Does J.K. Rowling Regret Making Hermione Black?

The debate over J.K. Rowling's decision to cast a black actress in the role of Hermione Granger in the Cursed Child play has sparked significant discussion in the Harry Potter fandom. However, Rowling herself has firmly stated that she did not make Hermione black.;

The Casting Controversy

Rowling emphasised that a black actress was cast to play Hermione in the stage production of Cursed Child, a play that is separate from the books and films. This casting decision was a choice made for the stage version, not a reflection of her original vision for Hermione in the books.

Despite this, Rowling was not opposed to the casting choice, expressing that in the wizarding world, Hermione could have been black. She was notably adamant about this and strongly offended by the criticism surrounding the casting.

The Reality of Character Descriptions in Books and Films

The books and movies provide detailed descriptions of some characters, such as Dean Thomas, Lee Jordan, and Angelina Johnson, who are explicitly described as black. However, there is no such specific mention of Hermione's race. This, combined with the fact that most readers visualised Hermione as white, has led to a common perception of her as a white character.

It is important to note that adaptations, whether in the form of stage productions or films, often deviate from the original source material. This is a natural part of the creative process, as creators and directors adapt and interpret the story to suit their medium.

Rowling's Visual Depiction of Her Characters

Rowling's own drawings of the Harry Potter characters, including a picture she created of Hermione, show her as having fair skin and blonde hair, contrasting with the stage portrayal. This highlights the flexibility of character portrayal and the lack of official artistic direction in the original books and films.

Conclusion

Given that Rowling did not actively make Hermione black, it is unsurprising that she would not feel regret over the casting choice. The character's race in the books and films is an open interpretation, allowing fans to imagine her in multiple ways. The debate around this issue persists, reflecting the complex and often subjective nature of fandom and adaptation.