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Harry Potter’s huge fan base is getting a new Hermione in the play adaption of Harry Potter and The Cursed Child: award-winning actress Noma Dumezweni.

The 46-year-old’s new role was announced over the weekend. Dumezweni will join Jamie Parker and Paul Thornley in London for the play highlighting two new stories (Part I & Part II) written by creator J.K. Rowling, according to the Huffington Post.

The stories will be set nineteen years after the seventh book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

Dumezweni isn’t a well-known name in the U.S., but the Swaziland-born actress has gained critical acclaim by winning the Olivier Award for her role in A Raisin In The Sun. The award is Britain’s equivalent to the Tonys.

She expressed her excitement about the news on Twitter, but not everyone was welcoming.

Critics pointed out the film’s portrayal of the character was played by Emma Watson and believe a “PC culture” is clouding the entertainment business’ position, causing them to hire Black actors for notable White roles. Earlier this year, comic book fans weren’t pleased to hear Michael B. Jordan was playing the role of Johnny Storm in the Fantastic Four movies.

Despite their hope that Rowling would be against Dumezweni’s casting, the author showed support and added she never said the popular witch was meant to be White.

Dumezweni’s talent should be on trial, not her skin color. Her credentials have proven she’s ready for the heroic role. HuffPost points out her recent turn in “Linda” at London’s Royal Court Theatre was also originally intended for former Sex In The City star, Kim Cattrall.

Dumezweni is also stepping outside the lines of theater and television in 2016 with her directorial debut at the Royal Court Theatre in February with I See You by Mongiwekhaya.

SOURCE: The Huffington Post | VIDEO CREDIT: Inform

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Award-Winning Black Actress Noma Dumezweni To Play Hermione In Play Adaption Of Harry Potter  was originally published on newsone.com