History is being made in the wonderful world of Harry Potter.
NPR reports that Noma Dumezweni, a Black muggle (or non-wizard for all you Harry Potter zygotes), has been selected to play Hermoine in the upcoming stage production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. This will be the first time that a Black woman has been chosen to play the role (Emma Watson played the character in the hit movies).
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Unsurprisingly, Dumezweni’s casting has sparked outrage from a handful of fans, but Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling has defended the producers’ decision.
“Canon: brown eyes, frizzy hair and very clever,” Rowling tweeted. “White skin was never specified. Rowling loves Black Hermoine.”
The play, which opens in London next summer, will follow Harry’s life as an adult. We’re already getting our passports ready.