Jason Isaacs Defends Paapa Essiedu’s Casting as Snape in HBO’s new “Harry Potter” TV Show

During an appearance at FanExpo Denver, Jason Isaacs, who portrayed Lucius Malfoy in the Harry Potter films, defended the acclaimed British actor Paapa Essiesu, who has been cast as Professor Snape in the HBO Harry Potter TV reboot, and condemned the racist undertones fueling some of the online negativity.

“Paapa Essiedu is one of the best actors I’ve ever seen in my life,” Isaacs said during a panel, “I’ve seen some people online who are being rude about him. What they’re being is racist.”

Jason Isaacs at FanExpo (Credit: Fan Expo/ Brent Andeck)

Isaacs was quick to point out that talent speaks for itself and believes the doubters will soon be silenced.

All the cast of the new Harry Potter TV series are amazing. They will be swallowing their tongues, hopefully — you know, their digital tongues — when they see what [Paapa] does on screen.

It’s clear Isaacs has full confidence in the new generation stepping into the Wizarding World. Far from being protective or territorial about the legacy of the films, he’s excited to see the story brought to life in a new format.

The show is being made by the same people who made the films, and they’re just taking the time to make each book into a whole season — and it’s going to be great.

In a lighter moment, Isaacs shared a humorous anecdote about his own connection to the new TV show. His daughter’s university friend works in casting for the new series, and Isaacs jokes that she didn’t let any secrets slip.

She came for dinner, and she wouldn’t f****** tell us anything! Unbelievable, what a waste of university tuition fees.

Isaacs’s comments serve as a reminder of what the Wizarding World is meant to stand for: courage and acceptance. His vocal support for Paapa Essiedu and the rest of the new cast highlights a passing of the torch rooted not just in nostalgia, but in hope for a more inclusive future.