Paapa Essiedu defends casting in HBO series Harry Potter

Actor Paapa Essiedu has addressed the public controversy regarding his involvement in the upcoming HBO television series adaptation of J.K. Rowling's books, Deadline reported. Essiedu plays the role of Hogwarts professor Severus Snape in the new show. [1][2]

The actor responded to criticisms of his decision to join the cast after author J.K. Rowling received backlash for her social media comments about transgender rights. Essiedu told Time magazine that he first discovered the story through the books and acknowledged that people have strong feelings about the topic. [1]

In the original fantasy book series, Severus Snape serves as the Potions professor, Defence Against the Dark Arts instructor, and eventual headmaster at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. [3]

As FTMQ Entertainment reported earlier, HBO is preparing an accelerated production schedule for the second season of the show. The adaptation is produced by HBO, Warner Bros. Television, Brontë Film and TV, and Heyday Films, with Dominic McLaughlin starring as Harry Potter. [6]