'Harry Potter & the Cursed Child' Release Date, Cast News & Update: Stage Actors for Harry, Hermione, Ron Revealed; J.K. Rowling Shuts Down Criticism

• comments
• 
• 

Great news for "Potter" fans, as additional cast news has been released for the upcoming stage play "Harry Potter & the Cursed Child." The Hollywood Reporter reveals that the roles of middle-aged Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley have been cast and that Jamie Parker, Noma Dumezweni, and Paul Thornley will play them, respectively.

Hailing from Middlesbrough, England, 36-year-old Jamie Parker has appeared as Sky Masterson in "Guys and Dolls" at London's Savoy Theater in 2014, and has appeared in numerous stage productions and worked on television as well. His credits include "The Lady in the Van," "Valkyrie" (2008), Alan Bennett's "The History Boys," television's "The Hour," and this year's BBC series, "Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell."

Paul Thornley is set to play Ron Weasley, and is best known for his role as Dodge in the stage and film versions of "London Road." He also appeared in Sacha Baron Cohen's "Grimsby," "Les Miserables," and "Life Begins." He's also working on a Netflix series called "Crown."

Noma Dumezweni, who will play Hermione Granger, won an Olivier Award for her role in Lorraine Hansberry's "A Raisin in the Sun," and has appeared in both TV and film. Her credits include "Dirty Pretty Things," "Dr. Who," "EastEnders," and "Fallout." She also starred in "The Winter's Tale" and "Romeo and Juliet" for the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Since the announcement of the new cast, some have been quick to comment on race, as the original Hermione Granger was played by none other than Emma Watson, but Dumezweni is African American.

"Harry Potter" author J.K. Rowling immediately defended the casting choice, taking to Twitter to express her thoughts. E! Online reports that the 50-year-old author wrote, "Canon: brown eyes, frizzy hair and very clever. White skin was never specified. Rowling loves black Hermione."

Rowling also told Pottermore in a statement, "I'm so excited with the choice of casting for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. I can't wait to see Jamie, Noma and Paul bring the adult Harry, Hermione and Ron to life on stage next summer."

Described as the "the eighth story in the Harry Potter series", "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" is a play set in two parts, with previews beginning June 7 and an official debut on July 30. The play is written by Jack Thorne, based on an original story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne, and John Tiffany. It will feature choreography by Steven Hoggett, set design by Christine Jones, costumes by Katrina Lindsay, music by Imogen Heap, lighting by Neil Austin, sound by Gareth Fry, special effects by Jeremy Chernick, illusions by Jamie Harrison, and music supervision by Martin Lowe.

Tickets are available at harrypottertheplay.com.