Okay, so by now everybody has heard that there will be an official 8th Harry Potter story being released in 2016.
Is it book? Nope.
Perhaps a new movie? Wrong again.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is a play and will open for preview performances in May 2016 at the Palace Theatre London.
When this was announced I was hugely surprised because I genuinely thought that J.K Rowling was done with the Harry Potter universe. Thankfully, I was wrong and we now get to dive further into this magical world she created.
Now, I’ve mentioned J.K Rowling, but it would be very wrong of me not to say that she hasn’t completely written this story herself. As far as I’m aware, she’s created the story, but co-writers Jack Thorne and John Tiffany have then moulded it into a big brilliant play.
The interesting thing about the Cursed Child is that it is split into two; much like the final two Harry Potter films. You can either watch both parts in one day, or watch them over two consecutive days. This is a cool twist and it means you get more content for your money.
Major boast moment: I’ve actually got tickets to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in August next year and I’m so excited!
This is why I’m taking an ultra-special interest in the play; including fantasy casting.
So far only two characters are confirmed by the synopsis below. One being Harry Potter himself, the other being his youngest son, Albus. However, as Harry’s wife is mentioned, I would consider it likely that we will see Ginny in some role.
“It was always difficult being Harry Potter and it isn’t much easier now that he is an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic, a husband and father of three school-age children.
While Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albus must struggle with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted. As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: sometimes, darkness comes from unexpected places.”
Below are my personal casting ideas for Harry, Albus, and Ginny. The other Potter children (James and Lily) aren’t confirmed to be in the play but I would assume they’d appear too, considering that the rest of the Potter clan are there. However, I will wait for that to be confirmed before I post my casting opinion for those roles.
It is also worth noting that I will not be including stage-exclusive actors and actresses, simply because I’ve only been to 2 West End shows (The Book of Mormon and Miss Saigon– both was incredible by the way!) and I do not know enough about them to consider them for a role.
Anyway, without further ado, here’s my casting picks for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child:
Nick James as Albus
This is Nick James. He’s an English actor who is most well known for his role as dyslexic school-boy Hank Zipzer in the CBBC children’s show based off the books written by Henry Winkler.
I feel like he has the right look to be a Potter child and definitely has the acting ability to play a complex character.
Rafe Spall as Harry
Rafe Spall is an actor more well know for his work in movies, such as Prometheus, Life of Pi and I Give It A Year. He has got stage experience however, as Ronald in 2012 production of Constellations, among other roles.
He’d be in the right age barrier to play Harry Potter, and definitely is able to play this new, overworked Potter.
Keeley Hawes as Ginny
Keeley Hawes is a well-known British actress and has starred in many UK TV shows, such as Ashes to Ashes, The Tunnel and the adaption of J.K Rowling’s The Casual Vacancy.
I feel that her existing relationship with Rowling could give her the edge over other more stage-savvy actresses. She is also a very capable actress, who could make a marvellous older version of Ginny.
As soon as more roles are revealed, I’ll do a revised version of this post and give my two cents on the casting for those roles too.
Much controversy has surrounded the casting of Noma Dumezweni, a black woman, as Hermione. Many people have complained that Hermione is a white character. Well, I think that’s utter rubbish, and JK Rowling clearly agrees, as she noted on Twitter how Hermione was never specified as white.
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