Paapa Essiedu Confronts Racist Abuse After Joining HBO's Harry Potter Series Paapa Essiedu, the actor cast as Severus Snape in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter series, has spoken out about the racist abuse he has faced since joining the project. Essiedu, who is English of Ghanian descent, revealed that he has been subjected to threats, including messages like “Quit, or I’ll murder you,” during interviews with The Times. The actor emphasized that the backlash has been particularly intense due to his role in the iconic franchise, despite his extensive experience in television and theater, including performances as George Boleyn and Romeo. Essiedu described the nature of the abuse, noting that he has seen comments on social media warning him, “I’m going to come to your house and kill you.” While he hopes for his safety, he stressed that no one should have to endure such threats for doing their job. The actor acknowledged the emotional weight of the situation, stating that the abuse fuels his determination to make the character his own. He reflected on his childhood, imagining himself at Hogwarts on broomsticks, and expressed pride in the idea that someone like him could be represented in the wizarding world. The casting of Essiedu as Snape has sparked controversy, particularly in light of J.K. Rowling’s past comments on trans rights. Essiedu previously signed an open letter supporting the trans community against a UK Supreme Court ruling that aligned with Rowling’s views. Rowling has since commented on the situation, stating she cannot sack actors from the series for holding differing beliefs. However, John Lithgow, who plays Albus Dumbledore, expressed concerns about Rowling’s stance and ultimately decided to remain in the project, citing the lack of transphobic elements in the Harry Potter canon.#hbo #paapa_essiedu #j_k_rowling #john_lithgow #harry_potter_series
Paapa Essiedu on Facing Death Threats for Playing Snape in HBO’s Harry Potter Series Actor Paapa Essiedu, who has been cast as Professor Severus Snape in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter reboot series, has disclosed that he has received death threats from fans following the announcement of his role. Essiedu, known for his performances in shows like Black Mirror and I May Destroy You, revealed in an interview with The Sunday Times of London that the backlash has been intense and racially charged. “I’ve been told, ‘Quit or I’ll murder you,’” Essiedu said, describing the nature of the threats. He emphasized that while he does not believe he will be harmed, the presence of such messages online has left him deeply unsettled. “If I look at Instagram, I’ll see someone saying, ‘I’m going to come to your house and kill you.’ That could age badly, but yes, it affects me emotionally.” Essiedu added that he hopes to see an end to such hostility, noting that many people risk their lives in their work, and he is merely playing a wizard in a fictional world. The casting of Essiedu as Snape, a role previously portrayed by Alan Rickman in the original film series, sparked significant online backlash from fans. Essiedu acknowledged the criticism but stated that the abuse has, in some way, fueled his determination to bring his own interpretation to the character. “The abuse fuels me,” he said. “It makes me more passionate about making this character my own. I think of how I felt as a kid, imagining myself at Hogwarts on broomsticks. The idea that someone like me can see themselves represented in that world is motivation to not be intimidated by threats.” Essiedu, who has never seen the original Harry Potter films starring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint, admitted he was a devoted reader of J.K. Rowling’s books as a child.#hbo #harry_potter #paapa_essiedu #alan_rickman #dominic_mclaughlin
