There has been much debate about the casting of Noma Dumezweni in the role of Hermione since it was announced – but now Emma Watson has given her seal of approval.
Noma will take on the iconic role in the new play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, which will make its debut in London’s West End later in the year, and Emma tweeted her support.
Can't wait to see Noma Dumezweni as Hermione on stage this year. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ #harrypotterandthecursedchild #2016
— Emma Watson (@EmmaWatson) January 2, 2016
While many have applauded the decision to cast a black actress as Hermione, others haven’t been convinced. The main issue most seem to have is the lack of continuity with the film series, saying that as Hermione has been portrayed as white in such a notable way, this should be continued with the new story.
However, as has been pointed out long before The Cursed Child was even announced, Hermione’s race is never explicitly specified in the Harry Potter books. In fact J.K. Rowling herself has tweeted on the matter.
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
Other Harry Potter actors have also added their thoughts to the issue:
And Neville Longbottom was blonde. I really don't care. Good luck to her. https://t.co/0JNjK3Pe0V
— Matthew Lewis (@Mattdavelewis) December 21, 2015
Luna Lovegood actress Evanna Lynch added her thoughts as well!
https://twitter.com/Evy_Lynch/status/678772710424510465
Even Lucius Malfoy himself, Jason Isaacs, tweeted in typical sassy style:
Oh no, Jo, it's a PR disaster – you've alienated all the racists. Hopefully there's an audience left somewhere x https://t.co/XeZEE44xLM
— Jason Isaacs (@jasonsfolly) December 21, 2015
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child will see Jamie Parker take on the title role, while Ron comes in the form of Jack Thorne. The play opens for previews in late May, with the world premiere landing on July 30th.
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