Paapa Essiedu, the actor set to play Professor Snape in the upcoming HBO adaptation of the "Harry Potter" books, has received death threats over his casting due to his Black actor playing the wizard. Essiede has spoken about the online abuse he has received, stating that while he is confident he will be okay, it affects the lives of many people who put their lives on the line for their work. He has not reported the threats as he doesn't believe they would make him feel better. The abuse has only made him more passionate about starring in the series.