Rowling revealed the news on Twitter, writing that "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" would be a brand-new tale involving an "untold part of Harry's story." Though the author declined to provide any specific details about the play -- other than saying that it is "not a prequel" -- she did say that the work would be "a real treat for fans."
The announcement was timed to the 18th anniversary of the release of "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" (a.k.a. "Sorcerer's Stone" to American audiences) in the U.K., which snowballed into a blockbuster seven-book and eight-movie series that has enchanted fans the world over. As for why Rowling didn't just write another "Potter" novel featuring "the Cursed Child," the author said, "I am confident that when audiences see the play they will agree that it was the only proper medium for the story."
Rowling is working with what she called a "dream team" of collaborators on the project: writer Jack Thorne, director John Tiffany, and producer Sonia Friedman. According to BBC News, those creatives previously indicated that the play would focus on Harry's years as orphan living with the Dursleys, as well as life with his parents before they were killed by Voldemort; it's unclear if that's still the direction of "Cursed Child," based on Rowling's comments about the play not being a prequel.
"Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" is slated to open in London's famous West End district at the Palace Theater sometime in the summer of 2016. Tickets are expected to go on sale this fall.
Check out Rowling's full Twitter announcement below, and stay tuned for more intel about "Cursed Child."
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
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
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
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
[via: J.K. Rowling, BBC News]Photo credit: Danny E. Martindale/Getty Images