Entertainment · TV & Streaming · 1 hr ago
Paapa Essiedu says he wants to avoid further debate about J.K. Rowling
Paapa Essiedu, who plays Severus Snape in HBO’s new Harry Potter series, said he does not want to keep discussing author J.K. Rowling’s views on transgender people.
He said he wants to avoid creating a “them and us” divide and would rather speak clearly about his own beliefs.
Essiedu has said trans people deserve respect, dignity and safety, and he signed an open letter supporting trans rights with more than 400 UK film and TV professionals.
Rowling, whose books the series is based on, is an executive producer, and the show has faced controversy over her views.
Essiedu has also received racist abuse and death threats from people objecting to a Black actor playing Snape.
The series is due to premiere on Christmas Day, and Essiedu says the new show will not erase the books or films that fans already value.
Paapa Essiedu said he does not want to keep discussing J.K. Rowling’s politics or create a “them and us” dynamic.
The actor reaffirmed his belief that transgender people and others have the right to respect, dignity and safety.
Essiedu plays Severus Snape in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter series, with its premiere planned for Christmas Day.
He has faced racist abuse and death threats since being cast, according to the articles.
Essiedu said the new series will not erase the books or films, and praised the late Alan Rickman’s portrayal of Snape.
- Who
- Paapa Essiedu, who plays Severus Snape in HBO’s new Harry Potter series.
- What
- He said he wants to avoid further discussion about J.K. Rowling’s politics while reaffirming his support for transgender rights.
- When
- In an interview with Vanity Fair reported in November 2026. The series is due to premiere on Christmas Day.
- Where
- Not stated
- Why
- Essiedu said he does not want to create a “them and us” dynamic and wants to be clear and consistent about his own beliefs.
Paapa Essiedu
J.K. Rowling
Transgender rights
Paapa Essiedu
Essiedu said transgender people have the right to respect, dignity and safety.
J.K. Rowling
Rowling’s views on the subject differ from Essiedu’s; she said she would not try to take action against someone for holding different legally protected beliefs.
More than 400 U.K. film and television professionals, including Essiedu, signed an open letter supporting trans rights.
Essiedu told Vanity Fair he did not want to keep discussing Rowling’s politics.
HBO’s new Harry Potter series is scheduled to premiere.
- Role
- Paapa Essiedu plays Severus Snape
- Series premiere
- Christmas Day
- Open letter
- More than 400 U.K. film and television professionals signed it earlier in 2026
- Previous Snape actor
- Alan Rickman
- Harassment
- Essiedu said he received death threats and racist abuse
3 sources
What people are saying
I’m really keen not to make a kind of ‘them and us’ dynamic here
I don't want to talk about Jo at all.
I’m not really here to speak about Jo’s politics or to be a mouthpiece for her.
I don't have the power to sack an actor from the series and I wouldn't exercise it if I did.