The first teaser for the upcoming ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’ has reignited controversy, with fans trolling the trailer over the casting of Paapa Essiedu as Professor Severus Snape.The backlash follows the reveal of Essiedu’s first look as the Potions Professor, a character previously portrayed by late actor Alan Rickman in the film series. Some viewers took to social media to criticise the casting, with comments calling the casting “the worst downgrade” while others accused the show of attempting to be “woke.”‘Harry Potter’ series SLAMMED for casting Paapa Essiedu as Snape
Fans say other characters faithful to book except Snape
At the same time, some fans argued that while other characters appeared visually faithful to their book and film adaptation, Snape’s stood out as a misscast. “Outside of that, Dumbledore, Hagrid and McGonagall genuinely look amazing,” read one post, while another added, “I’m still not a fan at all of the Snape casting but ima still give it a chance.”
Fans root for Adam Driver ‘s casting
The online chatter also had fans rooting for Adam Driver to be cast as the professor. “HBO fumbled massively by not casting Adam Driver as Professor Snape,” one comment read, while another claimed, “It’s kinda crazy how if they had just cast Adam Driver this would have likely been HBO’s most watched series since Game of Thrones.”
Paapa Essiedu receiving death threats over Snape casting
Am’id the controversy, Essiedu revealed he has faced severe online abuse, including death threats. Speaking to The Times, the actor said, “I’ve been told, ‘Quit or I’ll murder you.’ It really matters. 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.’ While I hope I’ll be okay, nobody should have to encounter this for doing their job.”He added that while the backlash has been emotionally challenging, he has channelled it into his performance. “I’m playing a wizard in Harry Potter. And I’d be lying if I said it doesn’t affect me emotionally. The themes that run through Harry Potter are of love triumphing over hate, of acceptance. And that’s why I’m doing it.”‘Harry Potter’ Cas and release dateThe teaser, which introduces a brand new cast, led by Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, alongside Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. The ensemble also includes John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid, Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch, Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell, Lox Pratt as Draco Malfoy, Bel Powley and Daniel Rigby as Petunia and Vernon Dursley and Katherine Parkinson as Molly Weasley.‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’ releases on Christmas.
