HBO's Harry Potter Series Echoes the Divisive Casting Choice of Rings of Power

In a move that has ignited passionate debates across fandoms, HBO's upcoming television adaptation of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter books is embracing diverse casting, much like Amazon's The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power did before it. Announced in April 2025, the series features Paapa Essiedu, a British actor of Ghanaian descent, in the iconic role of Severus Snape. This decision mirrors the inclusive approach that polarized viewers of Rings of Power, where characters from J.R.R. Tolkien's lore were portrayed by actors of various ethnic backgrounds, leading to both acclaim for representation and criticism for deviating from traditional interpretations.

The Harry Potter series, set to premiere on HBO and stream on Max, promises a faithful yet expansive retelling of the seven novels over multiple seasons. Key cast announcements include John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, and Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid, alongside Essiedu's Snape. Essiedu, known for his roles in I May Destroy You and The Lazarus Project, brings a fresh perspective to the potions master, a character famously played by Alan Rickman in the original films. In the books, Snape is described as having sallow skin, a hooked nose, and greasy black hair, traits that some fans argue are integral to his backstory of poverty and bullying in 1970s Britain.

This casting choice represents HBO's commitment to inclusive and diverse representation, as highlighted in discussions around the production. Proponents argue that it enriches the wizarding world, allowing for broader audience relatability and challenging stereotypes. For instance, one analysis suggests that diverse casting can foster empathy and unity, drawing parallels to successful franchises like the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Star Wars. Supporters on platforms like Quora emphasize that the magical setting lacks real-world prejudices, making ethnicity irrelevant to the story, and prioritize acting talent over physical descriptions.

However, the decision has not been without backlash. Critics contend that altering Snape's appearance deviates from canon and introduces unintended implications, such as shifting the dynamics of his bullying by James Potter and Sirius Black to potentially include racial elements, which were absent in the originals. On X (formerly Twitter), users have voiced frustration, comparing it to other "race-swaps" like in The Little Mermaid and predicting the series' failure akin to what some perceive in Rings of Power. One post lamented, "Casting a non-white as Snape for Harry Potter series is a big mistake," while another called it "ridiculous" and tied it to DEI initiatives.

The parallels to The Rings of Power are striking. Amazon's 2022 series introduced diverse actors in roles like elves and dwarves, which Tolkien described with fair skin in his writings. This led to a divided reception: an 83% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes but vocal online criticism accusing the show of "woke" changes that broke immersion. Despite the controversy, Rings of Power achieved massive viewership and was renewed for a second season, suggesting that such bets can pay off commercially even if they alienate a segment of the core fanbase. Similarly, HBO's Harry Potter series is banking on attracting new viewers through inclusivity while retaining the magic that made the books a global phenomenon.

Yet, the risks are evident. Some commentators warn that straying too far from source material could doom the project, with one YouTube video declaring the show "DOA" due to the Snape casting. Others point out that while diversity enhances storytelling in modern adaptations, it must balance fidelity to the originals to avoid alienating die-hard fans. J.K. Rowling's involvement as an executive producer adds another layer, given her past controversies, though showrunners emphasize a focus on the books' themes of friendship, courage, and acceptance.

As production continues, the Harry Potter series stands at a crossroads similar to Rings of Power. Will this big bet on diversity unite audiences in a more inclusive wizarding world, or will it deepen divisions? Only time, and viewer numbers, will tell. In an era where representation matters more than ever, HBO is wagering that the magic of Harry Potter can evolve without losing its spellbinding essence.