J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne Address “Cursed Child” Casting Choices

J.K. Rowling and Jack Thorne, the writer of the upcoming stage play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, have both taken to social media to address the controversy surrounding the recent casting announcements.

On Sunday, it was announced that British actors Jamie Parker, Paul Thornley, and Noma Dumezweni would be taking on the iconic roles of Harry, Ron, and Hermione, respectively, in the stage production. Some fans seemed to take issue specifically with the casting of a person of color in the role of Hermione. Another concern raised by fans was that Paul Thornley, who will be playing Ron, is not a redhead as depicted in the books.

Addressing this concern on Twitter, Thorne wrote,

Noma, Jamie & Paul will be the most brilliant three. We're very lucky to have them. And to assure all doubters – Paul is ginger in his soul.

— Jack Thorne (@jackthorne) December 21, 2015

Meanwhile, J.K. Rowling also addressed the news, praising the casting of a black woman, Noma Dumezweni, as Hermione. She clarified that she “loves black Hermione” and stated that although “brown eyes, frizzy hair and very clever” are essential trademarks of the character, “white skin was never specified.”

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

@johngreen Thanks! John (director) cast my three first choices so I'm very happy! His decision, though, because Writers. Don't. Do. Casting.

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) December 21, 2015

.@MissDumezweni @MeeraSyal Noma *is* that girl. I watched you workshop the part, Noma, and you were the one! X pic.twitter.com/iKZFR3Rr3U

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) December 22, 2015

The actors themselves have also taken to social media to thank fans for their support. Parker wrote.

Seriously it's been a flood of support, I'm startled & burstingly happy to say. Thank you. I'll do my best for you & this phenomenal team. X

— Jamie Parker (@DickLeFenwick) December 21, 2015

End of that story. Let's all look forward to cracking on with the next, shall we? https://t.co/eehAZOEmfM

— Jamie Parker (@DickLeFenwick) December 21, 2015

Oh, and by the way, all modesty aside, I think in comparison to Dobby we three are all looking quite spry. pic.twitter.com/WVXcG4aDvZ

— Jamie Parker (@DickLeFenwick) December 21, 2015

Thornley also showed his appreciation for the messages he received:

Thankyou for all the lovely messages regarding @HPPlayLDN Have a beautiful Ginger Christmas xx

— Paul Thornley (@paulfthornley) December 21, 2015

Dumezweni appeared slightly overwhelmed by the reaction, writing,

Um… So. Just seen my feed BLOW UP… What's THAT about?! !

— MissNoma (@MissDumezweni) December 20, 2015

@jackthorne @DickLeFenwick @paulfthornley We shall have a marvellous time dear one!

— MissNoma (@MissDumezweni) December 21, 2015

It didn’t take long before several former Potter alumni decided to weigh in on the matter. Here are a selection of their comments below.

Chris Rankin (Percy Weasley):

I think our new Harry, Ron and Hermione are looking excellent also very glad they didn't cast lookalikes. Can't wait to find out more!

— Chris Rankin (@chrisrankin) December 21, 2015

Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood):

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

Jason Isaacs (Lucius Malfoy):

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

Matthew Lewis (Neville Longbottom):

And Neville Longbottom was blonde. I really don't care. Good luck to her. https://t.co/0JNjK3Pe0V

— Matthew Lewis (@Mattdavelewis) December 21, 2015

Rohan Gotobed (young Sirius Black):

They've announced casting for #TheCursedChild – is anyone else slightly confused? Very interesting though.

— Rohan Gotobed (@Rohan_Gotobed) December 20, 2015

I've never seen Hermione as a person of colour, but if Noma Dumezweni is a great actress (as by all accounts she is) it won't matter. (1/3)

— Rohan Gotobed (@Rohan_Gotobed) December 21, 2015

I've always seen Ron as more freckled with a slightly different face and hair, but if Paul Thornley is a good actor, then it won't matter

— Rohan Gotobed (@Rohan_Gotobed) December 21, 2015

I've always seen Harry as a little more scrawny, not as confident, but if Jamie Parker is a good actor, then it won't matter. (3/3)

— Rohan Gotobed (@Rohan_Gotobed) December 21, 2015

Sean Biggerstaff (Oliver Wood):