Harry Potter actor Paapa Essiedu ‘receives death threats’

Adapted from the novels by JK Rowling, a total of eight films were released between 2001 and 2011.

These starred Emma Watson, who studies at Oxford University and grew up in the city, alongside Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint as the famed trio of Hermione, Harry and Ron.

HBO announced back in 2023 that a reboot series would be made with filming now underway, and an initial release date was set for 2027.

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Arabella Stanton as Hermione, Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley in the new show. (Image: HBO/PA)

Now, Paapa Essiedu has revealed that he has received “race-fuelled death threats” after he was cast as Professor Snape in the new show.

Speaking to The Sunday Times, he said: “I’ve been told, ‘Quit or I’ll murder you’.

“It really matters. The reality is that if I look at Instagram, I will see somebody saying, ‘I’m going to come to your house and kill you.’ So while I’m pretty sure I’m not going to be murdered…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.”

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The Divinity School in Oxford where some Harry Potter scenes were filmed.

He added that the backlash had only strengthened his resolve and made him more determined to put his own stamp on the role.

Drawing on memories of imagining himself at Hogwarts as a child, Mr Essiedu explained that giving a child like him the chance to see themselves in that world was a powerful motivation.

He added that this sense of purpose meant he would not be cowed even by people saying they would rather he died than take on work he believes he will be proud of.

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Dominic McLaughlin and Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter respectively. (Image: HBO / Warner Bros.)

Harry Potter has a strong affiliation with Oxford, with the city and Oxford University acting as filming locations for the original film series.

Christ Church College’s staircase and cloisters, along with its Great Hall, served as inspiration for the Hogwarts dining hall and were featured in the movies. 

The Bodleian Library’s Duke Humfrey’s Library was also used as the Hogwarts library, including the restricted section.

Additionally, the Divinity School was also featured in several scenes, including the dance lesson with Professor McGonagall, played by Dame Maggie Smith, who grew up in Oxford.