Yesterday, we brought you the first cast images from Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, J.K. Rowling’s first stage play dubbed as an extension of the Wizarding World she created with her Harry Potter stories. Cursed Child catches up with Harry, Ron, and Hermione, nineteen years after Harry defeated Lord Voldemort. Harry is now married to Ginny Weasley, working as head of the Auror Division at the Ministry of Magic, and the father to three school-age-children. The Cursed Child focuses on Harry’s youngest son, Albus Severus, who struggles to deal with the legacy of the Potter name as he begins his time at Hogwarts.
We now have Cursed Child pictures of Harry’s best friends, Ron and Hermione, who are married to each other and have a daughter, Rose Granger-Weasley, who is also about to start at Hogwarts. The part of Ron is played by Paul Thornley, Hermione is given life by Olivier Award-winning actress Noma Dumezweni, and Rose will be played by Cherrelle Skeete.
From the look of the pictures, it seems safe to say that Ron’s habit of sweaters and mis-matched clothing hasn’t lessened with age, though he does look neater than the younger Ron did. Meanwhile, Hermione looks as sharp as ever, while their daughter, Rose, seems to exude sensibility and intelligence just from the photo alone, making it clear that she’s inherited some of her mother’s traits, at least. You can take a look at those Harry Potter and the Cursed Child images (which debuted on Pottermore), below.
While Dumezweni has faced backlash over her casting because she is black, Rowling is quick to come to her defense, saying she gets the character. “I saw Noma workshop the part and when John Tiffany told me he’d cast her, I was overjoyed. She gets Hermione inside out.” Meanwhile, Rowling also praised Thornley for his portrayal of Ron, which audiences will see for themselves when The Cursed Child opens for previews in London’s West End on June 7th. “Ron in his forties isn’t very different from Ron in his teens, except that his feet hurt a bit more. Paul’s so funny and brilliant in the role.”
Of Rose, Rowling emphasized the traits she has inherited from her mother, but added that she understands her place in the world better than Hermione did. “Rose is like her mother, but more secure, more grounded. She was born to wizards and knows her place in the world. Cherrelle plays her perfectly: bossy but deeply loveable.” Skeete is still a relative newcomer, but she has previously had roles in The Lion King and Wind in the Willows stage productions, and she pretty much summed up how any Potterhead would feel to finally be attending Hogwarts:
The show is now in its final technical rehearsals ahead of its previews, with the official opening set for July. The Cursed Child is a two-part play, meaning audiences either need to attend both a matinee and evening performance on the same day, or two evening performances over two days, depending on the show’s schedule. Two more character images will be revealed on Pottermore tomorrow. Any guesses who they might be?
“I can’t think about how big it is or I’ll just faint. Putting on my uniform, ready to go to Hogwarts, and seeing everyone else in their uniform was exciting. I’ve been looking at it every day in the wardrobe department, waiting for the day I can get on the Hogwarts Express.”
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child will open at The Palace Theatre, London, on June 7th. The book of the script will be released on July 31st.
Source: Pottermore
