Latest news with #Essiedu
Daily Record
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Harry Potter's new Snape had a huge Netflix role you probably missed
Paapa Essiedu has been cast as Severus Snape in HBO's upcoming Harry Potter series, but viewers may recognise him from a previous Netflix role The highly anticipated HBO series based on the magical world of Harry Potter has now officially announced its lead cast. After conducting auditions for over 30,000 actors, the coveted roles of Harry, Hermione, and Ron have been assigned to Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton, and Alastair Stout, respectively. Before this announcement on May 27, the showrunners had already selected an actor to fill the role of the much-loved character Severus Snape. Renowned stage and screen actor Paapa Essiedu is set to take on the role made famous by the late Alan Rickman. Some may know Essiedu from his recent appearance on the popular Netflix series Black Mirror. In Season 6's episode titled 'Demon 79', Essiedu portrayed the character Gaap, a flashy and satanic figure. In this episode, introverted sales assistant Nida Huq (played by Anjana Vasan) accidentally unleashes a demon that is only visible to her. She is told by Gaap that she must perform three human sacrifices within three days to prevent the apocalypse. Despite straying from Black Mirror's usual themes surrounding technology and instead venturing into the supernatural realm, 'Demon 79' managed to garner significant acclaim from fans and critics alike, reports Surrey Live. Essiedu and Vasan received positive reviews on their joint performance, with one online critic writing, "The chemistry between Anjana Vasan and Paapa Essiedu is spot on." Additionally, casual viewers shared glowing reviews of the episode on platforms like IMDb. One viewer was so impressed with the episode that they hailed it as the standout of the sixth season, remarking: "Almost as if it was a short film, by the end of this episode I was completely captivated by the two main characters. I was on the edge of my seat for most of it!" Their praise didn't stop there as they elaborated: "I honestly didn't really think much of it being different to the rest of Black Mirror (lacking the techy theme) as a few of the other episodes in the new season were similarly lacking and some really not as entertaining. This was the best episode of the season for me!" For those keen to familiarise themselves with the actor before his portrayal of Snape, delving into Black Mirror could serve as an excellent introduction.
West Australian
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- West Australian
Harry Potter HBO cast: Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton and Alastair Stout cast as Harry, Hermione and Ron
It may seem like yesterday when Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson joined the world of Harry Potter on screen but those guys are now in their mid-30s and with kids of their own. So, yes, for anyone who thinks it's 'too soon' for a new iteration of Harry Potter, it's only because we're all in denial that it's been a quarter of a century since we first heard John Williams' theme song. The next generation is here with the roles of the core trio finally cast for the upcoming Harry Potter TV show. Warner Bros announced overnight Dominic McLaughlin will play Harry, Arabella Stanton will take on the role of Hermione and Alastair Stout will portray Ron. The three are relative newcomers although Stanton has played the lead role of Matilda on the West End, and McLaughlin has been in an Edinburgh stage production of Macbeth alongside Ralph Fiennes and Indira Varma, and is slated to appear in British TV movie Grow and BBC series Gifted. The child actors won the coveted roles after an open casting call saw 32,000 kids apply. The Harry Potter TV series is expected to start production imminently with the first season pencilled in for 2026. It will run for seven seasons, one instalment for each book and could take 10 years to complete. Last month, the studio made a swath of casting announcements for some of the adult roles in the show — John Lithgow as Professor Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Professor McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Professor Snape, Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid, Luke Thallon as Quirrell and Paul Whitehouse as Filch. The show is being overseen by writer Francesca Gardiner and director Mark Mylod. Both are Brits and have a long history with HBO, who has commissioned the series. In Australia, Harry Potter will be available to stream on Max, the streaming platform which will soon be re-branded as HBO Max. The Harry Potter books have sold 600 million copies and spawned a franchise including eight films in the original run, three spin-off movies, theme parks, a stage production, and a studio backlot tour just outside of London. J.K. Rowling wrote the novels but has become a controversial public figure due to her support for anti-trans movements. Earlier this month, Essiedu signed an open letter, along with 1500 actors and artists in the UK screen industry in support of trans rights after the UK Supreme Court ruled that 'woman' and 'sex' in the Equality Act referred exclusively to biological definitions. Rowling partly financed the court challenge that led to the ruling, and gloated on social media after the victory. Rowling posted on social media that she doesn't have the power to fire Essiedu from the upcoming series, and wouldn't even if she could. Other actors in the Harry Potter universe who signed the letter include Eddie Redmayne, who starred in the three Fantastic Beasts films, and Katie Leung, who played Cho Chang in the Harry Potter movies. Radcliffe, Watson and Grint have all previously come out in support of trans rights. After the UK court ruling, Irish Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan lashed out at Rowling for her anti-trans stance. She posted, 'Keep your new Harry Potter, lads. Wouldn't touch it with a 10 foot pole.'
