British actor Paapa Essiedu, recently cast as Severus Snape in HBO's upcoming Harry Potter television series, has signed an open letter supporting trans rights in the UK.
The letter, which has garnered more than 400 signatures from film and television professionals, stands in direct opposition to views held by Harry Potter creator JK Rowling.
The signatories express solidarity with trans, non-binary and intersex communities following a recent UK Supreme Court ruling that defines women by biological sex.
Essiedu, known for his acclaimed performances in I May Destroy You and The Lazarus Project, now finds himself at odds with Rowling, who will serve as executive producer on the HBO series.
The open letter, initiated by development producer Sid Strickland and script editor Jack Casey, calls for industry action following the April 17 Supreme Court ruling.
"We believe the ruling undermines the lived reality and threatens the safety of trans, non-binary and intersex people living in the UK," the letter states.
Paapa Essiedu will take over from Alan Rickman in the role of Snape PAIt urges organisations, including Bafta, BFI, BBC, and Channel 4, to commit to protecting trans people within the industry and emphasises that "film and television are powerful tools for empathy and education" and represents an "opportunity to be on the right side of history."
Other high-profile signatories include Bella Ramsey, Harris Dickinson, Nicola Coughlan, and Eddie Redmayne. Rowling, meanwhile, a vocal critic of transgender rights, celebrated the Supreme Court ruling on social media.
The author donated £70,000 to For Women Scotland, the organisation that challenged the Scottish government's decision to include transgender people under same-sex protections.
Following the ruling, Rowling posted an image of herself with a cigar, captioning it: "I love it when a plan comes together."
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JK Rowling will help produce the HBO TV seriesGETTY
She has argued that "womanhood is not some quasi-mystical state into which men can identify" and that giving trans women access to women's spaces "has caused proven harm to women and girls."
Essiedu's decision to sign the letter whilst joining the Harry Potter franchise has raised questions about the apparent contradiction.
HBO has confirmed that Rowling is "fairly involved" in the series, including the selection of writers, directors and casting decisions.
Critics have pointed out that working on the series will financially benefit Rowling, whose views Essiedu is publicly opposing, and have taken to X to accuse the Gangs of London star of "hypocrisy".
"Well that's hypocritical," one X user simply put in response to a news article about Essiedu's decision while a second argued: "If he truly cared about trans rights, he would have turned down the role that will make Rowling even more money."
Meanwhile, a third hit out: "Did he know who JK Rowling was before signing onto Harry Potter series or he just doesn’t care and wanted the money? This is not the win people think it is and if he stood in solidarity with trans community, then he wouldn’t be a part of this show."
Another echoed: "Nothing against him, but if he really supports trans rights he should drop out of the show, it's the right thing to do, please don't make a rich retrograde richer."
And a fifth concurred: "If Paapa Essiedu feels that strongly, will he walk away from the #HarryPotter role? Or will it be a case of pounds over principles?" (sic)
I love it when a plan comes together.#SupremeCourt #WomensRights pic.twitter.com/agOkWmhPgb
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) April 16, 2025
The actor has previously been a steadfast advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and has spoken about the importance of platforming diverse stories.
He is not the only cast member facing this dilemma.
John Lithgow, who will play Dumbledore in the series, has dismissed concerns about working with Rowling, saying: "I thought, 'Why is this a factor at all?'"
Other Harry Potter alumni have also signed the letter, including Fantastic Beasts star Eddie Redmayne and Katie Leung, who played Cho Chang in the original films.
Paapa Essiedu is best known for roles in Gangs of London, I May Destroy You and The Lazarus Project
PA
Many original cast members, including Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, have previously denounced Rowling's views on transgender issues.
Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan, another signatory, has been particularly vocal, stating: "Keep your new Harry Potter, lads. Wouldn't touch it with a 10 foot pole."
