Harry Potter: Why the “Worst Miscasting of the Century” Might Actually Be the Right Choice

“The dumbest decision and worst miscast of this century […] I hope they crash and burn hard!”

“If they’re already changing the characters from the source material, the rest won’t follow the books either. Just more woke trash—get rid of it.”

“I won’t be watching it, especially because I’m a fan. I’m not doing that to myself! Free Snape!!!!”

These are just a few of the comments I (Tim speaking—not Elbenwald) have come across since Paapa Essiedu was announced as Professor Severus Snape in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter series. And believe it or not, these are some of the tamer takes. Pretty intense opinions, considering no one has seen even a single frame of the show.

Of course, I can’t say whether the series will turn out great or not. But wouldn’t it be something if the loudest voices—many of whom also demand more openness and tolerance from J.K. Rowling—could extend a little of that same openness and tolerance themselves? Anyway, let’s dive in, starting with the central question:

Will Paapa Essiedu Make a Good Snape?

Logically speaking, the only honest answer right now is: no idea. No one’s seen a second of footage. So I ask a different question: Why are so many people outraged about a casting decision without knowing how the story will be told? And why does a Black Snape in particular feel like the end of an era to so many?

Personally, I try to approach this stuff with an open mind. If I’d avoided everything that got dogpiled before release, I’d have missed out on Heath Ledger’s Joker, Henry Cavill’s Superman, and Daniel Craig’s Bond. With Harry Potter, that open-mindedness matters even more to me—because I still love the story. I love the world, the characters, and the way it once made people excited to read. I remember a time—not so long ago—when the Harry Potter fandom was known for passion and imagination, not for vitriolic comment sections.

It’s Not TV. It’s HBO.

Let’s zoom out for a second. HBO is, with good reason, seen as one of the best producers of television in the world. Sure, they’ve had a flop or two—but when I think of HBO, I think of strong writing, top-tier production values, and bold creative risks.

Game of Thrones (especially seasons 1–4), The Last of Us, Succession, The Sopranos, The Wire, Band of Brothers, Sex and the City, True Detective, The White Lotus, Chernobyl—these aren’t flukes. They’re the result of trusting bold ideas and letting creatives take risks. And now, that same creative freedom is suddenly a problem—just because of one unconventional casting choice? I don’t buy that.

HBO likely had very good reasons for choosing Paapa Essiedu. And until I see how it plays out, I’m giving them the benefit of the doubt. That said, I get it: fans want a story that respects the source material. But is the skin color of an actor really what determines fidelity to the books? More on that in a second.

The Inimitable Alan Rickman

If there’s one role in the Harry Potter films that must be reinterpreted, it’s Professor Snape. Alan Rickman’s performance was so iconic—so singular—that any attempt to imitate it would be doomed from the start. That’s why I actually admire HBO’s choice. It’s bold. Casting a Black actor as Snape doesn’t betray the character’s essence—it opens up a chance to explore new dimensions.

Snape is one of the most complex, layered, and tragic figures in the entire series. Which means he is someone who can be interpreted in many ways. And honestly—if you want exactly what you’ve already seen, just rewatch the movies. But to potentially bring something new to such a rich character? That’s exciting. And it doesn’t mean abandoning the source—it means engaging with it creatively. For me, Snape is compelling because of his past, his choices, his contradictions—not because he’s pale.

A Strong Story Is Still a Strong Story

A boy who’s bullied, joins the Death Eaters, later realises his mistakes and even sacrifices his life to make up for them? That's a powerful story! Especially as Snape is also a half-blood and joins a movement whose standard he cannot fulfil, namely blood purity. If this man is suddenly black, it doesn't take anything away from the story. But it could add something to it. At least if you approach it the right way.

Some fans argue that casting a Black actor changes the subtext: that James Potter bullying a Black student hits differently. And maybe that’s true. Maybe it makes James look worse. But maybe it adds to Snape’s vulnerability—and deepens the tragedy. But perhaps none of this matters at all, because: Whether Muggle prejudices can be transferred one-to-one to the wizarding world is at least questionable. Instead of skin colour, the discussion here is much more about pure blood. A discussion that is not really different, but just as unnecessary as the prejudices of origin in the real world.

Snape Deserves Better

I don’t know if Paapa Essiedu will be a great Snape. But I do see an opportunity to add new depth to the role. And I see no reason to attack someone just because they don’t match the image you’ve had in your head for 20 years. Of course fans can be disappointed. Of course they can criticize. But what’s happening in some of these comment sections isn’t critique—it’s toxicity. And I’ve always thought it was a mistake to treat fan expectations like creative blueprints.

No one’s forcing anyone to watch the show. But those who give it a chance might just end up surprised. Maybe Paapa Essiedu won’t be a great Snape. Maybe he’ll be extraordinary. Either way, one thing is certain: Snape deserves more than snap judgments. He deserves the same nuance, depth, and openness that have always made him unforgettable.