By: Renae Richardson
Paapa Essiedu has opened up about his experience as a young actor taking on a role that defied many expectations. His account serves as a sobering reminder that, despite apparent progress, some things remain unchanged.
Essiedu On A Dream
Paapa Essiedu. Image Source:
Essiedu has spoken passionately about assuming the role of Professor Snape in the upcoming Harry Potter series based on J.K. Rowling’s beloved novels. He has committed to bringing the character to life for the duration of the series, which is projected to span nearly a decade. As Blexmedia reports,
“Essiedu has reportedly signed on for a long-term commitment to the series, which is expected to span a decade.” His enthusiasm is rooted in a deeply personal connection to the source material.
Though Essiedu acknowledges he has never watched the film adaptations, he spent considerable time with Rowling’s books during childhood. According to Blexmedia, he explained,
“My mum couldn’t afford a babysitter in the holidays, so she would take me to the library. I loved ‘Harry Potter.’ … the books were escapism when other things were less easy for me.”
Being cast in such a significant role feels like an honor to him. Yet not everyone has celebrated the announcement. He has faced abhorrent treatment simply because of his casting, with the vitriol escalating to death threats.
Some Dreams Come with a Cost
Essiedu elaborated on the torrent of hatred directed at him for accepting the role. As he shared,
“The reality is that if I look at Instagram I will see somebody saying, ‘I’m going to come to your house and kill you.'”
This is deeply disturbing. Society has yet to reach a point where disagreement does not devolve into toxic behavior, where emotional reactions do not consistently override reason. The realization that human advancement has not fostered greater intellectualism, empathy, or evolved thinking is profoundly discouraging. Essiedu, who has achieved a dream, now faces messages demanding,
“Quit or I’ll murder you.”
Passions Run Higher
Despite efforts to intimidate him out of the role, Essiedu remains steadfast, refusing to let detractors derail him. He has chosen to transform the obstacles hurled at him into building blocks for his continued rise.
Essiedu brings substantial experience to the part. As an actor affiliated with the Royal Shakespeare Company, he honed his skills playing Hamlet. According to the London Theatre Company,
“The production, directed by Simon Godwin and starring Paapa Essiedu in the titular role, was first performed at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon in 2016 for the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death. “
Beginning in 2017, he began expanding his range. His filmography has continued to grow with appearances in productions including Murder on the Orient Express, Black Earth Rising, I May Destroy You, Anne Boleyn, Gangs of London, The Lazarus Project, Genie, and Black Mirror. Now he adds Harry Potter to his growing body of work.
Essiedu Discovers the Gift and the Curse
His qualifications are beyond question. Yet, he now takes his place among others who have endured hostility from those enraged by the notion of talent transcending physical appearance as a criterion. While he currently bears the weight of entrenched prejudices, he also has the chance to demonstrate resilience and rise above. This he has set his out to do. As he eloquently expressed,
Original article“I think of how I felt as a kid. I would imagine myself at Hogwarts on broomsticks, and the idea that a kid like me can see themselves represented in that world? That’s motivation to not be intimidated by someone saying they’d rather I died instead of doing work I’m going to be really proud of.”
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