Today is a special day for Harry Potter fans: it’s the anniversary of the first book, The Philosopher’s Stone!
Author J.K. Rowling took to Twitter to celebrate:
Today is a very special day for two reasons. Firstly, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was published in the UK 18 years ago!
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) June 26, 2015
Wait, two reasons? There are no other Harry Potter anniversaries today…
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
Hold on, does that say new and Harry Potter and play all in the same sentence?
THERE IS GOING TO BE A HARRY POTTER PLAY. THIS IS NOT A DRILL.
Rowling and her magical series are the gifts that keeps on giving — and for my generation, those who grew up alongside the series, it’s a big deal.
She was coy on Twitter about the content of the play…
It will tell a new story, which is the result of a collaboration between writer Jack Thorne, director John Tiffany and myself. #CursedChild
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) June 26, 2015
I don’t want to say too much more, because I don’t want to spoil what I know will be a real treat for fans. #CursedChild
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) June 26, 2015
However, I can say that it is not a prequel! #CursedChild
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) June 26, 2015
However, she announced this news back in December 2013 on her Facebook page with plenty more details:
“What was it like to be the boy in the cupboard under the stairs? This brand new play, which will be developed for the UK theatre, will explore the previously untold story of Harry’s early years as an orphan and outcast. Featuring some of our favourite characters from the Harry Potter books, this new work will offer a unique insight into the heart and mind of the now legendary young wizard. A seemingly ordinary boy, but one for whom Destiny has plans…”
We get more story about our favorite wizard! How cool is this?!
Jack Thorne wrote for the popular UK series Skins and John Tiffany won a Tony Award for his direction of the musical Once. I think it’s safe to say this new production is in good hands.
Rowling also addressed why this new story won’t be a novel:
To answer one inevitable (and reasonable!) question – why isn’t #CursedChild a new novel? – I am confident that when audiences see the play
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) June 26, 2015
they will agree that it was the only proper medium for the story. #CursedChild
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) June 26, 2015
I’ve had countless offers to extend Harry’s story over the years, but Jack, John and Sonia Friedman are a dream team! #CursedChild
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) June 26, 2015
It has been a huge pleasure to share with them (and soon, with you!) this untold part of Harry’s story. #CursedChild
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) June 26, 2015
You know, as much as I would love a new Harry Potter novel one day, the idea of seeing one of my favorite stories and worlds in a brand new medium is very exciting. It’ll be a whole new way to experience Harry Potter!
Needless to say, I’m thrilled.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child will run at the Palace Theatre in the UK during the summer of 2016. Tickets go on sale this fall.
How do you feel about this news? Are you excited as well? Sound off in the comments!
