J.K. Rowling’s two-part new Harry Potter screenplay is set to hit London’s West End stage next month. Anticipation for the play, which is set 19 years after the final book in the series, is brewing! After the photo of Harry, Ginny and Albus was released earlier this week, now we are getting a first look at the new Granger-Weasley family!
Ron Weasley is portrayed by Paul Thornley, and his wife Hermione Granger, will be played by Noma Dumezweni. Her casting caused a firestorm with everyone having opinions on Hermione being portrayed by a black woman this time around. Looks like Rowling and her casting team doubled down on diversity, casting Cherrelle Skeete as Ron and Hermione’s daughter, Rose Granger-Weasley.
Skeete’s prior work includes appearances in the stage productions of The Lion King and Wind in the Willows, as well as the television shows Call the Midwife and Danny and the Human Zoo. She is very excited for the role, telling Pottermore, “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.”
According to Skeete, Rose will embody some qualities of Hermione, and Rowling agrees. “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 lovable,” said the author.
Rowling is also ecstatic about Dumezweni’s take on the beloved character of Rose’s mother, saying, “she gets Hermione inside out.” On her makeover as Hermione, Dumezweni is amazed at how she looks and is proud of what they have done.
“Being in full costume for the first time was stunning, because I went, ‘Ahhh there you are!’ Every time I’m in the auditorium I turn around to people or say to myself, ‘I’m in that show, I’m in that show.’ I want to see it so much. I am so proud that I am in it.”
Skeete also talked about how she has surreal feelings about being in the production, saying “It’s just a real joy to watch everyone else’s work and to see all the elements of the show coming together, especially coming into the theatre. It’s amazing to sit in the stalls and watch and it’s a blessing to know that I’m a part of this team.”
Are you excited for this play? Let’s just hope that the production comes to the states soon!
