Harry Potter heading for the London stage with brand new story about boy wizard’s adventures, JK Rowling reveals
- Harry Potter and the Cursed Child will open in London in summer 2016
- It is based on a new story and will explore 'an untold part' of Harry's life
- 49-year-old used Twitter to announce the news, which delighted fans
JK Rowling has announced there will be a Harry Potter play released in London's West End next year.
The author said the drama, titled Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, will open in summer 2016.
It is based on a new story written by Rowling and will explore 'an untold part' of Harry’s life.
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JK Rowling has announced there will be a Harry Potter play released in London's West End next year
The 49-year-old announced her decision on Twitter, writing: 'It will tell a new story, which is the result of a collaboration between writer Jack Thorne, director John Tiffany and myself #CursedChild.
'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. However, I can say that it is not a prequel!'
Rowling, whose popular series has already been adapted into eight films starring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, also explained why she decided against releasing another novel.
'To answer one inevitable (and reasonable!) question - Why isn’t #CursedChild a new novel? - I am confident that when audiences see the play they will agree that it was the only proper medium for the story,' she wrote.
The author said the drama, titled Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, will open in summer 2016. It is not a prequel to her popular series, which has also been turned into a set of films (scene above)
A MAGICAL TALE THAT HAS BEEN RETOLD ACROSS THE GLOBE
Rowling's novels about Harry Potter have sold more than 450 million copies around the world.
They have spawned various spin-offs including other books, films and attractions.
On top of the seven novels, the author released encyclopedic book Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them, which is being turned into a film starring Eddie Redmayne later this year.
She also wrote Quidditch Through The Ages and The Tales of Beedle the Bard, a book of children's stories mentioned in her magical tales.
In 1998 Rowling sold the rights to the first four books to Warner Brothers, for a reported £1million. The first film - Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone - was released in November 2001.
The last film - the second half of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - was released almost a decade later in July 2011.
If this isn't enough for fans, eleven video games have been made and they can also visit one of two attractions.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, in Florida, includes the re-creation of fictional town Hogsmeade and several rides, while The Making of Harry Potter is had a life-size version of the famous train, which departed from platform 9 3/4.
Actor Mark Williams unveils the original Hogwarts Express on platform 9 3/4, as part of the new permanent expansion at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in London
'I’ve had countless offers to extend Harry’s story over the years, but Jack, John and Sonia Friedman are a dream team!
'It has been a huge pleasure to share with them (and soon, with you!) this untold part of Harry’s story.'
Fans quickly took to social media to share their delight at the unexpected news.
Juan Camus wrote on Twitter: 'Fantastic news for a HP fan like me.'
The 49-year-old author announced her decision on Twitter, which delighted many of her eager fans
George Lester added: 'YAY!!!! ALL OF THE EXCITEMENT!!! Can we have a novelisation too please??? #CursedChild.'
Another, known just as Wild Bear, wrote: 'WAIT WHAT WHAT IS LIFE I CANNOT CONTAIN MY FEELINGS.'
Harry Potter And The Cursed Child will open at London’s Palace Theatre. Tickets will go on sale in the autumn.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3140661/Harry-Potter-heading-London-stage-JK-Rowling-reveals.html#ixzz3eCASYrvV
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