White Lotus Season 4 Casts Max Greenfield, Kumail Nanjiani HBO is expanding the cast of The White Lotus for its upcoming fourth season. Variety has confirmed that Max Greenfield, known for his roles in New Girl and The Neighborhood, and Kumail Nanjiani, who starred in The Big Sick and Silicon Valley, will join the series in recurring roles. The cast also includes Chloe Bennet, Charlie Hall, and Jarrad Paul, who will appear in the season. As with previous seasons, details about the characters and plot remain undisclosed. Previously announced cast members include Sandra Bernhard, Helena Bonham Carter, Vincent Cassel, Steve Coogan, and others. The season is set in France, with locations spanning Paris and the French Riviera. Creator Mike White, who also serves as writer, director, and executive producer, will continue to helm the series. David Bernad and Mark Kamine are also executive producers. White, Bernad, and Paul previously collaborated on the film The D Train, with White and Bernad producing the project and White also starring. Paul co-wrote and co-directed the film. The cast of The White Lotus Season 4 includes actors represented by various agencies, including CAA, UTA, and Mosaic. Production for the season is set to begin later this year. The series has become a significant hit for HBO since its 2021 debut and has earned 68 Emmy nominations, with 16 wins, including back-to-back victories for seasons one and two. Deadline first reported the new castings.#france #hbo #max_greenfield #kumail_nanjiani #white_lotus
The White Lotus S4 Adds Max Greenfield, Kumail Nanjiani, Chloe Bennet HBO’s The White Lotus has continued its tradition of standout casting, earning Emmy nominations for its ensemble work in previous seasons and securing another nod for its fourth installment. The series, known for its intricate character dynamics and sharp social commentary, is once again assembling a sprawling cast for its latest season, with several high-profile additions announced. Among the new recurring players are Max Greenfield, Kumail Nanjiani, and Chloe Bennet, joining an already robust list of returning actors. Filming in France, the fourth season will once again follow a group of hotel guests and staff over the course of a week, maintaining the show’s signature blend of humor, tension, and dark revelations. Greenfield, best known for his role in The Neighborhood, and Nanjiani, who starred in Only Murders in the Building, are set to take on two of the season’s most prominent recurring roles. Bennet, who previously appeared in Interior Chinatown, will reprise her character, though details about her role remain undisclosed. The cast also includes Charlie Hall from The Sex Lives of College Girls and Jarrad Paul, with their characters rumored to be named Mitchell, Brynn, and Zach, respectively. The season’s cast list is a mix of established actors and newcomers, with recurring appearances from Sandra Bernhard, Helena Bonham Carter, Steve Coogan, and others. The season’s creators, including series writer and director Mike White, have emphasized the importance of casting in shaping the show’s unique tone. White, who also serves as an executive producer alongside David Bernad and Mark Kamine, has worked closely with many of the cast members on past projects.#hbo #the_white_lotus #max_greenfield #kumail_nanjiani #chloe_bennet
DC Comic Book Legend Grant Morrison Criticizes HBO's Lanterns Damon Lindelof, a celebrated television writer known for creating "Lost," "The Leftovers," and "Watchmen," has drawn criticism from comic book writer Grant Morrison for his approach to HBO’s upcoming series "Lanterns." Lindelof, who is co-creating the show with Tom King and Chris Mundy, faces backlash for what Morrison views as a dismissive attitude toward the Green Lantern franchise’s core elements. Morrison, a prominent figure in the comic book world, argues that Lindelof’s interpretation of the Green Lantern mythos risks alienating fans and undermining the property’s legacy. Lindelof’s career has been marked by both acclaim and controversy. While he has won multiple Emmys for his work on "Lost" and "Watchmen," his past projects have been scrutinized for workplace dynamics. According to Maureen Ryan’s book "Burn It All Down: Power, Complicity and a Call for Change in Hollywood," Lindelof and his collaborator Carlton Cruise faced allegations of fostering a toxic environment on "Lost." Cast and crew reportedly endured mentally abusive treatment, with Lindelof allegedly making racist remarks and dismissing concerns about his behavior. Though Lindelof has denied these claims, stating he does not recall making such statements, the controversy has lingered. Morrison’s criticism centers on Lindelof’s perceived dismissal of the Green Lantern’s symbolic significance. The writer argues that Lindelof’s approach risks trivializing the franchise’s identity, which is rooted in its iconic "Green" theme. Morrison expressed frustration that Lindelof seems to view the Green Lantern’s color as a joke, potentially alienating fans who hold the property in high regard.#hbo #damon_lindelof #green_lantern #james_gunn #grant_morrison
