Paapa Essiedu, who plays Severus Snape in HBO’s ‘Harry Potter,’ told Vanity Fair that trans people have the right to be treated with “respect and dignity,” and he passed on discussing J.K. Rowling.
“I don’t want to talk about Jo at all,” Essiedu told the magazine on Tuesday, Nov. 10.
He didn’t dodge the larger question, though.
“I believe, in my bones, that trans people, queer people, people of all creeds and color have got the right to be treated with respect and dignity and safety at all times,” Essiedu said. That holds at work, at home or on the street, he added.
“That’s what I believe, and that’s the way that I choose to live my life,” he said. “That’s the creed by which I live.”
Speaking for Himself
Essiedu framed his silence on Rowling as a choice. “I’m not really here to speak about Jo’s politics or to be a mouthpiece for her,” he told Vanity Fair.
He also said, “I’m really keen not to make a kind of ‘them and us’ dynamic here.”
Essiedu said his stance is no secret. “I have been super clear about my position on this topic,” he said, “and that is the reason why she spoke out about me.”
The Open Letter Supporting Trans Rights
Rowling’s comment came in spring 2025. Essiedu was among more than 400 people who signed an open letter urging the U.K. entertainment industry to protect trans people after the U.K. Supreme Court’s ruling on the legal definition of a woman, TheWrap reported. Eddie Redmayne and Katie Leung also signed, according to TheWrap.
Rowling answered on X on May 5, 2025. “I don’t have the power to sack an actor from the series and I wouldn’t exercise it if I did,” she wrote.
She added, “I don’t believe in taking away people’s jobs or livelihoods because they hold legally protected beliefs that differ from mine.”
Rowling remains involved in the adaptation. HBO’s September release says the series is “executive produced by J.K. Rowling.” Gayety has covered the BBC documentary on Rowling’s anti-trans controversies, set for 2027.
Francesca Gardiner Responds to Racist Abuse
Essiedu has also spoken about threats. In March, he told The Sunday Times of London that one message said, “Quit or I’ll murder you,” TheGrio reported.
Showrunner Francesca Gardiner spoke up for him in the Vanity Fair piece. “It’s appalling that anyone should be subjected to that kind of abuse in any circumstances,” she said.
“Paapa has absolutely nailed the role, and it is that performance that deserves our attention,” Gardiner said.
Essiedu told Vanity Fair that he thinks about the story’s themes, including forgiveness, good triumphing over evil and accepting people for who they are.
When HBO’s ‘Harry Potter’ Premieres
HBO’s Sept. 2 release lists “Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape” and “John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore,” and says the show is “written and executive produced by Francesca Gardiner.”
‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’ runs eight episodes. HBO says the series “will debut Christmas 2026 on HBO and will be available to stream on HBO Max.” Variety puts the premiere on Christmas Day, Friday, Dec. 25.
