Emma Watson has responded to the new casting of Noma Dumezweni as Hermione Granger.
READ MORE:
It was confirmed last month that Noma will take over the role of Hermione, played by Emma during the ‘Harry Potter’ film series, in the forthcoming stage play, ‘Harry Potter And The Cursed Child’.
Not everyone was exactly thrilled with the casting decision, though, with some more closed-minded fans of the franchise criticising the choice to cast a black actress in the role, when the part’s original actress had been white.
The cast of 'Harry Potter And The Cursed Child'
However, Emma has now lent Noma her support, publicly singing her praises on Twitter.
Alongside 13 heart emojis, Emma said: “Can't wait to see Noma Dumezweni as Hermione on stage this year.”
Emma Watson
Joining Noma on stage will be Jamie Parker and Paul Thornley as leading roles Harry Potter and Ron Weasley, with the play taking place 19 years after the events of ‘The Deathly Hallows’, the final instalment in the wizarding series.
JK Rowling, who created the ‘Harry Potter’ franchise and wrote the original story on which the play is based, has also defended the casting, insisting that Hermione’s race is never made explicit in her original book series.
She’s also retweeted fan art, re-imagining Noma’s portrayal of Hermione as a student at Hogwarts.
‘Harry Potter And The Cursed Child’, a story spread out over two separate plays, will arrive in London’s Palace Theatre later this year, telling the story of Harry and Ginny Weasley’s youngest son, Albus.
The official synopsis reads: “While Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albus must struggle with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted.
“As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: sometimes, darkness comes from unexpected places.”