Green Lantern' Writer Criticizes Damon Lindelof for HBO's 'Lanterns' Green Lantern has long been a challenging character to adapt into live-action, with past attempts often falling short. A 2011 film starring Ryan Reynolds was widely panned, and Warner Bros. blocked Zack Snyder from introducing the character into the present day in Justice League. A planned DC Extended Universe film titled Green Lantern Corps was abandoned after multiple writers, including David S. Goyer and Christopher McQuarrie, struggled to craft a viable script. The character’s unique blend of space cops and magic rings made it difficult to translate into a believable story, leading to its association with animated series and theme parks rather than serious cinematic efforts. HBO’s Lanterns takes a grounded approach, aiming to bring the character into a more realistic setting. DC Studios co-chief James Gunn described the series as “a very grounded, real show,” emphasizing its effort to make the outlandish concept of Green Lantern feel authentic. The teaser trailer, however, faced criticism for appearing disconnected from the character’s usual traits. It focused on Hal Jordan and John Stewart investigating a murder in Nebraska, a departure from the cosmic adventures typically associated with the Green Lantern mythos. Fans noted the lack of green elements and the dour tone, comparing the series to True Detective rather than a superhero story. Damon Lindelof, one of the show’s co-creators, made a lighthearted comment about the title, joking on the Lovett or Leave It podcast that the show is called Lanterns because the “Green” part was deemed “stupid.” This remark drew backlash from a Green Lantern comic writer, who criticized Lindelof for diluting the source material.#nebraska #hbo #damon_lindelof #green_lantern #james_gunn
HBO’s New Show Wants to Be the Next White Lotus or Big Little Lies HBO’s latest miniseries, DTF St. Louis, has positioned itself as a dark, introspective drama about unhappy marriages, drawing comparisons to The White Lotus and Big Little Lies. However, the show’s approach feels both derivative and overly dramatic, blending elements of crime, comedy, and marital dysfunction in a way that feels more like a true-crime podcast than a nuanced character study. The series, co-created by David Harbour and his collaborator, leans heavily on the trope of unraveling secrets in affluent, suburban lives, but its execution often feels forced and unearned. The story centers on Floyd, a middle-aged man played by Harbour, who is portrayed as a man adrift in his life. His character is a stark contrast to Harbour’s previous roles, such as the brooding sheriff in Stranger Things or the half-demon hero in Hellboy. Here, Floyd is a man who has lost his way, burdened by a large beer belly, a lack of purpose, and a strained marriage to Carol, his wife. Their relationship is marked by emotional distance and resentment, with Floyd struggling to connect with Carol, who works multiple jobs to support their family. The show’s premise revolves around Floyd’s growing dissatisfaction with his life, which leads him to explore a clandestine dating app called DTF St. Louis, promising anonymous encounters outside his marriage. The show’s plot takes a dark turn when Floyd’s life unravels after a series of events, culminating in a murder mystery. The narrative shifts between Floyd’s personal struggles and the investigation into the crime, led by two detectives: an aging, lethargic white man and an ambitious young Black woman.#david_harbour #hbo #dtf_st_louis #the_white_lotus #big_little_lies
Chris Fleming’s HBO Special Blends Physical Comedy and Observational Humor Chris Fleming, the thirty-nine-year-old comedian known for his theatrical flair and androgynous presence, has made his debut on HBO with a special that marks a shift toward mainstream comedy while retaining his signature eccentricity. The show, his first for the network, aims to expand his audience beyond his cult following, which has long been drawn to his irreverent takes on gender norms and mundane routines. Fleming’s work has always leaned into the absurd, but his HBO special—titled Prances, Scuttles, and Undulates—offers a more accessible blend of observational humor and physical