Jason Isaacs<\/a> has blasted “racist” fans criticising the cast of Paapa Essiedu in Harry Potter.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
Jason Isaacs has defended Paapa Essiedu<\/p>\n
The 62-year-old actor – who played Lucius Malfoy in the original film adaptation’s of J.K. Rowling’s wizarding novels – has called out people taking issue with Paapa being cast as Severus Snape in HBO’s upcoming TV series.<\/p>\n
As reported by Collider, Jason told the crowd at FanExpo Denver: “Paapa Essiedu is one of the best actors I\u2019ve ever seen in my life.<\/p>\n
“I\u2019ve seen some people online who are being rude about him. What they\u2019re being is racist.<\/p>\n
“All the cast of the new Harry Potter TV series are amazing. [The critics] will be swallowing their tongues, hopefully \u2014 you know, their digital tongues \u2014 when they see what [Paapa] does on screen.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nPaapa, 35, is following in the footsteps of the late, great Alan Rickman, who played Professor Snape in the original franchise.<\/p>\n
\nHe has appeared in the likes of I May Destroy You, Gangs of London and The Lazarus Project.<\/p>\n
\nThere have also been questions about his casting because of his and Rowling’s opposing views on the issue of trans rights.<\/p>\n
\nHowever, the author previously clarified: “I don\u2019t have the power to sack an actor from the series and I wouldn\u2019t exercise it if I did.<\/p>\n
\n“I don\u2019t believe in taking away people\u2019s jobs or livelihoods because they hold legally protected beliefs that differ from mine.”<\/p>\n
\nJason has also thrown his support behind actor Johnny Flynn, who will take over the role of Lucius.<\/p>\n
\nHe wrote on X: “A fantastic actor, a lovely man and, irritatingly, a rather brilliant musician too. Couldn\u2019t have handed the snake-topped baton on to anyone better. Just please don\u2019t make him sing.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nMeanwhile, The White Lotus star recently revealed he’s already booked his tickets to see Tom Felton – who played his on-screen son Draco Malfoy in the Potter films – in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child when he reprises his role on Broadway.<\/p>\n
\nJason wrote on X: “Saw you presenting on the Tonys tonight son – you looked good, sounded good and did great. Tickets booked for November x.”<\/p>\n
\nHe was responding to a clip of Tom, 37, where he reflected on Jason’s performance in The White Lotus.<\/p>\n
\nHe told E! News: “He’s fantastic. He’s superb in everything he does.<\/p>\n
\n“I’ve learned so much from him \u2014 just as much off screen as I have done on screen… I still call him dad and he still calls me son.<\/p>\n
\n“So, hi dad!”<\/p>\n
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