JK ROWLING has responded to varied reaction from fans following the decision to cast a black actress in the role of Hermione Granger in new stage play Harry Potter And The Cursed Child.
It was announced on Monday that Swaziland-born actress Noma Dumezweni would take on the role made famous in the Harry Potter films by Emma Watson.
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
Some fans began to message the author expressing confusion at a divergence from the Hermione they were used to seeing in the films, and some made openly racist comments.
But Rowling used her social media account to state that Hermione’s skin colour had in fact never been specified in the books.
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
In the play, set 19-years after the events of The Deathly Hallows, a middle-aged Hermione will be played by Noma, while Jamie Parker plays an adult Harry Potter and Paul Thornley is cast as Ron Weasley.
Along with her post, Rowling also retweeted a collage of fan art that depicted the fiercely intelligent Hogwarts student as black.
Some of my favourite Hermione fanarts next to our new Hermione! pic.twitter.com/80bIkcLBMJ
— alice (@alwaysdragxns) December 20, 2015
With her characteristic empathy, Rowling also offered support to fans who had been hurt by negative and racist comments about the casting.
@theefefe big hug X
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) December 21, 2015
The role is no doubt in safe hands with acclaimed actress Noma. She was born in Swaziland in 1969 to South African parents before moving to England as a child, and has won an Olivier award for best supporting actress in 2006 for A Raisin in the Sun.
The play’s writer Jack Thorne also responded, making a joke with fans who were more concerned that Paul Thornley does not share his book character’s famous mop of ginger hair.
Never mind that the new Hermione's black (who cares what colour her skin is these days?) I'm more concerned the new Ron isn't ginger!
— Andrew Webb (@yrtheyalltaken) December 21, 2015
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
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child will follow Harry and his middle child Albus Severus as he struggles to cope with his family’s legacy at Hogwarts.
The two-part play is set to open on June 30 2016 at the Palace Theatre, with previews beginning in June.
