“Harry Potter” Fans React to “Cursed Child” Casting of a New Trio
Within the past couple of hours, the upcoming theatrical portrayal of life beyond Hogwarts, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, announced its first set of casting news: Ron, Hermione, and Harry will be played by Paul Thornley, Noma Dumezweni, and Jamie Parker, respectively.
We at MuggleNet think that it’s enormously satisfying to see Hermione cast as a woman of color. Our favorite brainy Gryffindor will be portrayed by Noma Dumezweni, who recently addressed the matter of race when she took on the lead role in Linda. This, of course, is possibly the biggest shake-up in continuity since Emma Watson‘s portrayal of Hermione in the film franchise. In addition, some users were quick to point out that Paul Thornley is not a natural ginger and that Jamie Parker lacked Harry’s signature green eyes.
Apart from the fact that these small inconsistencies can be easily tweaked by the costume department (if they even see fit), we were curious to see what the fans initially made of all this…
There were those who applauded the announcements, particularly the selection of a black female lead.
People have to realise that Hermione is fictional, has no set race, + is NOT Emma Watson. (Just portrayed very well by her). #TheCursedChild
— Claudia Boleyn (@ClaudiaBoleyn) December 21, 2015
If you are mad about this casting news, you missed one of the most important messages in Harry Potter. #CursedChild https://t.co/Tq8qMlKcE9
— Laura Tay (@laurarankine) December 21, 2015
The #HarryPotter higher-ups answered my plea for more Erisa Magambo from #DoctorWho — Noma Dumezweni is Hermione in Cursed Child!
— Liz Dircks (@ginger_lizard) December 21, 2015
#HermioneIsBlack is no longer just a Tumblr tag! https://t.co/TmvWApwgIJ Never thought I'd see this — ever! ? #TheCursedChild
— Ebony Elizabeth (@Ebonyteach) December 21, 2015
YES! YES! YES! YES! IN A WORD, YES! “Harry Potter And The Cursed Child” Casts Hermione As A Black Woman https://t.co/RhGJag472K
— Ming-Zhu Hii (@mingzhuhii) December 21, 2015
The woman cast as Hermione is gorgeous. I can't wait to see the entire cast of Cursed Child in full costume & makeup. Bring on the promos!
— Samantha Bledsoe (@sbledso_e) December 21, 2015
the only good thing about cursed child currently is hermione
— ️ (@dramicnes) December 20, 2015
Hermione? Black? Next thing you know, it'll be our founding father! #Hamilton #TheCursedChild #blessthiscasting
— mia @ camilla pain✨ (@miavern) December 21, 2015
https://twitter.com/racheljrowlands/status/678752358348824576
The cursed child is a sequel to the books, not the films. Aside from the covers, Hermione is never explicitly described as white.
— Will (@willlane01) December 21, 2015
While others were either confused or downright annoyed or confused with the casting.
OMG! The casting for The Cursed Child is a travesty! #RonShouldBeGinger
— Mary Robinette Kowal (@MaryRobinette) December 21, 2015
They've announced casting for #TheCursedChild – is anyone else slightly confused? Very interesting though.
— Rohan Gotobed (@Rohan_Gotobed) December 20, 2015
The only thing wrong with the Cursed Child casting is that Harry Potter does not have green eyes!! #CursedChild
— Areeba Imam (@AreebaBlossom) December 21, 2015
I can't get my head around the actors taking over the trio roles in Cursed Child. Nope. My heart will always be with Rupert, Emma and Dan.
— TV geek (@MaritaLeane) December 21, 2015
Just saw the casting for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. I'm angry.
— amanda ⚯͛ (@bortneramanda) December 21, 2015
https://twitter.com/missvideodame/status/678756240286195713
As you can probably tell, the overwhelming majority is super hyped thus far. While they may not necessarily look like the previous trio as they appeared in the films, this play might be a welcome opportunity to reset the series in terms of how the characters are portrayed. We want to know – what did you all make of this announcement?
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