Paapa Essiedu — one of the stars of HBO’s upcoming “Harry Potter” series — shared a glimpse into the frightening, racist death threats sent his way after he was cast as Severus Snape.
Essiedu, who is set to be the first Black actor to portray the Hogwarts professor in a major adaptation of the iconic books, used a recent interview with The Times of London to open up about the backlash he’s faced since he was picked for the part.
“I’ve been told, ‘Quit or I’ll murder you,’” Essiedu said.
The actor told the newspaper that Instagram users have left him messages like “I’m going to come to your house and kill you,” as well.
“So while I’m pretty sure I’m not going to be murdered…” began Essiedu before letting out a nervous laugh.
He continued, “That could age badly! But, yes, while I hope I’ll be OK, nobody should have to encounter this for doing their job. Many people put their lives on the line in their work. I’m playing a wizard in Harry Potter. And I’d be lying if I said it doesn’t affect me emotionally.”
Dave Benett/Getty Images for Harper’s Bazaar UK
Essiedu, 35, said he understands that portraying Snape — famously played by the late Alan Rickman in the “Harry Potter” films — is a “big commitment.”
The show is expected to run on HBO for a decade, according to Warner Bros. CEO and President David Zaslav.
“I’ll be 45 by the time I finish and I know my life is going to change in a big way, but I have to just surrender to that. I could have children by the end of this,” Essiedu said.
He emphasized that while he can ignore the vitriol, it doesn’t make it go away.
“The issue remains endemic and, anyway, people see stuff and message to ask if I’m OK,” said the actor, who noted that he doesn’t think reporting the death threats and putting teens in jail who may be behind them would make him “feel any better.”
Essiedu stressed that the online abuse has fueled him to be “more passionate” about taking on the character and making it his own as he reflects on how he felt about the franchise as a kid.
“I would imagine myself at Hogwarts on broomsticks, and the idea that a kid like me can see themselves represented in that world? That’s motivation to not be intimidated by someone saying they’d rather I died instead of doing work I’m going to be really proud of,” he explained.
Read more of Essiedu’s interview with The Times of London here.
