“They’ll be swallowing their digital tongues.”
Harry Potter alum Jason Isaacs has fiercely defended Paapa Essiedu after the actor faced online backlash for being cast as Severus Snape in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter TV reboot.
Isaacs, who played Lucius Malfoy in the original movie franchise, didn’t mince words during an appearance at FanExpo Denver, calling out those criticising Essiedu’s casting as nothing short of racism.
“Paapa Essiedu is one of the best actors I’ve ever seen in my life,” Isaacs said.
“I’ve seen some people online who are being rude about him. What they’re being is racist.”
He went on to praise the new cast, urging critics to withhold judgment until they see the performances on screen:
“All the cast of the new Harry Potter TV series are amazing. [The critics] will be swallowing their tongues, hopefully — you know, their digital tongues — when they see what [Paapa] does on screen.”
Paapa Essiedu Steps Into Alan Rickman’s Shadow
Essiedu, 35, known for roles in I May Destroy You, Gangs of London, and The Lazarus Project, takes on the iconic role once played by Alan Rickman. His casting sparked heated reactions, particularly over race and his contrasting views with J.K. Rowling on trans rights.
However, Rowling herself recently clarified her position, saying:
“I don’t have the power to sack an actor from the series, and I wouldn’t exercise it if I did.”
She added that she wouldn’t take away someone’s job “because they hold legally protected beliefs that differ from mine.”
Isaacs Also Supports His Own Successor
In the same breath, Isaacs praised Johnny Flynn, who will portray Lucius Malfoy in the reboot, calling him a “fantastic actor” and jokingly urging producers,
“Just please don’t make him sing.”
Flynn, also a musician, will take over the sinister role Jason originated.
Still Dad and Son
Isaacs remains close to his on-screen son Tom Felton, who recently presented at the Tony Awardsand is set to reprise his role as Draco Malfoy on Broadway in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
Jason sweetly shared his excitement on X, writing:
“Tickets booked for November x.”
Felton, in turn, told E! News:
“I still call him dad and he still calls me son… Hi dad!”
As the new Harry Potter series prepares for production, the original stars’ vocal support for the next generation might just be the magic the fandom needs.
