Paapa Essiedu is standing by his decision to join the Harry Potter reboot despite the controversy surrounding author J.K. Rowling.
The actor, who will take over the role of Severus Snape from the late Alan Rickman in HBO’s upcoming adaptation, addressed the backlash in an interview with Vanity Fair published Tuesday, November 10.
Essiedu, 36, noted that he has been “super clear about [his] position on this topic.” After his casting was announced last year, he joined 400 actors in signing an open letter advocating for transgender, nonbinary and intersex people.
READ MORE: Paapa Essiedu claims he received death threats over his casting as Severus Snape in ‘Harry Potter’
“I’m really keen not to make a kind of ‘them and us’ dynamic here,” Essiedu told Vanity Fair. “I’m not really here to speak about Jo’s politics or to be a mouthpiece for her. I can only be really, really clear about what I believe and be consistent with that.”
He went on to reiterate his support for the LGBTQ+ community, noting, “I believe, in my bones, that trans people, queer people, people of all creeds and color have got the right to be treated with respect and dignity and safety at all times.”
Several other cast members have voiced similar sentiments. John Lithgow, who will portray Albus Dumbledore, said he considered quitting the series, while Aunt Petunia actress Bel Powley, said while she strongly disagrees with Rowling’s views, she loves Harry Potter.
Notably, Nicholas Hoult exited the series, citing scheduling conflicts. He was meant to play Gilderoy Lockhart in season 2 but has now been replaced by Game of Thrones star Kit Harrington.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone premieres on HBO on December 25.
READ MORE: Kit Harrington steps in as Nicholas Hoult exits ‘Harry Potter’ role
