HBO has stepped up security around the production of the upcoming “Harry Potter” series over death threats directed at a Black actor, multiple news outlets report.
Casey Bloys, CEO of the streaming service, told Variety magazine that HBO has a “serious security team” and has taken precautions against any potential social media backlash.
British-Ghanaian actor Paapa Essiedu, who is Black, has received online threats over his casting as Professor Severus Snape, a key role portrayed by the late Alan Rickman in the “Harry Potter” films. Online critics have argued that the character was written as White in author J.K. Rowling’s series of novels.
Mr. Essiedu told The Sunday Times of London that he received online messages saying, “Quit or I’ll murder you.” He added that scrolling through Instagram exposes him to messages like “I’m going to come to your house and kill you.”
The actor said “nobody should have to encounter this for doing their job.” He has signed a 10-year deal for the role — a “big commitment” that will take him to age 45, Mr. Essiedu added.
The series, produced by HBO and Warner Bros., stars Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, John Lithgow as Professor Albus Dumbledore, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley.
It is set to premiere in 2027.
• Juliet La Sala can be reached at jlasala@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.