Harry Potter fans will have known since late 2013 that a stage-production has been in the works (and they’ll still be freaking out about it). The rest of the world probably only took notice in mid-2015 when the mysterious production was announced as Harry Potter and the Cursed Child; an original story from beloved author J.K. Rowling and written by Jack Thorne.
Since the announcement casting details have been released with Jamie Parker playing Harry Potter and Paul Thornley playing Ron Weasley. However, the casting of Hermione Granger caused outrage amoungst fans with many feeling that black actress Noma Dumezweni was not suitable based on her ethnicity.
Emma Watson, the original Hermione, does not see the problem and tweeted her excitement on her personal Twitter page, stating: “Can’t wait to see Noma Dumezweni as Hermione on stage this year“.
Can't wait to see Noma Dumezweni as Hermione on stage this year. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ #harrypotterandthecursedchild #2016
— Emma Watson (@EmWatson) January 2, 2016
The controversy has also received condemnation from the creator herself, J.K. Rowling, who quoted her own scripture to silence the outrage of fans: “Canon: brown eyes, frizzy hair and very clever. White skin was never specified. Rowling loves black Hermione“.
Canon: brown eyes, frizzy hair and very clever. White skin was never specified. Rowling loves black Hermione ? https://t.co/5fKX4InjTH
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) December 21, 2015
19 years after the events of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child will see Harry, Ron and Hermione together once again only now as employees of the Ministry of Magic. Although specific details have not been released, we do know that the play will involve Harry’s youngest son, Albus Severus Potter (poor kid), who is currently starting his first year at Hogwarts. Let the conjecture begin.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child opens at London’s Palace Theatre July 30. This year will also see the release of Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them, set 70 years before the events of the novels and following the adventures of Newt Scamander, a famous magizoologist and author of a popular Hogwarts text book. This is due for a November 18 release.
#Peace.love.HarryPotter
