyes, and his ethnicity is actually a point of contention between himself and another character (Eddie), who constantly mocks him for being white and calls him various racial slurs. However, Idris Elba is a RIDICULOUSLY fabulous actor, and he did an excellent job playing Roland. The movie is absolute trash for many many other reasons, but not because Roland was played by a black man.
Load More Replies... Jacob B 9 months ago
I'm an avid book reader and Harry Potter is one of my favourite series. When I heard the news, I hated it. I like things being true to the original material as much as possible. It's very obvious this is a DEI choice. But after some time I just stopped caring. I still don't like the idea but it's not as big of a deal as one would think. Truth is, if the series ends up being good, people will forget this inclusive compromise. Just like they forgot Nick Fury from Marvel for example. I still would prefer they give more screentime to existing black characters from HP rather than changing well established ones. Like Kinglsey Shacklebolt for example. A literal hero in more ways than one. The TV series would be a good chance to show things from a few less known perspectives. They chose the easier and less sensible way though. Like it or not, Essiedu will have to give a BAFTA-worthy performance or the fans will roast him alive. And Rickman's legacy hanging over him will make it even harder.
Joey Jo Jo Shabadoo 9 months ago (edited)
Why would it be very obvious that its a DEI choice? The actor is from the Royal Shakespeare Company, where he was lauded for his Hamlet. He's been nominated for an Emmy and a BAFTA. How much more experienced would he need to be for you to consider him qualified?
Load More Replies... solace in rage 8 months ago
It isn't like Snape isn't described in detail in the books. Follow the lore of the setting and cast appropriately. There is a reason Wheel of Time and the LotR series fell extremely flat. Blackwashing to overcorrect the idiotic racial guilt phenomenon the last decade has gotten entirely out of hand, especially where redheads are concerned. It should be found as disgusting a practice as minstrel shows to do this.
luci (he/fae) 9 months ago (edited)
and we care why? when was snape's skin color ever a plot point dude
Earonn - 8 months ago
First comment points out the issue: they want a second Alan Rickman, not a Severus Snape. As for skin colour, honestly, in the world it plays, skin colour doesn't mean as much as being muggle-born, so where's the issue. Rather, give me a new interpretation of Snape, one that is as menacing, but in a different style from Alan - because otherwise I can just watch the old movies.
Наталья Медведева 8 months ago
Did you see Rowling’s drawings of Snape? Did you see photos of her chemistry teacher who inspired her to write Snape’s character? Then go watch this first and then write something here.
Load More Replies... Jules 9 months ago (edited)
I feel sorry for any actor who takes on an iconic role that's only ever been portrayed one way or by a single actor - they're pretty much doomed from the start especially if it's a particularly beloved actor. I think the POC who played Anne Boleyn may have suffered the same fate. I won't be watching it not because I'm a racist but I know it'll mar my experience as I won't be able to stop myself comparing to Alan Rickman.
Наталья Медведева 8 months ago
Snape’s appearance specifically was portrayed by Rowling herself. Go Google her drawings. Then Google Rickman’s face. Questions?
Load More Replies... Multa Nocte 8 months ago
I'm sure they'll go bankrupt because of that now. Pity.
Load More Replies... Nimitz 9 months ago
All these anit-woke mofos immediately deciding that the guy's gonna do a bad job because he's black. To be clear, Snape is described as being tall, thin, and lanky with greasy black hair, sallow skin, and cold black eyes. Nowhere did it say he's a white guy, that was just assumed because JK Rowling SPECIFICALLY called out that Kingsley Prior was a black man. So maybe just give the actor a chance? Who cares if he's black, it's gonna take a monumentally talented person to step into Alan Rickman's beloved shoes. Or, here's an idea, how about we all just move on from the Potterverse because of Rowling's incredibly loud incredibly racist, homophobic, and transphobic views?
Apatheist Account2 9 months ago (edited)
Sallow refers to yellow or pale brown, which is a bit of a stretch for him, as is the greasy black hair. It's not that he's going to do a bad job, it's that he doesn't represent the image that the character needs to have. I've not seen Rowling be racist or homophobic; she's pro-feminist, but that's about all.
Load More Replies... Nitka Tsar 8 months ago
Ah well…. Sure, Snape is supposed to look pale, but honestly, I think this might work. I‘m not sure I know this actor, but maybe he is brilliant in what he does. I will watch it to see
Наталья Медведева 8 months ago
Go watch it. Maybe HBO will at least have 10 watchers for HP show while the rest million people cancel their HBO subscription:)
Load More Replies... katherine roberts 8 months ago
Good grief...they need to make new stories not black wash original characters. You know why they don't remake Tianna as a white woman?
