Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Harry Potter star defends Snape casting in HBO adaptation

Fans ready for 'emotional rollercoaster' of HBO Max Harry Potter reunion special
  • Jason Isaacs, who portrayed Lucius Malfoy in the Harry Potter films, has defended Paapa Essiedu's casting as Severus Snape in the forthcoming TV series.
  • Isaacs labelled critics of Essiedu's casting as “racist,” asserting that Essiedu is one of the finest actors he has ever seen.
  • Essiedu's casting has also drawn attention due to his public stance on trans rights, which differs from that of Harry Potter creator J.K. Rowling.
  • The new HBO Max series is planned as a faithful adaptation of the Harry Potter books, with each season covering one of the seven novels.
  • Filming for the series is scheduled to begin this summer at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, Hertfordshire, with a likely debut in late 2026 or early 2027.
In full

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in