Emma Watson played the role of Hermoine Granger in eight Harry Potter films when the popular book series was adapted for the big screen. A play entitled, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is currently playing in London’s West End featuring the characters in their older years. The casting of black actress Noma Dumezweni as a grown-up Hermoine was met with a lot of criticism from fans who insisted the character should be played by someone who was white like in the films.
But none of that seemed to matter when the two Hermoine’s met for the first time at the Palace Theatre on Thursday night. Watson shared a series of photos as well as a message about the magical night via her official Facebook account.
“Yesterday I went to see the Cursed Child,” Watson said. “I came in with no idea what to expect and it was AMAZING. Some things about the play were, I think, possibly even more beautiful than the films. Having seen it I felt more connected to Hermione and the stories than I have since Deathly Hallows came out, which was such a gift.”
She added, “Meeting Noma and seeing her on stage was like meeting my older self and have her tell me everything was going to be alright, which as you can imagine was immensely comforting (and emotional)! The cast and crew welcomed me like I was family and Noma was everything I could ever hope she would be. She’s wonderful.”
Dumezweni took to her official Twitter account to share what it was like meeting Watson.
“1. Now I feel I can share the maHUSSIVE Joy I felt, alongside the company when a beautiful, humble and very kind young lady saw @HPPlayLDN.
2. @EmWatson It really was quite emotional to be in your company… And Thank you 4 your lovely self. We spoke of you with MAJOR respect ❤️!
3. Blessings Dear @EmWatson and Thank You! ????????????xxx”
Watson was vocal of her support of Dumezweni’s casting via social media as was the book’s author J.K. Rowling. She Tweeted in January, “Canon: brown eyes, frizzy hair and very clever. White skin was never specified. Rowling loves black Hermione.”
