Why Paapa Essiedu’s Snape Matters More Than You Think

Je-Ree
Apr 16
3 min read

Man in a beige jacket and shirt stands in front of a lush green plant background, conveying a calm mood.

Hollywood still has a long way to go when it comes to true representation in television and film. While there’s been some progress, it's not nearly enough for many to feel genuinely seen. That said, shows like Abbott Elementary prove that authentic, inclusive storytelling can be done—and done well. On the big screen, Black Panther grossed over a billion dollars, offering undeniable proof that stories centered around Black characters can succeed commercially and critically. Director Ryan Coogler, who helmed Black Panther, has a new film, Sinners, releasing this week. He’s reuniting with Michael B. Jordan, and early reviews suggest another powerful collaboration. The talent is clearly there. The question is—why does Hollywood continue to resist meaningful change?

We’ve seen characters recast in more diverse ways, but not without backlash. A recent example is Disney’s live-action The Little Mermaid. Halle Bailey was an inspired choice for Ariel: her voice is singular, and her performance heartfelt. Yet, she faced an onslaught of racism from people who, frankly, never planned to watch the film in the first place. Grown men took to YouTube to rant about her casting, absurdly claiming she couldn't sing—all because they didn't want a Black mermaid. Never mind that mermaids don’t exist and Disney owns the IP. Bailey’s portrayal brought much-needed representation, and she even wrote a song expressing how deeply the attacks affected her. These actors see the comments. They feel them.

That’s why I feel nervous when I hear that a massive IP like Harry Potter is being rebooted as a TV series. As a lifelong fan (I even have a Harry Potter tattoo), I don’t think a reboot is necessary so soon. But it’s happening, and now that casting is underway, all eyes are on the project—especially when it comes to the main trio: Harry, Hermione, and Ron. Just as important, though, are the adults in the story. One of the most iconic is Severus Snape, played brilliantly by the late Alan Rickman in the original films.

It’s been reported that Paapa Essiedu (The Lazarus Project) has been cast as Snape in the new series. Is this a case of “stunt casting,” or is Essiedu truly the best actor for the role? Personally, I think it’s a bold and exciting choice. But I immediately thought of the inevitable backlash. We’ve seen it before. In the Cursed Child stage production, adult Hermione was played by Noma Dumezweni. Despite initial racist backlash, many fans supported her. Unfortunately, the studios often stay silent when actors they hire face this kind of vitriol.

I hope—more than anything—that Paapa Essiedu receives the support he deserves, both from the studio and the fanbase. I’m also curious to see how the dynamic between Snape and the main trio plays out. Some fans have expressed concern about how a Black man disciplining white children could be perceived. These are unfortunate but necessary conversations in today’s cultural climate.

Still, I don’t think Essiedu’s casting is a mistake. In fact, it’s a step in the right direction. Let people feel uncomfortable. That discomfort often signals progress. The world is diverse. Our stories should reflect that. I just hope the studio stands behind him—and that everyday fans give him the same chance they’d give any other actor.

So far, a few cast members have been announced, including Paapa Essiedu as Snape—and I, for one, can’t wait to see what he brings to the role.

Check out below the remaining cast announcements so far.

John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore