Eighteen years after the publication of the first Harry Potter novel, author J.K. Rowling has announced that the story isn't over.  Rowling took to Twitter this week to mark the anniversary and to share some hugely exciting news with fans - as she revealed Harry's story will be "extended" with a stage play. The final book in the seven-part series was published in 2007. The series was also adapted for screen in a line of eight box-office hits starring Daniel Radcliffe as the boy wizard. Now, Rowling has confirmed that a new chapter in the story will live on stage, through a play titled Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, a collaboration between Rowling herself, director John Tiffany and writer Jack Thorne. The author declined to elaborate on the storyline, but did confirm that it was not a prequel to the story fans are already familiar with.  

Today is a very special day for two reasons. Firstly, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone was published in the UK 18 years ago!

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) June 26, 2015

I'm also very excited to confirm today that a new play called Harry Potter and the #CursedChild will be opening in London next year. — J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) June 26, 2015

It will tell a new story, which is the result of a collaboration between writer Jack Thorne, director John Tiffany and myself. #CursedChild

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) June 26, 2015

I don't want to say too much more, because I don't want to spoil what I know will be a real treat for fans. #CursedChild — J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) June 26, 2015

However, I can say that it is not a prequel! #CursedChild

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) June 26, 2015

To answer one inevitable (and reasonable!) question - why isn't #CursedChild a new novel? - I am confident that when audiences see the play — J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) June 26, 2015

they will agree that it was the only proper medium for the story. #CursedChild

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) June 26, 2015

I've had countless offers to extend Harry's story over the years, but Jack, John and Sonia Friedman are a dream team! #CursedChild — J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) June 26, 2015

It has been a huge pleasure to share with them (and soon, with you!) this untold part of Harry's story. #CursedChild

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) June 26, 2015