A ‘Black Snape’ in the new Harry Potter seems designed to cause controversy – but it could work | Jason Okundaye

Summary

HBO’s new Harry Potter TV adaptation has unveiled its cast, with John Lithgow as Dumbledore, Nick Frost as Hagrid, and Paapa Essiedu as Snape—a choice that has sparked debates over race, representation, and the pressures on Black actors. Critics worry that Essiedu will face backlash for taking on a role tied to J.K. Rowling’s controversial stances, but supporters argue it could offer fresh depth to Snape’s complex character. The casting also highlights broader issues of diversity in Hollywood, where Black actors often face narrow roles or restrictive expectations.

Additional Summaries

As the Mail and Telegraph’s headlines were quick to inform their readers, yes, this means a “Black actor” in that iconic role. I’m sceptical about colour-blind casting, especially when it’s presented as a magic bullet for diversity concerns in the arts – but I can’t help but enjoy the audacity of Black Snape. View image in fullscreen Alan Rickman as Severus Snape with Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley and Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, 2005. Photograph: Warner Bros/AllstarIt is worth pointing out that Snape being portrayed by a Black actor isn’t automatically the same as there being a “Black Snape”. Essiedu is a Black actor, where his colleagues are just actors.