Actor Paapa Essiedu opens up on death threats after casting for Harry Potter
By William Muthama, March 23, 2026Actor Paapa Essiedu, who has been cast as Severus Snape in the upcoming Harry Potter TV series, has revealed the death threats he has received since joining the show.
In an interview with The Times of London on Monday, March 23, 2026, the British stage actor, known for his Shakespearean performances, described the disturbing messages, including threats that someone would come to his home to harm him.
While acknowledging the threats are unlikely to be carried out, Essiedu said the experience has been emotionally challenging, emphasising that no one should face hostility simply for doing their job.
“The reality is that if I look at Instagram, I will see somebody saying, ‘I’m going to come to your house and kill you.’ So, while I’m pretty sure I’m not going to be murdered, that could age badly!” He added, “Many people put their lives on the line in their work. I’m playing a wizard in Harry Potter. And I’d be lying if I said it doesn’t affect me emotionally.”
Despite the abuse, Essiedu has chosen not to report any of the threats. He reasoned that legal action against a young person making a threat would not improve his sense of safety or well-being.
“I don’t think some 17-year-old boy being put in jail for two weeks for threatening to murder me would actually make me feel any better,” he explained.
The actor revealed that the online backlash has fueled his determination to bring depth and authenticity to his portrayal of Snape.
He hopes his performance will inspire young viewers, allowing them to see themselves represented in the magical world of Harry Potter.
Essiedu also highlighted that avoiding social media entirely is not a viable solution, as staying offline would disconnect him from fans and the wider public who follow his work.
He emphasised the importance of facing these challenges head-on, turning negative experiences into a source of strength and artistic focus.
The actor joins an ensemble cast that includes John Lithgow, Janet McTeer, and Nick Frost, and he acknowledges that taking on such a prominent role will be a life-changing commitment