‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’ Cast Photos: See What They Look Like
Ever since we first learned that J.K. Rowling would be transporting us back to the wizarding world with Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, we've waited with bated breath to see how the play's cast would stack up against the magical childhood heroes famously brought to celluloid life by Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson. And now, they're here — in wonderfully awkward family photo format!
Official cast photos for the upcoming London play have been released, offering Potterheads a welcome glimpse into the forthcoming stage show — as well as into the futures of some of the original story's core characters.
And while some casting choices overall reflect the characters as fans may know them from the films, others are a departure.
Played by Jamie Parker, the boy who lived is now a middle-aged father and husband employed by the Ministry of Magic. Still sporting round eyeglasses and that iconic lightning bolt-shaped scar, Parker does Radcliffe justice, while Poppy Miller plays opposite as red-headed Ginny Weasley, his wife. Their son Albus, the rumored "cursed child," is portrayed by young actor Sam Clemmett.
Meanwhile Ron Weasley, he of arachnophobic fears and hand-me-down robes, is also all grown up and scruffy-faced in a teaser image, though less ginger than his younger film counterpart, Grint. Like Harry, Ron (played by Paul Thornley) has built a family, having married the prolific Hermione Granger and had a daughter with her, Rose (Cherrelle Skeete).
Incidentally, it's the academic-minded witch who has the biggest transformation from her film portrayal, with a black actress named Noma Dumezweni taking the reigns from Watson. And while the casting choice had some fans raising their wands in a duel stance back when it was announced in December 2015, Rowling herself noted that nowhere in the novels was Hermione's racial identity discussed.
As for the Slytherin crew, it looks like Harry's arch-nemesis Draco Malfoy is back as well...and just as icy as ever. Taking over for Tom Felton, the conniving wizard is now played by Alex Pryce, and his son, a worried-looking and equally white-blonde Scorpius, will be portrayed by Anthony Boyle.
The play, which is set 19 years after the books (not counting Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows' epilogue), begins previewing at the London Palace Theater on June 7. The official opening performance set for July 30.
With music provided by Imogen Heap and a story crafted by Rowling herself, the stage show is practically destined — prophesied, if you will — for greatness. And if you can't make it to the U.K. in time to see it, don't go grabbing for your floo powder just yet: the screenplay will be published in book format.