News18
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
‘Don't Have The Power To Sack': J.K. Rowling On Backlash Over Paapa Essiedu Casting
J.K. Rowling responded to the buzz over Paapa Essiedu's casting as Snape in HBO's upcoming Harry Potter series. J.K. Rowling has responded to the online buzz surrounding actor Paapa Essiedu's casting as Severus Snape in HBO's forthcoming Harry Potter series. The British actor, recently in the spotlight for his vocal support of trans rights, has sparked discussions after signing a public letter that criticised a UK Supreme Court decision regarding the legal definition of gender. Following the announcement of Essiedu's role in the new adaptation of the wizard saga, attention turned to his involvement in a petition challenging the court's April 17 ruling in For Women Scotland v. The Scottish Ministers. The judgment reaffirmed that legal gender is determined by biological sex at birth, thereby potentially restricting trans individuals' access to single-sex spaces in workplaces, schools, and public institutions. I don't have the power to sack an actor from the series and I wouldn't exercise it if I did. I don't believe in taking away people's jobs or livelihoods because they hold legally protected beliefs that differ from mine. — J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) May 5, 2025 Amid growing social media speculation over whether Rowling, known for her controversial views on gender identity, would attempt to remove Essiedu from the project, the author took to X (formerly Twitter) to clarify her position. Sharing an article about Essiedu's involvement in the letter, she wrote: 'I don't have the power to sack an actor from the series and I wouldn't exercise it if I did. I don't believe in taking away people's jobs or livelihoods because they hold legally protected beliefs that differ from mine." Essiedu's stance, along with that of many other prominent figures in the film and TV industry, was expressed through an open letter condemning the ruling. The document, titled An Open Letter to Film and Television Industry Professionals and Cultural Bodies, was initiated by development producer Sid Strickland and script editor Jack Casey. It was signed by more than 1,500 industry professionals, including actors Emma Watson, Bella Ramsey, Nicola Coughlan, Emma D'Arcy, Aimee Lou Wood, and Joe Alwyn. The letter states: 'We, the undersigned film and television professionals, stand in solidarity with the trans, non-binary, and intersex communities who have been impacted by the Supreme Court ruling on April 17th. We wish to add our voices to the 2000+ signatories of the Open Letter from UK Writers to the Trans Community published last week, and call upon members of our industry and cultural bodies to join us." Rowling's response has added another layer to the ongoing discourse around gender, representation, and the cultural legacy of Harry Potter as the franchise moves into a new chapter. First Published: May 08, 2025, 16:39 IST
Metro
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
JK Rowling explains why she won't 'sack' Paapa Essiedu from Harry Potter TV show
JK Rowling has explained why Paapa Essiedu will not be fired from the upcoming TV adaptation of the Harry Potter series despite him advocating for trans rights. From the moment Rowling was confirmed as an executive producer on the TV reboot, which will star John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall and Nick Frost as Hagrid, there has been a major backlash from the trans community and its allies. Many fans of the original films said they were planning on boycotting the new series as an act of protest against Rowling's comments about trans people. But, after Essiedu was announced to play Severus Snape, there were mixed feelings around the casting of the I May Destroy You star, who has previously supported LGBTQ+ rights. In an open letter last month, Essiedu joined the likes of Bella Ramsey, Harris Dickinson and Nicola Coughlan in signing a petition calling for the entertainment industry in the UK to protect the trans community. The statement, backed up by over 2,000 signatories, declared 'solidarity with the trans, non-binary, and intersex communities' and preached that film and TV are 'powerful tools for empathy and education'. It also said: 'We believe passionately in the ability of the screen to change hearts and minds. This is our opportunity to be on the right side of history.' Despite this, Rowling took to social media to confirm that she did not want Essiedu to be removed from the series, despite his views differing from her own. Writing on X, the 59-year-old said: 'I don't have the power to sack an actor from the series, and I wouldn't exercise it if I did. 