Middle-aged cast of Harry Potter stage sequel revealed with Noma Dumezweni as Hermione
THE middle-aged cast for Harry Potter’s hotly-anticipated stage sequel has been revealed, with one pivotal difference to the Hollywood films.
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THE middle-aged cast for Harry Potter’s hotly-anticipated stage sequel has been revealed, sporting one stark difference to the Hollywood films.
Hermione Granger is to be played for the first time by a black woman, with award-winning actress Noma Dumezweni unveiled to be among the leading trio in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child — a move that has been widely praised by fans.
Actor Jamie Parker, 36, has the role of Harry Potter and Paul Thornley, 40, will portray Ron Weasley.
We’re thrilled to confirm Jamie Parker, Noma Dumezweni & Paul Thornley will play Harry, Hermione & Ron #CursedChild pic.twitter.com/s1rsDbrXMO
— Harry Potter Play (@HPPlayLDN) December 21, 2015The two-part untold eighth story of the Harry Potter series is set about 19 years later at a time where Harry Potter is a married father-of-three and overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic. It focuses on the struggles of his son Albus as he grapples with his family’s legacy.
The official sequel, announced in October, is based on a story brought to life by Harry Potter creator J.K. Rowling, playwright Jack Thorne and director John Tiffany.
The casting got the tick of approval from author Rowling, who had little patience for the critics of Dumezweni’s selection.
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, 2015She also earlier told Pottermore: ‘I’m so excited with the choice of casting for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. I can’t wait to see Jamie, Noma and Paul bring the adult Harry, Hermione and Ron to life on stage next summer.’
Dumezweni, 45, was born in Swaziland to South African parents before migrating to England in her childhood.
She is a familiar face of London’s West End, currently receiving rave reviews for her work in Linda. She won a coveted Olivier Award for her performance in A Raisin In The Sun in 2005.
The decision to cast Dumezweni has unfortunately attracted doubt from some fans, as well as outright racist remarks.
However many have been quick to point out that at no point in the books is the race of Hermione Granger specified.
Casual reminder to racists and bigots everywhere that at no point in the Harry Potter canon does it say Hermione is white #CursedChild
— Jingle Mel Salisbury (@AHintofMystery) December 20, 2015In fact, her label as a ‘mudblood’ — a derogatory term for a wizard or witch born with non-magical parents and grandparents — can be likened to the discrimination faced by marginalised racial minorities in the real world.
And largely, fans were very excited about today’s big reveal.
Hermione being portrayed by a person of color for #CursedChild YAS ðŸ‘ðŸ‘ðŸ‘
— liz avery (@SmilingZil) December 20, 2015I love that more young women will feel like they are represented in Hermione. That is such a beautiful thing. #CursedChild
— Jen Juneau Haupt (@wordswithjen) December 21, 2015A badass woman is the lead of #StarWars, Hermione is being played by a person of color in #CursedChild. HECK. YES.
— Tessa Netting (@tessanetting) December 20, 2015i had zero interest in #cursedchild. then they made hermione black and now i'm crying with shock and joy. this is my childhood dream.
— tamara (@jakeperaltas_) December 21, 2015Hermione is being played by a woman of color and as a devoted HP fan I'm excited!! #CursedChild
— Emily Schipman (@TimeLordEmily) December 21, 2015BLACK HERMIONE IN #CursedChild THIS IS THE BEST THING EVER!!!! Hermione was always black in my mind
— K tie Murg tr yd (@KtsMovingCastle) December 21, 2015Harry Potter and the Cursed Child will hit the stage at the Palace Theatre in London’s West End in mid-2016.
Further casting for the play will be revealed at a later date.
Originally published as Middle-aged cast of Harry Potter stage sequel revealed with Noma Dumezweni as Hermione