Security stepped up on Harry Potter TV series following death threats | The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleKevin E G PerryWednesday 25 March 2026 08:30 GMTRelated: Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return To Hogwarts| TrailerHBO CEO Casey Bloys confirmed that the upcoming Harry Potter television series has a "serious security team" after cast members received death threats.Paapa Essiedu, cast as Professor Snape, revealed he received racist messages, including death threats, following his casting announcement.The threats stemmed from online commenters claiming Essiedu should not play a character originally written as white.Bloys stated that such reactions were anticipated for a major IP show with passionate fans, leading to security measures and social media training for actors.Essiedu, who has signed on for ten years, expressed that while he hopes not to be murdered, "nobody should have to encounter this for doing their job."In fullHarry Potter set has ‘serious security’ after death threats, says HBO bossThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in