'I don't believe in taking away people's jobs or livelihoods because they hold legally protected beliefs that differ from mine.' Rowling has sparked backlash over the years for expressing views that have been described as transphobic by the LGBTQ+ community and civil rights groups. She has also regularly been involved in X spats with several celebrities over her views and has donated £70,000 to For Women Scotland, who helmed the campaign to have the legal definition of a woman defined by biological sex. Rowling recently responded to the UK Supreme Court's recent ruling that trans women with gender certificates can be barred from single-sex areas. In a post on X, she wrote: 'It took three extraordinary, tenacious Scottish women with an army behind them to get this case heard by the Supreme Court and, in winning, they've protected the rights of women and girls across the UK. @ForWomenScot, I'm so proud to know you.' She also posted a photograph of herself smoking a cigar, captioning the image: 'I love it when a plan comes together'. However, many people have criticised the ruling as 'extreme discrimination'. In the past, Essideu has been a steadfast advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, participating in projects such as I May Destroy You and Femme. He has also regularly spoken about the importance of nuanced queer Black representation in TV and film. Speaking in an interview with AnOther in 2021, he said: 'It feels like we're kind of moving towards an era where there are more opportunities for different types of stories to be told, or for different types of people to tell them. 'But it needs us to consciously make an effort to platform those stories. That definitely plays into my mind when I'm thinking about what kind of projects to take on board.' Previously, several major Hollywood stars have distanced themselves from the TV reboot of Harry Potter. Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan made her feelings clear about the HBO series, saying that she 'wouldn't touch it with a 10ft pole'. Saturday Night Live comedian Bowen Yang has also spoken out against Rowling after the Supreme Court ruling. More Trending Meanwhile, Chernobyl star Jared Harris – who is the son of original Albus Dumbledore actor Richard Harris – ruled himself out of appearing in the TV adaptation. Jared was asked last year if he was interested in stepping into his father's shoes, but he responded saying: 'No, thank you.' Speaking to The Independent, he also questioned the reasons behind the creation of the series: 'Also, I mean, why do it? I don't understand. The films were fantastic—leave them alone.' View More » The Harry Potter TV reboot will air on Max. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: HBO boss addresses JK Rowling's input in Harry Potter TV reboot after 'anti-trans views' MORE: Inside Rupert Grint's private life after he announces 'secret' second baby with cheeky announcement MORE: Harry Potter star Rupert Grint confirms arrival of second child and reveals sweet name
Time of India
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Harry Potter's new Snape, Paapa Essiedu sparks debate with support for trans rights; J.K. Rowling reportedly unbothered
Paapa Essiedu British actor Paapa Essiedu , recently chosen to play Severus Snape in the new 'Harry Potter' series reboot, has become the centre of online discussion-not because of his casting, but due to his open support for the trans and LGBTQ+ community. The controversy started after Essiedu signed a public letter showing solidarity with the community following a UK Supreme Court ruling on gender. Because the 'Harry Potter' series is linked to author J.K. Rowling, who has faced global criticism for her strong views on gender identity , Essiedu's support for trans rights has led to criticism and questions about what this might mean for his role. However, Rowling does not seem bothered by this. Rowling Reportedly Unfazed by Essiedu's Support A source told MailOnline that Rowling knows about Essiedu's public support but 'She doesn't care.' The insider added that Rowling sees the franchise as bigger than any one actor. 'It's business as usual for her. She's focused on expanding the brand while continuing her campaign around what she defines as women's rights.' This business-focused attitude probably means Essiedu won't lose his role, which would have caused even more controversy. He is set to take on the complex role made famous by the late Alan Rickman, whose Snape was a key part of the original films. Hypocrisy or Bravery? The Internet Reacts Even though Rowling seems indifferent, Essiedu has faced tough criticism online. One trans rights supporter accused him of 'performative allyship,' pointing out the contradiction of supporting trans rights while working in a Rowling-led franchise. Critics said his involvement 'only adds to Rowling's wealth and reach,' calling his support empty unless he openly challenges her. 'Signing a letter isn't enough,' one wrote. 'If he really cared, he'd challenge her platform.' Still, many fans have stood by Essiedu, praising him for speaking out when few actors in big roles do. Essiedu himself has stayed quiet about the criticism and has not spoken more about his views since the news came out. Essiedu's Future in the Wizarding World Despite the fuss, everything suggests Essiedu will continue with the series, a big chance in his career unlikely to be stopped by social media talk. With filming about to start and excitement growing, people will be watching to see how he makes the well-known but complex character of Snape his own. As for J.K. Rowling, as per reports, she seems focused on the future of the Wizarding World, no matter the controversy.
