Jamie Parker, Noma Dumezweni and Paul Thornley have been cast as the adult Harry, Hermione and Ron in the upcoming London West End play "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child." The much anticipated sequel has been called "the eighth story" and will pick up 19 years after the final book in the series, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows."
Parker, who will take on the role of a middle aged Harry is currently starring in the West End production of "Guys and Dolls" and was also in the original cast of "The History Boys" with Richard Griffiths, who played Uncle Vernon in the "Harry Potter" film series. Dumezweni, a woman of color, will play Hermione and Thornley will play Ron. Dumezweni is an Olivier winner for her role in "A Raisin in the Sun" and will make her directing debut next Feburary, according to Entertainment Weekly. Thornley is also an accomplished actor who has appeared in film like "Les Miserables" and productions of "It's a Wonderful Life" and "The Three Musketeers."
"I'm so excited with the choice of casting for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. I can't wait to see Jamie, Noma and Paul bring the adult Harry, Hermione and Ron to life on stage next summer," Rowling said in a statement to Pottermore.
"Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" was co-written by Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany. The play will follow the story of an adult Harry and his middle child Albus as he comes to terms with the fact that he is the son of the most famous wizard in the world. The play will be presented in two parts due to the "epic nature of the story," as HNGN previously reported. Audiences can choose to either watch both parts in a single day or on two separate occasions and performances will begin in London on June 7, 2016.
