When news about Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, a play set nineteen years past the end of the Harry Potter books, was revealed, the world immediately became excited. Everyone was dying to know who would play the adult versions of their favorite characters.
As many based their images of characters on the physical appearance of the original film actors, some were confused, irritated, and even outraged when a black woman was cast in the role of adult Hermione.
Emma Watson is best known for playing Hermione, the brightest witch of her age, in the Harry Potter film series.
The appearance of Noma Dumezweni, the actress cast in the current stage production, seems to contrast with the image that some fans had formed of the beloved character, especially when compared to Emma Watson’s established portrayal. As a result, many fans became agitated. In particular, they claimed that the Hermione of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child did not fit the original description of the witch, as found in J.K. Rowling's books.
Rowling, however, fired back at these claims. She tweeted:
That was the perspective of the author. Elaborating on the casting, she even said, “Noma was chosen because she was the best actress for the job."
But what did Watson think about the woman who would carry on the story of Hermione? The following tweet sums up her views:
Now, Emma Watson and Noma Dumezweni have had the chance to finally meet in person. At a special screening of the play, Emma and Noma came face to face, and it seems they hit it off.
Afterwards Emma took to social media to share her thoughts on the experience:
"Having seen it, I felt more connected to Hermione and the stories than I have since Deathly Hallows came out, which was such a gift. Meeting Noma and seeing her on stage was like meeting my older self and have her tell me everything was going to be alright, which as you can imagine was immensely comforting (and emotional)!"
Reflecting on the experience she also said, "Yesterday I went to see the Cursed Child. I came in with no idea what to expect and it was AMAZING. Some things about the play were, I think, possibly even more beautiful than the films."
Noma tweeted out her thoughts as well:
“Now I feel I can share the maHUSSIVE Joy I felt, alongside the company when a beautiful, humble and very kind young lady saw @HPPplayLDN..”
“@EmWatson It really was quite emotional to be in your company... and thank you 4 your lovely self. We spoke of you with MAJOR respect!”
No resentment was shared between the two women for sharing the same character, only support and admiration. Noma Dumezweni's Hermione has brought the magic of J.K. Rowling’s work to life once again, and the original Ms. Granger gives her approval.
