J.K. Rowling responds to fans about the new 'Harry Potter' cast

The eighth story in the "Harry Potter series, "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" will debut as a play in 2016. Casting announcements made Sunday evening revealed the adult versions of Harry, Ron and Hermione.

Actors Jamie Parker, Paul Thornley, and Noma Dumezweni will play the trio. Though none of the cast identically resembles an older version of the original movie cast (Parker has noticeably lighter hair than Daniel Radcliffe, and Thornley is missing the iconic red hair of the Weasley family), the main topic of conversation has been Dumezweni. 

Dumezweni, a black woman, has been cast as Hermione. In the book series, there is never a specific mention of Hermione's race — only her "bushy" hair, large front teeth, and knack for being a know-it-all. For quite some time now, a theory has circulated that Hermione was black. 

But some of the responses to the casting of Dumezweni reveal that not everyone in the fandom was aware of this concept, and seem unable to accept that an award-winning British actress who happens to be black could play Hermione.

@HPPlayLDN@jk_rowling not saying its bad, but why is Hermione black?

— Jonathan Moreno (@biggJON96) December 21, 2015

@HPPlayLDN@jk_rowling wait. Black Hermione? Are you kidding? Makes no sense.

— Olao (@Olua_AO) December 21, 2015

 The phrase "not being racist but ... " has cropped up.

@HPPlayLDN Not being racist but how can a black woman play Hermione? This play has lost all credibility.

— Agent S(ean Bassett) (@WhoPotterVian) December 21, 2015

Along with fans saying it's not a "race issue, it's a continuity issue."

@HPPlayLDN@jk_rowling This isn't a race issue, it's a continuity issue. Hermione can't just change race, it doesn't seem right! Not happy.

— Antonia (@antmarcoll) December 21, 2015

J.K. Rowling was compelled to chime in: "Canon: brown eyes, frizzy hair and very clever. White skin was never specified. Rowling loves black Hermione 😘."

Actor Matthew Lewis, who played Neville Longbottom in the movie series, also shut down the conversation: "And Neville Longbottom was blonde. I really don't care. Good luck to her."

The play's co-writer, Jack Thorne, skipped right past the discussion of race, and instead made a point about Paul Thornley's lack of red hair.

The overwhelming support being given to Dumezweni seems to outweigh any critics, though many have pointed out the need for this conversation at all is indicative of a larger issue with white actors commonly seen as a go-to choice for casting in television and film ensembles.

The play will debut in June 2016. More casting announcements, including Harry's youngest son Albus, are yet to be announced. 

SEE ALSO: The cast of the new 'Harry Potter' play has been revealed

AND: Here's what the new 'Harry Potter' play will be about

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