Essiedu is stepping into the role of Professor Severus Snape in HBO's new 'Harry Potter' series, and despite the cruelty he's faced online, the British actor said it 'fuels' him to make the character his 'own.

The teaser of the much awaited Harry Potter series was released on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. It gave fans the first look at the new Wizarding World that feels fresh but familiar in its charm. The series will be adapting the seven original books by JK Rowling and will run for seven seasons,

The first glimpse of HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter series has ignited excitement worldwide, but not without controversy. While fans welcomed a return to the Wizarding World ahead of its Christmas 2026 premiere,

The controversy centres on Paapa Essiedu, a Black British actor, cast as Professor Severus Snape. In JK Rowling’s books, Snape is described as a pale, thin man with greasy black hair, leading many fans to question the casting choice.

HBO’s new Harry Potter trailer is getting praise but the casting of Snape has sparked a major online debate.

Paapa Essiedu says he's gotten an onslaught of racially charged death threats since getting cast as Snape in the upcoming 'Harry Potter' series. Paapa remarked that he's "pretty sure" he's "not going to be murdered"