JK Rowling has said people who criticise the casting of a black actress as Hermione in the new Harry Potter stage play are “a bunch of racists”.
Noma Dumezweni will star as the character from JK’s books – who was played by Emma Watson in the films – in Harry Potter And The Cursed Child in the West End.
The author told The Observer that the decision has been criticised by some social media users.
The Granger-Weasleys: Ron, Hermione and Rose. #HarryPotterPlay #CursedChild. First public preview in 6 days! pic.twitter.com/yf8YBBsfFT
— Harry Potter Play (@HPPlayLDN) June 1, 2016
“With my experience of social media, I thought that idiots were going to idiot,” she said.
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“But what can you say? That’s the way the world is.
“Noma was chosen because she was the best actress for the job.”
JK Rowling (Ian West/PA)
JK went on: “I had a bunch of racists telling me that because Hermione ‘turned white’ – that is, lost colour from her face after a shock – that she must be a white woman, which I have a great deal of difficulty with.
“But I decided not to get too agitated about it and simply state quite firmly that Hermione can be a black woman with my absolute blessing and enthusiasm.”
Can't wait to see Noma Dumezweni as Hermione on stage this year. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ #harrypotterandthecursedchild #2016
— Emma Watson (@EmWatson) January 2, 2016
Based on an original story by JK, the play is set 19 years after the events of Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows.
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It will focus on Harry – now an “overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic, a husband and father of three school-age children” – and his middle child, Albus Severus.
Jamie Parker will play an adult Harry Potter, while Paul Thornley will play Ron Weasley.
Harry, Albus and Ginny Potter from #HarryPotterPlay #CursedChild. 1st public preview in one week's time! pic.twitter.com/0JyvEqtcyJ
— Harry Potter Play (@HPPlayLDN) May 31, 2016
The show officially opens at the Palace Theatre London in July, with preview performances from June 7.
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