Princess Weekes

Multiple things are aggravating about the news that Paapa Essiedu will most likely be playing Severus Snape in the upcoming HBO adaptation/remake of the Harry Potter book series. Deadline reports: “[Essiedu] is closing his deal to portray Professor Severus Snape, I hear. They are poised to join John Lithgow, who, as Deadline reported exclusively, will be playing Professor Albus Dumbledore.”

I talked about this in a more extended video essay on my Patreon because I’ve been trying to avoid discussing Harry Potter publicly in a way that could be mistaken for promotion. Plus, I know many of my trans friends (including Jesse Gender) encourage moving away from talking about the subject matter.

However, with this series moving closer and closer towards being a reality and Essiedu’s casting signally a cynical and capitalistic exploitation of yet another actor of color in a “racebent” role, I felt like I needed to speak a bit on it publically.

The Harry Potter fandom has never been a truly “safe space” for Black and non-white fans of the series who were critical of the way race (both real and fantastical) was written in the series. I remember the response to Blaise Zabini being confirmed to be Black. I remember how the fandom treated Angelina Johnson for marrying George Weasley. I remember how fancasts would completely ignore that their children would be biracial and just make their children white and ginger. I watched how Cho Chang and Dean Thomas were treated as disposable minority love interests. And I certainly remember the backlash towards casting Noma Dumezweni as Hermione in The Cursed Child.

I’m already having a massive headache at everyone crying over Adam Driver not being Snape. Adam Driver will not be in a potentially massive seven-season-long franchise, guys. He likes to make weird shit.

Intersecting with this already racist priming is the backlash we have seen to any diversity in casting that has been ongoing for almost a decade. “Forced Diversity.” “Woke.” “DEI.” All of that has been the rallying cry of those who choose to blame marginalized communities and not capitalist companies trying to make money on why so many of these choices are made. They paint them as inherently bad and ignore any examination or discussion with Black and other marginalized communities about their concerns. Instead these stories become the target of hyper racist backlash, we try and support this projects and if they are, in fact, poorly written—the well of discussion is clogged by the excess of bullshit.

Make no mistake: casting this series as more diverse is a ploy.

A ploy to distract people from JKR’s transphobia. To shield the company from criticism of not investing in something new. To make every criticism about Rowling’s politics now the problem of these actors. If these actors get questioned (even mildly) about why they willingly joined this project, it will be called harassment. They will do more to protect themselves than to protect the people who will become the face of this revival.

I pray for the mental fortitude of the biracial Black girl cast to play Hermione Granger.

But as someone who has been a pop culture critic and entertainment journalist in some form or another for a long time, I am also just distressed about how shallow discussions of race and Harry Potter will continue to be when so many of the voices that should be talking about it will not because they will likely (like myself) not support this series.

In that sense, HBO/WB is playing a game of chicken with those who said we won’t support JKR versus those who still fully love and support Harry Potter with their wallet, and those who just don’t care. They are banking on apathy and transphobia to win, and they don’t care who gets caught in the crossfire.

Sigh.

Constant Vigilance, I guess.

deadline.com/2025/03/harry-potter-series-mcgonnaga…

1 month ago | [YT] | 4,462

Princess Weekes

The next video is a bit of a weird one, but I hope you enjoy it.
Also if there is anyone in the Chicago area I will be at MTG Chicago hanging out and playing magic <3

2 months ago | [YT] | 1,418

Princess Weekes

In case anyone missed it in the Nosferatu video, here is the link to the feedback survey <3

🧛🏿Feedback Survey: forms.gle/ZidZw236i4r4b8GZ7

2 months ago | [YT] | 559

Princess Weekes

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3 months ago | [YT] | 351

Princess Weekes

Well I have to call it. Due to my wrist injury flaring up the last video of 2024 is going to have to be the first video of 2025. Honestly it feels like a failure to even at this point be so bad about getting things done how I want. 2024 has just been such a physically grueling and demanding and depressing year. I am glad it’s over and I’m sorry I couldn’t get it out tonight :(

3 months ago | [YT] | 3,934

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almost ... fiinished

3 months ago | [YT] | 1,573

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I have one more video left this year!
It is a retrospective.
It is about a well-known show.
And it's my first time watching it.

But until then, if you haven't gotten a chance, please check out my most recent video. It is very good (IMO)

4 months ago | [YT] | 501

Princess Weekes

Tomorrow morning!!!

4 months ago | [YT] | 1,460

Princess Weekes

This Sunday, I'll be hosting the Digital Premiere of 'Chasing Chasing Amy' directed by Sav Rodgers. The event features a special intro by Kevin Smith and will have a Q&A with the director and another cast member. It will be broadcast live December 15th at 7:00 pm EST.

I loved being a part of this documentary. If you can make it I'd love to see you there xx

watch.eventive.org/chasingchasingamy/play/6747ce29…

4 months ago | [YT] | 669

Princess Weekes

The Avatar has returned!

5 months ago | [YT] | 1,032