In the upcoming play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (a confirmed sequel), Hermione will be played by a black woman, Noma Dumerzweni.
This is a fact that upset some people on the internet, because of course it did.
Now, the woman who played Hermione in all the Harry Potter movies has thrown her support behind the casting choice.
“Can’t wait to see Noma Dumezweni as Hermione on stage this year,” tweeted Emma Watson, followed by 13 heart emojis.
Can't wait to see Noma Dumezweni as Hermione on stage this year. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ #harrypotterandthecursedchild #2016
— Emma Watson (@EmWatson) January 2, 2016
Dumezweni quickly responded, saying,
“Thank You Miss Watson! Much appreciated. I look forward to experiencing #Hermione too. Blessings Abound to you.”
Thank You Miss Watson! Much appreciated. I look forward to experiencing #Hermione too. Blessings Abound to you. N?x! https://t.co/9l5ZtNhHKX
— MissNoma (@MissDumezweni) January 3, 2016
When the play announced the casting choice, backlash over a black Hermione ensued.
We’re thrilled to confirm Jamie Parker, Noma Dumezweni & Paul Thornley will play Harry, Hermione & Ron #CursedChild pic.twitter.com/s1rsDbrXMO
— Harry Potter Play (@HPPlayLDN) December 21, 2015
@HPPlayLDN Not being racist but how can a black woman play Hermione? This play has lost all credibility.
— Agent S(ean Bassett) (@WhoPotterVian) December 21, 2015
J.K. Rowling herself tweeted support for the decision, saying Hermione’s skin color was never specified in her books.
“Canon: brown eyes, frizzy hair and very clever. White skin was never specified. Rowling loves black Hermion,” she tweeted.
