Results: JK Rowling defends black Hermione Granger actress

"Harry Potter" helmer J.K. Rowling nipped any brewing social media controversy in the bud this morning with a single tweet, saying "Rowling loves black Hermione". The big surprise: The actor cast as Hermione Granger is black. Swaziland-born actress Noma Dumezweni has been cast for the role of the clever character Hermione, but fans of the magical series all over are speaking out against it. People are livid that the character they grew up with is going to be portrayed by a black actress even claiming to be offended by the choice. The best-selling author of the Harry Potter books, J.K. Rowling, was fast to shut down all negative comments. In the eight movies based on Rowling's books, Hermione was played by Emma Watson, who is white, although the character's race isn't specified in the books. White skin was never specified. The stage play of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child was written by Jack Thorne and produced by Sonia Friedman Productions, Colin Callender's Playground Entertainment and Harry Potter Theatrical Productions, and it'll be premiered next year at London's Palace Theatre. Jamie Parker will play Harry and Paul Thornley will perform Ron. The performance is scheduled to start in May, and has already sold more than 250,000 tickets to die-hard Potter fans. It features Harry as an adult. The show will open in July 2016 as a two-part play meant to be seen in order on the same day (matinee and evening) or on two consecutive evenings.