Harry Potter star Jason Isaacs has hit out at ‘racist’ fans who have criticised Paapa Essiedu’s casting as Severus Snape in the HBO Max TV series inspired by the wizarding franchise
Jason Isaacs has slammed “racist” fans for criticising the casting of Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape in the upcoming Harry Potter TV series.
The 62-year-old actor, who played Lucius Malfoy in the original film adaptations, called out those taking issue with Paapa’s casting during a panel at FanExpo Denver. As reported by Collider, Jason praised Paapa, saying: “Paapa Essiedu is one of the best actors I’ve ever seen in my life.”
He then addressed the online backlash, stating: “I’ve seen some people online who are being rude about him. What they’re being is racist.”
Jason continued to defend the new cast, including Paapa, saying: “All the cast of the new Harry Potter TV series are amazing. [The critics] will be swallowing their tongues, hopefully – you know, their digital tongues – when they see what [Paapa] does on screen.”
Paapa, 35, is taking on the iconic role previously played by the late Alan Rickman in the original franchise. He has also appeared in notable shows like I May Destroy You, Gangs of London, and The Lazarus Project.
Some have questioned Paapa’s casting due to his differing views with author JK Rowling on trans rights. However, Rowling has clarified that she wouldn’t remove an actor from the series due to their legally protected beliefs.
Jason also expressed his support for actor Johnny Flynn, who will be taking over the role of Lucius Malfoy. Jason took to X and wrote: “A fantastic actor, a lovely man and, irritatingly, a rather brilliant musician too. Couldn’t have handed the snake-topped baton on to anyone better. Just please don’t make him sing.”
The White Lotus star recently revealed that he has already secured tickets to watch Tom Felton, who played his on-screen son Draco Malfoy in the Potter films, in the play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child when he reprises his role on Broadway. Jason wrote on X: “Saw you presenting on the Tonys tonight son – you looked good, sounded good and did great. Tickets booked for November x.”
Jason was reacting to a clip of Tom, 37, where he praised Jason’s performance in The White Lotus during an interview with E!
News: “He’s fantastic. He’s superb in everything he does.”
Tom added: “I’ve learned so much from him – just as much off screen as I have done on screen… I still call him dad and he still calls me son.”
Tom concluded with a personal greeting: “So, hi dad!”.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
