United Kingdom, March 23 -- Paapa Essiedu has received death threats after being cast as Professor Severus Snape in the upcoming Harry Potter TV series.

The I May Destroy You actor has spoken out about the online "abuse" he has received since his role in the HBO adaptation of J.K. Rowling's beloved book series was announced because people have objected to a black character playing the wizard.

He told The Times newspaper: "I've been told, 'Quit, or I'll murder you'...

"It really matters. The reality is that if I look at Instagram I will see somebody saying, 'I'm going to come to your house and kill you.' So while I'm pretty sure I'm not going to be murdered. That could age badly!

"But, yes, while I hope I'll be OK, nobody should have t...