Excitement continues to grow for fans in regards to the upcoming stage play, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, but the most the latest news surrounding the casting choice of a particular character has rubbed some people the wrong way. A black actress portraying Hermione Granger generated both Twitter backlash and praise, but it was author J.K. Rowling's response that really surprised fans.
So what will the infamous trio look like 19 years after defeating Lord Voldemort? The adult versions of the characters will be played by 36-year-old Jamie Parker (Harry Potter), Paul Thornley (Ron Weasley), and 45-year-old Noma Dumezweni (Hermione Granger).
Dumezweni, who was born in Swaziland to South African parents, instantly became the topic of conversation as some fans wondered why she was chosen for the role. Their interest didn't reside behind whether she was a talented actress or if she was even familiar with the popular book series, but instead the main issue fans were most angry about was her skin color.
The three actors playing adult Harry, Ron, and Hermione on stage are... https://t.co/5VeGodtSwO pic.twitter.com/sQIk7HTmcn
— Just Jared Jr. (@justjaredjr) December 21, 2015
Dumeweni has had a pretty notable career in the field. The English actress won an Olivier Award for "Best Performance in a Supporting Role," portraying Ruth Younger in A Raisin in the Sun. Dumezweni also began generating critical acclaim when she filled in for Kim Cattrall in the leading role of Linda, a play by the same name, about a woman hitting it big in her career at the age of 55.
The author however did not share the same racist sentiments. Rowling couldn't be happier with the actors chosen to play the characters she created, according to Pottermore.com. She also added how anxious she was to see the play come to life on stage next Summer.
"Canon: brown eyes, frizzy hair and very clever," the 50-year-old novelist and screenwriter tweeted. "White skin was never specified. Rowling loves black Hermione."
Despite the outcry of confusion and anger, fans can look forward to seeing some of their favorite wizards as parents and spouses. Harry Potter is described as a hardworking Ministry of Magic employee, who also happens to be a husband and father of three young children. Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley are expected to be married in the play.
"While Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albus must struggle with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted," reads the play's synopsis, according to People. "As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: sometimes, darkness comes from unexpected places."
Previews for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child are scheduled to begin on June 2, 2016 at the Palace Theatre in London. Four exclusive preview performances are also expected to take place at the end of May 2016. The show has already sold a quarter of a million tickets.
Check out some of the reactions to the casting news below:
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
@jellie_bee Political or NOT, racial diversity should be employed constantly. Hermione has not changed in my eyes. She is strong and amazing
— Jellie Bee (@jellie_bee) December 21, 2015
It's up to @jk_rowling how Hermione should be portrayed. It's her character. Her decision. So there — Kay Burley (@KayBurley) December 21, 2015
This whole Hermione thing is not at all about "protecting canon" but about protecting the idea of default whiteness in fiction/media.
— Not Kendra (@kdc) December 21, 2015
It's like some people haven't even considered the possibility that she was chosen because she was the best actress for the part. #Hermione — Emily Blake (@Bambookiller) December 21, 2015
these visions of Hermione r perfect and those who critic r so narrow minded. Grow up and stop being so superficial. pic.twitter.com/X1KKQcKTEb
— Queen (@Maryfique) December 21, 2015
Why are people mad about #Hermione casting?! Have y'all forgotten about Lavender Brown from 3rd to 6th film?! pic.twitter.com/FZRjbMO615 — Jerome Lee (@Kostko_bomb) December 21, 2015
Very obvious that @jk_rowling always thought of Hermione, daughter of two English dentists, as white. But lefties must have their token.
— Milo Yiannopoulos (@Nero) December 21, 2015
#HermioneSyllabus: "What a Racebent Hermione Really Represents," Alanna Bennett https://t.co/d5NB6bFmSg — Ebony Elizabeth (@Ebonyteach) December 21, 2015
I think people are forgetting that she's playing Hermione Granger, not Emma Watson
— Morticia Addams (@melaniedrinnan) December 21, 2015
I can't believe #Hermione is no longer a smart, loyal, brave, inspiring and kind fictional character. Oh wait, hang on a sec... — James Rhodes (@JRhodesPianist) December 21, 2015
Hermione Granger's character will always be an icon that girls look up to no matter her skin color! So happy with the @HPPlayLDN casting!
— Orion Carloto (@orionnichole) December 21, 2015
PoC cast as Hermione? pic.twitter.com/hU9tOXlzTJ — (@hotlinedrakes) December 21, 2015
Since we're discussing accuracy when racists want to complain about a Black Hermione. pic.twitter.com/eVeGat2kcE
— Bougie Black Girl (@BougieBlackGurl) December 21, 2015
For racists upset about Hermione: 1. You're still white. Don't worry. 2. She's still white in the movies. 3. Again, you're still white. — bryanedwardhill (@bryanedwardhill) December 21, 2015
Great authors make characters in which people can see themselves in & see themselves as...Hermione is one of these such characters.
— No Relation (@TheCosby) December 21, 2015
Hermione's last name is Granger so she has to be white is the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. — Mikki Kendall (@Karnythia) December 21, 2015
There are ppl on my Facebook timeline mad a POC is playing Hermione in a play. Fool. I known u ur whole life. You never been to a play.
— Heather Dawn (@Revisedangel) December 21, 2015
Remember how we hated Malfoy for picking on Hermione because she was a 'mudblood'... People are going to hate you if you're racist too — Bry (@BryOnTour) December 21, 2015
"Why can't Hermione just be wh-" pic.twitter.com/x374T6L3LN
— Seb FoxAllen (@purpledocket) December 21, 2015
White-wash Katniss Everdeen or Egyptian gods, nobody panics. But, make Rue or #Hermione black? pic.twitter.com/dGSqv2WSYC — Donald Donahue III (@DonNohVarr) December 21, 2015
If you're angry about #Hermione being portrayed as a black woman, I think you seriously missed out on what the whole HP series was about.
— Sarah Carter (@HeyCarterbee) December 21, 2015
Even IF the books had stated Hermoine was white, I ask again: Why can you imagine mmmagic but not... a black woman? #Hermione — K K Holdbrook-Smith (@HoldbrooksMyth) December 21, 2015
Good! Lots of girls will feel represented as Hermione which is lovely! Ron not being ginger though did throw me haha https://t.co/x2DELE8277
— Will Darbyshire (@willdarbyshire) December 21, 2015
2012 "RUE’S NOT BLACK" Female author: she is tho “WRONG" 2015 "HERMIONE’S NOT BLACK" Female author: uh I never said she was white “WRONG” — Laura Hudson (@laura_hudson) December 21, 2015
Spoiler alert: Rachel Dolezal to be cast as Hermione Grainger's mum
— Festive Flossie (@JLFEternal) December 21, 2015
I'm white so my brain tends to default to white, but Hermione as a POC is actually making me SUPER HAPPY cos it makes SO MUCH MORE SENSE — Roni B (@Gigglewhatsit) December 21, 2015
The one and only Hermione is Emma Watson. Thank you very much. @jk_rowling
— Meg (@sweetx0love25) December 21, 2015
I hate to break it to you all but the woman they cast to pay Hermione is a.... a...... a muggle. — Taylor Jordan (@taykayjay) December 21, 2015
The 'controversy' over Noma Dumezweni being cast as Hermione reveals that, aside from being racists, a lotta folks don't get what theatre is
— Kirsty Rolfe (@avoiding_bears) December 21, 2015
Some people really went through all 7 books to find the one single solitary reference to Hermione's skin color. They really did that. — Jim-Manuel Miranda (@Boomquiesha_J) December 21, 2015
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