Paapa Essiedu signs open letter supporting transgender rights amid ‘Harry Potter’ row
After being cast as Severus Snape in the upcoming HBO remake of Harry Potter, actor Paapa Essiedu has signed an open letter calling for industry action on trans rights. He is among hundreds of film and TV professionals who signed the letter.
The letter expresses solidarity with the trans and non-binary community and demands that industry institutions such as Bafta, BBC, BFI, and Channel 4 commit to protecting and including trans people.
Motion Pictures producer Sid Strickland and script editor Jack Casey created the letter in reaction to JK Rowling’s comments on the controversial UK Supreme Court ruling, which defines gender based on biological sex. Following the announcement, Rowling posted on X at the news, holding a beverage and smoking a cigar in front of a peaceful ocean setting. “I love it when a plan comes together,” she captioned the picture.
Eddie Redmayne, who starred in Harry Potter spinoff Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, also signed the letter.
The reboot has been controversial for other celebrity names attached to the project. Nick Frost, who will play Rubeus Hagrid, took to Instagram to share his joy. He posted a picture holding a copy of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone along with the caption: “You’re a wizard, Harry!!! Thank you for trusting me with such a loyal, gentle and courageous half-giant like Rubeus Hagrid.”
However, Frost soon had to disable comments on the post after it had already garnered more than 1,400. Many comments criticise Frost for being involved in a project that would benefit the author.
On the other hand, John Lithgow, who is set to play headmaster Albus Dumbledore, called the discourse “odd”. He believed Rowling’s views on trans issues shouldn’t be a “factor at all”.
Previous Harry Potter star David Tennant has also called out Rowling’s views. On a talk show, he commented: “JK Rowling is a wonderful author who’s created brilliant stories, and I wish her no ill will, but I hope that we can all, as a society, just let people be. Just get out of people’s way.”
Despite the continued backlash, HBO defended Rowling’s involvement in the series, stating, “We are proud to once again tell the story of Harry Potter – the heartwarming books that speak to the power of friendship, resolve and acceptance.”
The network continued:” JK Rowling has a right to express her personal views. We will remain focused on the development of the new series, which will only benefit from her involvement.” The first series of the new Harry Potter series is expected to be broadcast in 2026 on HBO.
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