Jason Isaacs, who played Lucius Malfoy in the original Harry Potter films, isn’t pulling any punches when it comes to the online backlash surrounding the new HBO Harry Potter series — especially toward the casting of Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape. During a panel moderated by Collider’s Maggie Lovitt at 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?
Image via Sky Max
Essiedu, known for his Emmy-nominated role in HBO’s I May Destroy You and turns in Black Mirror, The Outrun, and Genie, has officially been confirmed to take on the iconic role of Severus Snape — a character made famous by the late Alan Rickman. Though details about Snape’s storyline in the upcoming series remain under wraps, his arc is central to the Harry Potter saga 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 new Harry Potter TV 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 showrunner Francesca Gardiner (Succession, His Dark Materials) and director/executive producer Mark Mylod, with J.K. Rowling returning as an executive producer through her Brontë Film and TV banner. David Heyman, who produced all eight Harry Potter films, 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 characters Harry Potter fans 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 on Harry Potter and more out of Fan Expo.
Harry Potter
Showrunner
Francisca Gardiner
Directors
Mark Mylod
Writers
Francesca Gardiner
Franchise(s)
Harry Potter