Next year is shaping up to be a magical one (yeah, I know) for Harry Potter fans. The already rich world of wizards, muggles, and everything in between will expand with the November 2016 premiere of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Now, there will also be a new play called Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Yep. It’s a new story about Harry Potter and his parents Lily and James. This is the brightest timeline.
J.K. Rowling announced the title of the play today on Twitter. She’s mentioned the play a few times in recent months, but since today is the 18th anniversary of the publish date of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in the U.K., it’s a fine time to make the news official. Like most things Harry Potter, the play has ties to London. Harry Potter and the Cursed Children will run at the Palace Theatre in summer 2016 — only a year away. Accio TARDIS!
I'm also very excited to confirm today that a new play called Harry Potter and the #CursedChild will be opening in London next year.
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) June 26, 2015
The play is not a prequel, but it is an “untold part of Harry’s story,” and the producers told The Daily Mail last year that it’s “the previously untold story of Harry Potter’s early years as an orphan and outcast.” The BBC reports it will also include the story of Lily and James Potter. Rowling said she’s releasing the story in this format rather than a novel because it’s the right fit. She’s working with writer Jack Thorne, director John Tiffany, producer Sonia Friedman, and singer Imogen Heap on the production.
Will you plan a special trip to the U.K. to see this play? Let me know in the comments. If you need another excuse to go to London next summer, the next Star Wars Celebration is scheduled there for July 2016.
