On December 1, 2016, the world of Harry Potter was forever changed when black actress Noma Dumezweni was cast as Hermione Granger in the original London production of “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.” This was a major departure from the original books and films, which featured Emma Watson as the iconic character.
The casting of Dumezweni as the first black Hermione was met with a mix of reactions. Some Potterheads’ heads practically exploded with excitement at the prospect of a new, more diverse interpretation of the beloved character. Others were less enthusiastic, claiming that the casting decision was a betrayal of the original source material.
Despite the controversy, Dumezweni was determined to make the role her own. She spoke about the importance of representation in the media, saying that “the beauty of our industry is that it can reflect the world we live in.” She also spoke about the challenges of taking on such an iconic role, saying that she felt a “responsibility to the fans” to do the character justice.
Since her debut in “Cursed Child,” Dumezweni has become a role model for young black girls who may have never seen themselves represented in the Harry Potter universe before. She has also become a symbol of hope for those who believe in the power of representation and diversity in media.
Noma Dumezweni’s casting as the first black Hermione was a groundbreaking moment in the Harry Potter franchise. It was a reminder that stories can be told in new and exciting ways, and that characters can look different than we may have originally imagined.