Jason Isaacs calls out “racist” critics of Snape casting in new Harry Potter TV series

Harry Potter film actor Jason Isaacs has praised Paapa Essiedu, who has been cast as Severus Snape in the TV adaptation of the books, and called criticism of his involvement “racist”.

• READ MORE: Every actor confirmed for HBO’s Harry Potter TV series

Essiedu is an accomplished film, TV, and theatre actor best known for his work on the BBC show I May Destroy You, as well as The Lazarus Project and Black Mirror. He will play Severus Snape in the new Harry Potter TV show, taking over the role from the late Alan Rickman who played the character in the big screen versions.

The casting of a Black actor in the role (Essiedu is British-Ghanaian) has drawn racially charged criticism from some areas of social media. The White Lotus star Isaacs, who played Lucius Malfoy in the films, denounced the backlash in an interview with Collider.

“Paapa Essiedu is one of the best actors I’ve ever seen in my life” he said. “I’ve seen some people online who are being rude about him. What they’re being is racist. 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 (Essiedu) does onscreen”.

Your Hogwarts letter is here.

Max has ordered the first ever #HarryPotter scripted television series, a faithful adaptation of the iconic books. #StreamOnMax pic.twitter.com/3CgEHLYhch

— Max (@StreamOnMax) April 12, 2023

The new Harry Potter series will adapt the books for television, focusing on one book per series in a more in-depth adaptation. The cast includes John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore; Nick Frost as Hagrid; Johnny Flynn taking over as Lucius Malfoy; and Katherine Parkinson as Molly Weasley.

As for the lead roles, newcomer Dominic McLaughlin is set to play Harry, with Arabella Stanton portraying Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout taking on the role of Ron Weasley.

The show is scheduled to debut on HBO some time in 2027. Recently, Tom Felton, who play Lucius Malfoy’s son Draco, returned to the role on stage as part of the Broadway production of Harry Potter And The Cursed Child.

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