JK Rowling issues statement on Paapa Essiedu’s Harry Potter future after actor’s pro-trans support sparks axe rumours
JK Rowling has stated she would not fire actor Paapa Essiedu from his role as Severus Snape in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter TV series, despite his signing of a pro-trans rights letter that contradicts her own views.
The author addressed rumours about Essiedu’s position after speculation emerged that his support for transgender rights might put his role in jeopardy.
Rowling, who has become known for her stance on transgender issues, made it clear she has no intention of seeking the actor’s removal from the production.
The statement comes amid ongoing tensions between Rowling and various Harry Potter stars over transgender rights.
The controversy began when Essiedu, who was recently cast as Snape in the forthcoming HBO series, signed an open letter supporting trans rights following a UK Supreme Court ruling in April.
The court ruled that the legal definition of “woman” refers to biological sex, a decision Rowling celebrated by posting on X: “I love it when a plan comes together #SupremeCourt #WomensRights.”
Rowling had financially supported the case brought by For Women Scotland against the Scottish government.
The ruling has sparked intense debate, with over 400 film and television professionals signing the letter expressing concern that it “undermines the lived reality and threatens the safety” of trans people.
In response to the speculation, Rowling took to X on Monday to clarify her position. “I don’t have the power to sack an actor from the series and I wouldn’t exercise it if I did,” she wrote.
“I don’t believe in taking away people’s jobs or livelihoods because they hold legally protected beliefs that differ from mine.”
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I don’t have the power to sack an actor from the series and I wouldn’t exercise it if I did. I don’t believe in taking away people’s jobs or livelihoods because they hold legally protected beliefs that differ from mine. pic.twitter.com/nKcAl3gcvO
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) May 5, 2025
The author had previously criticised “back-stabbing colleagues ever ready to report wrongthink” in a lengthy post on Sunday.
The open letter signed by Essiedu was also supported by other actors with connections to the Harry Potter franchise, including Eddie Redmayne, who starred in Fantastic Beasts, and Katie Leung, who played Cho Chang.
Other high-profile signatories included Bridgerton’s Nicola Coughlan, The Last of Us star Bella Ramsey, and Happy Valley actor James Norton.
The letter stated that “film and television are powerful tools for empathy and education” and expressed a desire to be “on the right side of history.” It has now amassed more than 400 signatures from professionals in the entertainment industry.
HBO’s position on the controversy has been made clear by CEO Casey Bloys, who stated that Rowling’s views on transgender issues will not impact the TV series.
“It’s pretty clear that those are her personal, political views. She’s entitled to them,” Bloys said on The Town podcast. “Harry Potter is not secretly being infused with anything. If you want to debate her, you can go on Twitter.”
Bloys emphasised that HBO’s “priority is what’s on the screen” and noted the Harry Potter story is “incredibly affirmative and positive and about love and self-acceptance.” He also pointed out that HBO has been “in business with JK Rowling” for 25 years.
This isn’t the first time Harry Potter stars have expressed support for the trans community. Original film stars Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint have all previously distanced themselves from Rowling’s views.
Radcliffe once stated: “Transgender women are women. Any statement to the contrary erases the identity and dignity of transgender people.”
Watson has similarly expressed support, while Grint has shared comparable sentiments. Rowling has become increasingly estranged from these former child actors due to their stance.
She previously said she would not forgive the actors for criticising her opinions, telling them to “save their apologies”.
Despite Essiedu signing the letter, his decision to join the Potter project has not sat well with some fans amid Rowling’s views on trans issues.
Meanwhile, John Lithgow, who will play Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore in the show, has called the controversy “odd”.
He added that discourse surrounding Rowling’s views on trans issues shouldn’t be a “factor at all”.
Nick Frost, who’ll play Hagrid in the upcoming adaptation, also took action when celebrating his role on Instagram due to the volume of backlash from anti-Rowling critics.
Frost disabled the comments on his post, meaning fans were unable to congratulate him on the role due the angry critics hijacking the announcement.