HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter TV series, set to premiere in 2026, has ignited a firestorm of controversy with the casting of Paapa Essiedu, a Black British actor, as Severus Snape. The network’s headquarters has been inundated with over 30,000 letters from fans demanding Essiedu’s removal, citing fidelity to J.K. Rowling’s books, where Snape is described as having “sallow skin” and “greasy black hair.” This backlash, coupled with a growing movement urging Rowling to reclaim the Harry Potter copyright from Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), reflects deep divisions within the fandom. As the series promises a “faithful adaptation,” the casting debate has escalated into a broader clash over creative control, representation, and Rowling’s polarizing public persona.
The casting announcement in April 2025, which also included John Lithgow as Dumbledore and Nick Frost as Hagrid, sparked immediate outrage among some fans. Snape, immortalized by Alan Rickman in the original films, is a complex character whose pale, gaunt appearance is detailed in Rowling’s novels. Critics on platforms like X have labeled Essiedu’s casting as “blackwashing,” arguing it deviates from canon and risks injecting racial undertones into Snape’s backstory, particularly his bullying by James Potter. Posts on X, including one from @Kingjames8289 with over 10,000 views, claim the casting “adds a racial layer” to the narrative, potentially framing James’s actions as racially charged. Others, like @Nerdrotics, declared the show “DOA” due to the controversy. The volume of letters to HBO underscores the intensity of this sentiment, with some fans pleading directly to Rowling, an executive producer, to intervene.
The backlash isn’t solely about aesthetics. Some fans and commentators, including a YouTube vlogger with 700,000 subscribers, argue that altering Snape’s race could shift the story’s subtext, given his role as a marginalized figure who joins the blood-purity-obsessed Death Eaters. However, supporters of Essiedu, a critically acclaimed actor known for I May Destroy You, counter that his talent transcends physical descriptions. On X, fans have praised his stage presence, with one noting his performance in The Effect as proof of his ability to embody Snape’s complexity. HBO has taken steps to curb the vitriol, disabling comments on social media posts about the casting, but the debate rages on, echoing past controversies like the harassment of Noma Dumezweni, a Black actress cast as Hermione in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
Amid this uproar, a parallel campaign is gaining traction: fans urging Rowling to regain the Harry Potter copyright from WBD. The movement, fueled by dissatisfaction with HBO’s creative decisions and Rowling’s ongoing controversies over her transgender views, seeks to restore her full control over the franchise. Posts on X and fan petitions argue that Rowling, as the creator, is best positioned to preserve the series’ integrity. This sentiment is complicated by Rowling’s polarizing statements, which have alienated some fans while galvanizing others. HBO chief Casey Bloys has defended her involvement, noting her “invaluable” contribution and citing the success of recent Harry Potter-related projects like the Hogwarts Legacy game. Yet, a YouGov poll indicates 41% of Gen Z fans feel “less connected” to the series due to Rowling’s views, highlighting the fandom’s fracture.
The Harry Potter series, helmed by Succession alums Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod, aims to adapt each of Rowling’s seven books into a season, promising deeper exploration of the wizarding world. Filming is set to begin this summer at Leavesden Studios, with over 32,000 children auditioning for Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Essiedu’s casting, alongside diverse hires like costume designer Holly Waddington, reflects HBO’s push for inclusivity, a move Rowling has previously supported, as seen in her defense of Dumezweni. However, the current backlash suggests a disconnect between HBO’s vision and a vocal segment of the fanbase.
As the controversy unfolds, Essiedu faces additional scrutiny for signing an open letter supporting the LGBT+ community, alongside stars like Eddie Redmayne, which some fans interpret as a rebuke of Rowling. Sources close to the production, cited by The Daily Mail, insist Rowling is unfazed, viewing Harry Potter’s cultural weight as bigger than any casting dispute. The series’ success hinges on navigating these tensions while delivering a compelling adaptation. For now, HBO stands by Essiedu, but the deluge of letters and calls for Rowling’s return signal a fandom at odds, grappling with legacy, change, and the enduring magic of Hogwarts.
