Harry Potter fans are really having a week of it.
Yesterday we got the first glimpse of the cast playing adult Harry Potter and Ginny Potter (nee Weasley), and their child Albus, in the London stage production of Harry Potter And The Cursed Child.
Harry, Albus and Ginny Potter from #HarryPotterPlay #CursedChild. 1st public preview in one week's time! pic.twitter.com/0JyvEqtcyJ
— Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (@CursedChildLDN) May 31, 2016
Today, we get the first look at the next-gen Granger-Weasley family: Hermione and Ron, and daughter Rose.
The Granger-Weasleys: Ron, Hermione and Rose. #HarryPotterPlay #CursedChild. First public preview in 6 days! pic.twitter.com/yf8YBBsfFT
— Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (@CursedChildLDN) June 1, 2016
Adult Ron is played by Paul Thornley, who told Pottermore: “It’s 19 years later when the play begins. Ron is married to Hermione Granger and they’re now the Granger-Weasleys. Our magnificent daughter Rose Granger-Weasley is about to start at Hogwarts, which is obviously a big day for everyone.”
Ron Weasley played by @paulfthornley in #HarryPotterPlay #CursedChild. First public preview in 6 days! pic.twitter.com/oIJHWSSltT
— Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (@CursedChildLDN) June 1, 2016
JK Rowling said of Ron – and Paul’s performance: “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.”
Meanwhile, adult Hermione is played by Noma Dumezweni.
Hermione Granger (@MissDumezweni) in #HarryPotterPlay #CursedChild. First public preview in 6 days! pic.twitter.com/DdwPBiAfqV
— Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (@CursedChildLDN) June 1, 2016
There was a bit of controversy last year in response to a black actress’s casting in the role, which was shut down by Rowling with one viral tweet.
Canon: brown eyes, frizzy hair and very clever. White skin was never specified. Rowling loves black Hermione 😘 https://t.co/5fKX4InjTH
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) December 21, 2015
Their daughter Rose is played by Cherrelle Skeete, who said:
“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.”
Rose Granger-Weasley (@CherrelleSkeete) in #HarryPotterPlay #CursedChild. First public preview in 6 days! pic.twitter.com/I3VOOC4ihG
— Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (@CursedChildLDN) June 1, 2016
Rowling described Rose as being “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.”
Previews of Harry Potter And The Cursed Child begin at London’s Palace Theatre on June 7. You can try to get your tickets here.
Further cast photos will be released throughout the week.
