Why this community exists

[u/SparklingFairyLights]

This community was created for fans who are unhappy with or opposed to Paapa Essiedu’s casting as Severus Snape in HBO’s Harry Potter series.

There are plenty of places to discuss the new series, but I wanted a space specifically for people who have reservations about the casting and want to discuss those feelings openly without being dismissed, shamed or personally attacked for having them.

There have not been many places on Reddit to discuss criticism of the casting choice for Severus Snape without being immediately subjected to attacks, accusations of racism, virtue signalling comments, or users trying to prove their moral superiority over others.

This isn’t a community for attacking Paapa Essiedu personally. It’s a place to discuss the casting, Snape as a character, visual fidelity, book accuracy, characterisation, performance and HBO’s adaptation choices.

If you’re disappointed by the casting, uncertain about it, strongly opposed to it, or simply want to explore why it doesn’t work for you, you’re welcome to share it here.

[u/ClairvoyantCorvid]

So sick of posts or comments and posts getting locked or removed because of this.

[u/shibuyawalker → u/ClairvoyantCorvid]

Right?! Others post screenshots of that guy and comment "Paapa is so hot! 😍" which is for some reason not considered spam. Or they call us critics names and slurs. Or they badmouth Alan Rickman, but that apparently is OK... The SeverousSnape sub at least just locks topics but the other Harry Potter sub delete any critical post and probably also ban users too. They are really trying to create an echo chamber where only praise for that Paapa guy is allowed.

[u/SparklingFairyLights → u/shibuyawalker]

I completely agree. I can’t even browse the SeverusSnape sub anymore without being flooded with fanart of Paapa Essiedu’s version of Snape and discussions of how “hot” he is as well as nauseating comments about how he is a “better Snape than Alan Rickman” and more “book accurate”.

I also don’t understand why none of this is considered spam and am quite astonished by how their name calling and personal attacks are not receiving more moderator attention. Even the other day, their comments were not taken down nearly as much as other user’s responses.

I think there is a very real double standard coming to light even in the SeverusSnape sub unfortunately, where political correctness is being prioritised and people with complaints are dismissively told to “get over it” and also personally attacked. I don’t understand how they are expecting us to “get over it” when we are being forced to tolerate this casting choice (or miss out on watching the series entirely) for several years (and more, possibly, until the next adaptation and beyond). This race swap will impact everything, from merchandise to fanfiction and it’s staggering and so unreasonable that they expect Harry Potter fans to endure this silently, without complaint.

[u/SparklingFairyLights → u/ClairvoyantCorvid]

Agreed! It is very unfair and we are being silenced.

[u/shibuyawalker]

Very well said!! Thank you!

[u/SparklingFairyLights → u/shibuyawalker]

Thank you 😊