‘Harry Potter’ stage play cast announced, J.K. Rowling responds to critics of Hermione casting

The main cast for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child was announced over the weekend. The casting of a black actress as Hermione Granger caused some controversy on Twitter, and author J.K. Rowling quickly responded.

The casting was unveiled on Pottermore. Jamie Parker will play an adult Harry, while Noma Dumezweni is Hermione. Paul Thornley is Ron Weasley.

Parker is best known for starring in The History Boys and the 2006 film adaptation. He is currently starring in a production of Guys and Dolls.

Dumezweni is an Olivier Award winner and won acclaim for starring in Penelope Skinner’s Linda. She won an Olivier for A Raisin In the Sun and was in Doctor Who.

Her casting caused a stir online, but Rowling wrote on Twitter that she never specified that Hermione was a white character in her books.

Thornley starred in the film and play London Road. His other credits include Private Fears in Public Places, The Three Musketeers, A Chorus of Disapproval and Noises Off.

Rowling announced on October that The Cursed Child will be written with Jack Thorne (Let The Right One In) and directed by John Tiffany (Once). The story is about Harry’s youngest son, Albus and it will be staged at the Palace Theatre.

There’s no immediate plans for the play to hit Broadway.

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