Paapa Essiedu Embraces Snape Role Amid Backlash

0:00On March 22nd, Papa Siedu is stepping into the iconic role of Severus Snape for the new HBO Harry Potter series. The British actor has faced intense online backlash, including death threats just for taking on the part originally played by Alan Rickman. What keeps him going is a personal connection to the story. As a kid, Siedu discovered J.K. Rowling's books at a public library during school breaks. He dreamed of flying on broomsticks at Hogwarts and seeing someone like himself in their magical world. Fellow Harry Potter alum, Jason Isaacs, who played Lucius Malfoy, has publicly defended Siedu. Isaacs called out the racist attacks at a fan event and praised him as one of the best actors around. Even John Liffgaugh cast his Dumbledore, admitted he thought about pulling out over related controversies, but stayed committed. Siedu has signed on for a full 10 year run to cover all seven books, meaning he'll be 45 by the end. The series is set to debut in 2027, with Nick Frost's Hagrid and Janet McTier as Professor

1:03McGonagall rounding out key roles. The negativity has only strengthened his drive to make Snape his own while respecting the character's complexity. For Siedu, it's about that library kid finally belonging at Hogwarts. Stay in the know with entertainment and celebrity news today, AI-powered updates. I'm Corey with The Story.