Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. HOMEPAGE

J.K. Rowling responds to fans about casting a black woman as Hermione in new 'Harry Potter' play

The eighth story in the "Harry Potter series, "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" will debut as a play in 2016. Casting announcements made Sunday evening revealed the adult versions of Harry, Ron and Hermione.

Advertisement

Actors Jamie Parker, Paul Thornley, and Noma Dumezweni will play the trio. Though none of the cast identically resembles an older version of the original movie cast (Parker has noticeably lighter hair than Daniel Radcliffe, and Thornley is missing the iconic red hair of the Weasley family), the main topic of conversation has been Dumezweni. 

harry potter play cast
Harry Potter The Play/Simon Annand

Dumezweni, a black woman, has been cast as Hermione. In the book series, there is never a specific mention of Hermione's race — only her "bushy" hair, large front teeth, and knack for being a know-it-all. For quite some time now, a theory has circulated that Hermione was black. 

But some of the responses to the casting of Dumezweni reveal that not everyone in the fandom was aware of this concept, and seem unable to accept that an award-winning British actress who happens to be black could play Hermione.

 The phrase "not being racist but ... " has cropped up.

Advertisement

Along with fans saying it's not a "race issue, it's a continuity issue."

J.K. Rowling was compelled to chime in: "Canon: brown eyes, frizzy hair and very clever. White skin was never specified. Rowling loves black Hermione 😘."

Actor Matthew Lewis, who played Neville Longbottom in the movie series, also shut down the conversation: "And Neville Longbottom was blonde. I really don't care. Good luck to her."

The play's co-writer, Jack Thorne, skipped right past the discussion of race, and instead made a point about Paul Thornley's lack of red hair.

The overwhelming support being given to Dumezweni seems to outweigh any critics, though many have pointed out the need for this conversation at all is indicative of a larger issue with white actors commonly seen as a go-to choice for casting in television and film ensembles.

The play will debut in June 2016. More casting announcements, including Harry's youngest son Albus, are yet to be announced. 

Harry Potter JK Rowling Movies
Advertisement
Close icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. It indicates a way to close an interaction, or dismiss a notification.

Jump to

  1. Main content
  2. Search
  3. Account