Paapa Essiedu Defends His Snape Role as Harry Potter Fans Debate His Trans Rights Advocacy

Paapa Essiedu, who plays Severus Snape in HBO's upcoming Harry Potter series, has defended his casting after speaking out for trans rights. In comments to Time, reported by Deadline, he said "People Have A Lot Of Feelings About This."

The comments come after fans began to speculate whether he would be removed from the show. Essiedu was among more than 400 people who signed a letter urging the UK film and television industry to take action on trans rights. J.K. Rowling, the author of the books, has said she does not have the power to sack an actor from the series, and would not use that power if she had it.

Essiedu said he first came to the story through the books. He described his job as giving Snape humanity, depth, dimensions, layers and complexity. He called it a privilege and an honour. He also said that everyone has the right to their own opinions about the franchise, which he said people feel strongly about. Variety reported that he also spoke about the backlash to his casting and the support he has received.

Other people in the cast have spoken on the wider debate. John Lithgow, who plays Albus Dumbledore, and Bel Powley have both said they disagree with Rowling's views on trans issues. Jason Isaacs has called out racist fans who attacked Essiedu's casting.

The series is set to premiere on Christmas Day. Dominic McLaughlin plays Harry Potter, Alastair Stout plays Ron Weasley and Arabella Stanton plays Hermione Granger. Janet McTeer is Minerva McGonagall and Nick Frost is Rubeus Hagrid.

Separately, the BBC is working on a two-part documentary about Rowling. It will look at the rise of Harry Potter and at how the author has used her public platform on trans rights.

For viewers, the story so far is about the people making the show. The cast is set, the premiere date is fixed, and the debate around it is loud. Whether it changes anything for the series will show once it airs.