Paapa Essiedu on his Harry Potter trolls: They say, 'Quit or I'll murder you'

Paapa Essiedu has broken his silence about the disturbing harassment he's received from online trolls since being cast in HBO's upcoming Harry Potter television series. In a candid interview with The Times, the acclaimed British actor revealed that some messages have escalated to death threats, with trolls telling him to "quit or I'll murder you."

The 34-year-old actor, known for his work in "I May Destroy You" and "Gangs of London," was announced as part of the ensemble cast for the highly anticipated Harry Potter adaptation. The series, which received a straight-to-series order from HBO Max, will span seven seasons and adapt each of J.K. Rowling's seven books.

Paapa Essiedu has been vocal about the impact of online harassment. Credit: Getty Images

Essiedu's casting represents part of HBO's commitment to diverse representation in the new adaptation. The network has emphasized that the series will feature a multicultural cast while remaining faithful to the source material. Executive producers include J.K. Rowling herself, alongside Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod, who previously worked on "Game of Thrones" and "The Last of Us."

The online harassment targeting Essiedu reflects a broader pattern of abuse faced by actors of color when cast in high-profile franchises. Similar campaigns have targeted performers in recent adaptations of beloved properties, from "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power" to "The Little Mermaid."

Production on the HBO Harry Potter series is currently underway. Credit: HBO

Despite the threatening messages, Essiedu has remained committed to the project and his craft. The actor earned critical acclaim for his role as Kwame in Michaela Coel's "I May Destroy You," which won a BAFTA for Best Mini-Series in 2021. His theater background includes notable performances with the Royal Shakespeare Company, where he played Hamlet in 2016.

HBO has not publicly commented on the harassment campaign against Essiedu, but the network has historically supported its cast members facing similar challenges. The company's diversity and inclusion initiatives have been central to many recent productions, including "House of the Dragon" and "The Last of Us."

The new Harry Potter series is expected to begin airing in 2026, with filming currently taking place at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, the same location where the original film series was shot. The production has assembled a team of writers and directors from across the entertainment industry, with each season focusing on one book from Rowling's series.

Essiedu brings extensive theater and television experience to the Harry Potter universe. Credit: BBC

Essiedu's decision to speak publicly about the harassment demonstrates the ongoing challenges faced by performers in high-profile adaptations. The actor's openness about receiving death threats highlights the real-world impact of online abuse campaigns that often target diverse casting decisions in popular franchises.

The Harry Potter franchise continues to be one of the most valuable intellectual properties in entertainment, with the original eight films grossing over $7.7 billion worldwide. The upcoming HBO series represents the largest television adaptation of Rowling's work to date, with a reported budget exceeding $200 million for the first season alone.