comedy, while still leaving room for the surreal. Fleming’s standup bit about Trader Joe’s, which has garnered over a million views on YouTube, has become a cultural touchstone among his female fans. In the piece, filmed at Los Angeles’s Dynasty Typewriter, he humorously contrasts the shopping habits of men and women, suggesting that women navigate the store like “witchy laboratories of gastronomic discovery,” guided by an almost mystical connection to the store’s ever-changing snack inventory. Men, he jokes, are drawn to the same blue-corn tortilla chips since pre-Obama, while women “swan dreamily” through aisles, “guided by their foremothers” toward the most obscure products. The bit’s success lies in its ability to resonate with women who feel both seen and honored by its playful generalizations, a rare feat in comedy that often sidelines feminine experiences. Fleming’s physicality on stage is as integral to his act as his words. He moves with a theatricality that blends glam-rock aesthetics with modern dance, often adopting exaggerated gestures to amplify his humor.#hbo #chris_fleming #trader_joes #dynasty_typewriter #lin_manuel_miranda
See How a Breakout Comic Uses Dance to Make Us Laugh A funny walk can go a long way in comedy. The stand-up Chris Fleming has elevated his to an art form; specifically, he has turned it into dance. “My leg brain will take over,” he said. “If I’m in front of an audience and I’m struggling, my legs know how to get a laugh.” Fleming, 39, whose first HBO special, “Chris Fleming: Live at the Palace,” arrives Friday, cuts a different figure from just about anybody else in the comedy world. Partly this is because of his fashion sense: blindingly bright jazz shoes, plumage as an accessory and jewel-toned flares, which accentuate his lanky frame. But mostly it is because he marries the idiosyncrasies of his writing — one bit has him pretending to be a dirty cast-iron skillet — with a delivery that leans heavily on his training in classic modern dance. He is probably the only working funnyman who cites Isadora Duncan as an influence. “Chris is one of the most exciting comedians to watch right now,” said Mike Birbiglia, the veteran comic who has hosted Fleming on his podcast. (Conan O’Brien, another fan, produced his special.) Fleming’s physicality and style are “so deeply himself” and original, Birbiglia said via email. “Plus his material is very uncensored. He’s like Kathy Griffin meets Lenny Bruce meets Cirque du Soleil.”#conan_obrien #hbo #chris_fleming #mike_birbiglia #cirque_du_soleil
Warner Bros. Discovery’s First Post-Merger Premiere Sparks Laughter with Comedy Rooster Warner Bros. Discovery’s first major premiere since its $111 billion merger with Paramount was a comedy, marking a significant moment for the merged entertainment giant. The show, Rooster, co-created by Bill Lawrence—known for hits like Ted Lasso and Scrubs—debuted on HBO, becoming one of the network’s first half-hour series in years. The premiere, held on Sunday, drew a packed audience and generated widespread enthusiasm, particularly for its ensemble cast and sharp humor. The screening, held at a New York venue, was met with explosive laughter, with Steve Carell and the supporting cast delivering standout performances. Attendees were particularly moved by the show’s opening credits, which featured HBO’s iconic “static angel” sequence, prompting a hearty ovation. Lawrence, who opened the event with lighthearted remarks, acknowledged the challenges of the industry’s current climate while expressing gratitude for the team’s dedication. “It’s not a normal feeling for me,” he said, adding, “I’m feeling joyful… at a time when it’s kind of hard to feel joyful.” Lawrence’s comments subtly referenced the ongoing upheaval in Hollywood, including the merger’s impact on the industry. He praised the cast and crew, emphasizing the collective effort behind the project. “I’m proud of everyone in here and everyone couldn’t make it that worked on the show,” he said, acknowledging the emotional weight of the moment. The after-party at The Pool reflected the broader mood within Warner Bros. Discovery as executives navigate the complexities of the merger. One senior executive, speaking candidly, noted the uncertainty of the situation: “I just keep showing up. When my phone stops working, that’s how you’ll know.#bill_lawrence #steve_carell #hbo #warner_bros_discovery #the_pool
