'Harry Potter' Play: Stage Production Features Black Actress as Hermione, J.K. Rowling Approves Despite Backlash
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"Harry Potter" is heading to the stage via "Harry Potter and The Cursed Child" and the spinoff has announced its principal cast Monday. However, some were not quite happy to see that the production chose a black actress for the part of Hermione Granger. Many took to Twitter to express their disappointment.
Per Los Angeles Times, the role of Harry in the stage play will be played by Jamie Parker, while the character of Harry's best friend, Ron Weasley, will be played by Paul Thornley. Unlike the movie adaptations of the best-selling book series written by J.K. Rowling, which had Caucasian British actress Emma Watson as Hermione, the play picked Noma Dumezweni for the part. The LA Times reported that the actress is from Swaziland.
Fans expressed their surprise for the choice and cited that Hermione in the movies was white. "This is not a question of racism or whatever, the character of Hermione was white, why change it to black?" said one Twitter commenter.
@Hypable this is not a question of racism or whatever, the character of Hermione was white, why change it to black?...
— rayene (@utterlyrayene) December 21, 2015
"I'm offended by the casting of #CURSEDCHILD hermione is a white character. we may not make poc characters white so white should not be poc," remarked another Twitter commenter.
i'm offended by the casting of #CURSEDCHILD hermione is a white character. we may not make poc characters white so white should not be poc — Michelle (@1006michelle) December 20, 2015
However, Rowling, who created the characters, lauded the choice by voicing her approval also on Twitter. "Canon: brown eyes, frizzy hair and very clever. White skin was never specified. Rowling loves black Hermione," the best-selling author wrote.
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
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, 2015
Wall Street Journal reported that "Harry Potter and The Cursed Child" will feature the characters as grown-ups, who are dealing with work and family issues. Harry's dilemma will involve trying to make his youngest child, Albus, understand his family's legacy. "As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: Sometimes, darkness comes from unexpected places," read the stage play's synopsis, per Pottermore.
Jack Thorne translated the story for the stage with the help of Rowling and it is set to premiere in London's West End by summer 2016. John Tiffany is tasked to direct the stage.
"Noma, Jamie & Paul will be the most brilliant three. We're very lucky to have them. And to assure all doubters -- Paul is ginger in his soul," wrote Throne about his cast on his own Twitter account.
Noma, Jamie & Paul will be the most brilliant three. We're very lucky to have them. And to assure all doubters - Paul is ginger in his soul.
— Jack Thorne (@jackthorne) December 21, 2015
