Jason Isaacs, who played Lucius Malfoy in the originalHarry Potterfilms, isn’t pulling any punches when it comes to the online backlash surrounding the new HBOHarry Potterseries — especially toward thecasting ofPaapa Essieduas Severus Snape. During a panel moderated by Collider’sMaggie Lovittat FanExpo Denver, Isaacs made it clear that he’s had enough of the racist comments being directed at the acclaimed British actor.
“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 also revealed that he didn’t get any early casting intel — even from within his own home: “Funnily enough, my daughter’s friend from university is in the casting office for the show," he revealed. “She came for dinner, and she wouldn’t f—king tell us anything! Unbelievable, what a waste of university tuition fees.”
Who Is Paapa Essiedu?
Paapa Essiedu has a grave expression in The Lazarus Project
Essiedu, known for his Emmy-nominated role in HBO’sI May Destroy Youand turns inBlack Mirror,The Outrun, andGenie, has officially been confirmed to take on the iconic role of Severus Snape — a character made famous by the lateAlan Rickman. Though details about Snape’s storyline in the upcoming series remain under wraps, his arc is central to theHarry Pottersaga and is expected to remain just as pivotal. Isaacs isn’t just defending the casting — he’s hyped for the whole project.
“All the cast of the newHarry PotterTV series are amazing. They will be swallowing their tongues, hopefully — you know, their digital tongues — when they see what [Paapa] does on screen.”
The new series, currently in development at HBO and Max, is being helmed by showrunnerFrancesca Gardiner(Succession,His Dark Materials) and director/executive producerMark Mylod, withJ.K. Rowlingreturningas an executive producer through her Brontë Film and TV banner.David Heyman, who produced all eightHarry Potterfilms, is also back on board. According to HBO, the show “will feature a new cast to lead a new generation of fandom, full of the fantastic detail and much-loved charactersHarry Potterfans have loved for over twenty-five years.” Each season is expected to adapt one book, giving the story more breathing room than ever before.
As for Isaacs, he’s not the least bit worried about handing the wand off to a new generation. He told Fan Expo audiences:
“The show is being made by the same people who made the films, and they’re just taking the time to make each book into a whole season — and it’s going to be great.”
Stay tuned to Collider for more updates onHarry Potterand more out ofFan Expo.
Harry Potter
