Ever since we heard that there’d be a Harry Potter play, we’ve been thinking up our dream cast. This week, we finally learned who’d be playing the coveted main roles in next year’s Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. And when the cast list came out? Some fans weren’t too happy to find that Noma Dumezweni, a black woman, would be playing Hermione Granger.
Many took to the internet to complain about the choice; those who’ve become accustomed to Emma Watson’s portrayal of the character argued that it didn’t make sense to cast a black woman in the part, but as J.K. Rowling pointed out on Twitter, Hermione’s race was never mentioned in the books. Ultimately, Hermione’s qualities include being incredibly smart, witty and clever—and these qualities aren’t limited to white women.
Rowling, along with several actors from the Harry Potter films, have been taking to social media to voice their support and excitement over the casting. Rowling has also been retweeting empowering messages from Twitter users making their approval known.
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) December 22, 2015
And Neville Longbottom was blonde. I really don’t care. Good luck to her. https://t.co/0JNjK3Pe0V
— Matthew Lewis (@Mattdavelewis) December 21, 2015
The greatest thing about @jk_rowling ‘s Harry Potter is that EVERY kid could be those kids, even mine! pic.twitter.com/gXjwLdCmuo
— Aida Rodriguez (@FunnyAida) December 22, 2015
Tbh new Hermione is black, Harry looks like Ron, when I was cast ppl complained about my HAIR & it is people’s❤️ NOT their looks that matter
— Evanna Lynch (@Evy_Lynch) December 21, 2015
The play is set after the series as we know it, following the trio as middle-aged wizards. And now that we know Noma’s playing our ultimate girl hero Hermione, we’re even more excited to see it. Who’s coming to London with us next summer?