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Paapa Essiedu As Snape Sets Off Five Different ‘Harry Potter’ Controversies

The casting of Paapa Essiedu as Snape has set off controversies from many different sides of Harry Potter fandom, or even outside of that, for multiple reasons.

Getty Images/WBThe HBO Harry Potter series is starting to pull its cast together, starting with the adults, and after John Lithgow was confirmed to be playing Albus Dumbledore in what he says is likely the final stage of his career (given that this show should could run a decade or more), Deadline is now reporting that Paapa Essiedu is closing his deal to play Professor Severus Snape, a role previously occupied by the late Alan Rickman. The casting has set off a long string of controversies from many different sides of Harry Potter fandom, or even outside of that, for multiple reasons. And while there are some progressives happy with the attempt at diversity, something the original story lacked, others have noted this feels more like a corporation trying to placate more liberal fans who are upset with JK Rowling’s now-long history speaking against transgender issues.

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