MagicJacket 9 months ago
I understand, sort of. The character was described one way by the author, and adaptations should try to follow that. But you know what? They already did. Rickman was fantastic as Snape. Now they are doing something new. I am more disturbed by the idea that they are making a Potter series, funneling even more money to noted transphobe and pretty awful person J,K, Rowling.
Наталья Медведева 8 months ago
Now please answer: who wants to watch this “something new”? Fans don’t want something new, they want “a fair books adaptation” with the scenes missing from the original movies.
Load More Replies... Roni Stone 9 months ago
I have many reasons why I won't watch an HP series, but having a man of color portray Snape is not one of those. Directing any more money toward the pocket of such a transphobic bigot author, however, is at the very top of my list. (Snape's skin color does not impact the "character" of the character a single iota, by the way.)
G A 9 months ago (edited)
The comment about people not realising Alan Rickman has died is hysterical! Clearly hasn't read the article at all and thinks they are being intelligent, rather than a complete tool. Anyway, I have no problem with someone else playing Snape or any other character, but this does smack of stunt casting, like the last couple of Dr Whos. He does not match the described character-at least go with the books. And John Lithgow is too old. He's already 78. No way is he managing 7 series at his age.
Beak Hookage 8 months ago (edited)
This entire thing is idiotic from beginning to end. Nobody asked for a d*amn TV series in the first place. Can we PLEASE stop milking that d*amn franchise to death? I adored the books and movies as a kid but by now I have had it with anything Potter related, including the author. There are other things to adapt for chrissakes! Bah.
KatSaidWhat 8 months ago
She lost the gays so she's trying to get black support instead is what I took from this.
Joey Jo Jo Shabadoo 9 months ago (edited)
"“When I was reading Harry Potter years ago, never did I think there should have been a brown Sri Lankan in the book! I just enjoyed the characters and their interactions as written in that country – Britain," Can you imagine? A brown person in Britain? Clearly a well-reasoned, sensible critique grounded in the reality who is British.
MayaAlli 9 months ago
Lmao! You all are so bad! There are countless condescending posts condemning JK Rowling from the same commentators that now act as if someone stuck a cucumber up their behinds. The series will be great, the actors will do a great job. Get over yourselves.
Apatheist Account2 9 months ago
He will never be able to hold a candle to Rickman's portrayal. No-one ever could.
Load More Replies... Zara VP 9 months ago (edited)
I know I'm going to receive a lot of hate for this but here is my opinion: If a beloved Black character were suddenly replaced with a White person, the backlash would be intense, and it wouldn't be accepted by the majority of people and the producers would be called "racist". There'd be a massive outcry, and it would never happen. But for some reason, when the change goes the other way — where a traditionally White character is replaced by a Black one — it's often seen as progressive or empowering. Why is it that one direction causes such outrage, but the other is often celebrated? Doesn't this create a double standard?
Remi Flynne 9 months ago (edited)
The difference is that white people generally haven't been discriminated against for a great many years, that's the flaw in your argument. However, that doesn't make it okay to just change the physical appearance of a character if their appearance is somehow integral to the role. If it doesn't impact the story in any way (beyond being different to an author's description) then why not?
Load More Replies... brittany 8 months ago
i mean i wont be watching, but not because i object to their casting choices. im simply not interested. the original movies came into my life at a time when i really needed them to and that will always have a special and lasting place in my heart. i get people of newer generations wanting to see and experience it with new faces and that's fine. im good with remembering it the original way with the original actors. best of luck to the new cast, i hope they find an appreciative audience
Joanne Earle 8 months ago
I get that every show and movie wants to be inclusive....but the books are canon. If they are going to make a TV series with one season per book to get it ALL in, then they have to be faithful to the descriptions of the characters. James and Sirius bullying Snape definitely becomes a 'racial issue' if this guy is cast. The woman cast as McGonagall is too young at 63. Book McGonagall was close to 80 when Harry started at Hogwarts. Please stick to the book descriptions!
LakotaWolf (she/her) 9 months ago
Please quote actual lines from the book where Snape is described as "a white man" or "a Caucasian'.
Load More Replies... Michael Largey 9 months ago
"Virtue signaling" is a phrase used by people who have none to signal - and no argument for their position. Or just go out and make your own d**n movie.
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