Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
The Associated Press

J.K. Rowling defends casting of black Hermione in new 'Harry Potter' play

Actors John Marquez and Noma Dumezweni
Actors John Marquez and Noma Dumezweni attend a theater event in West Sussex, England. Dumezweni has been cast as Hermione Granger in "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child."
Steve Finn | Getty Images 2004

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

A black actress playing Hermione Granger? J.K. Rowling has no problem with that.

The best-selling author of the "Harry Potter" books has responded to mixed reactions after the cast for "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" — a new London play featuring Harry as an adult — was announced Monday. The role of Hermione, made famous in the film versions by Emma Watson, will be played by Swaziland-born actress Noma Dumezweni.

Rowling said on Twitter that the character's skin color had in fact never been specified in the books. "Canon: brown eyes, frizzy hair and very clever. White skin was never specified. Rowling loves black Hermione," she wrote, adding a kissing emoji at the end.

The play, based on a new story by Rowling and others, opens July 30.