When die-hard "Harry Potter" fans first heard that J.K. Rowling was writing a sequel to her beloved seven-part series, they couldn't wait to get their hands on the book. Then they realized the sequel wasn't going to be a book at all -- it was a play.
"Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" is set to debut in London at the Palace Theatre on Harry's birthday, July 30.
But Wednesay, Rowling announced that the script of the play will in fact be released as a two-part book, at 12:01 a.m. on July 31.
"Pottermore is proud to be a key part of the multi-platform effort that will allow the epic eighth Harry Potter story to be read and enjoyed by a wider, global audience," said Susan L. Jurevics, CEO of J.K. Rowling's online home base Pottermore in an announcement on the site.
The play was not written by Rowling herself. English playwright Jack Thorne wrote the script based on "an original new story" Rowling wrote with Thorne and theater director John Tiffany. It is set 19 years after the end of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," the series' final book.
Harry is "an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic, a husband, and father of three school-age children."
In the prologue to "Deathly Hallows," readers learned that Harry had married Ginny Weasley and together they had two sons, Albus and Severus, and a daughter, Lily.
In "Harry Pottter and the Cursed Child," Albus struggles "with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted," the announcement said. "As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: sometimes darkness comes from unexpected places."
The play and book won't be the only Potter-related releases this year. "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them," a movie based on one of Rowling's short "Harry Potter" companion books, hits theaters Nov. 18.
Though the final "Potter" movie was released in 2011, the franchise has far from vanished from public conversation. Rowling has written four non-Potter books -- three under a pseudonym -- and kept up a steady conversation with her fans across the globe on her Twitter page and Pottermore website. She regularly releases previously unknown information about the wizarding world, from major revelations such as Albus Dumbledore's sexual orientation to minor tidbits such as the history of the wizard prison Azkaban.
These addendums are the cause of much debate among fans. Some see them as Rowling's aim to please her ginormous worldwide fanbase; other say it's an attempt to squeeze more money out of a franchise that has already collected billions.
The debate is sure to continue, possibly even after "Cursed Child." Pottermore CEO Jurevics said today's announcement won't be the only development that makes 2016 exciting for Potter fans.
"We have other innovative content initiatives coming soon that will also thrill and engage our vast global audience of Wizarding World fans as well as create new ones."
The Washington Post
Thu Feb 11 2016
J.K. Rowling said "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" play will be released as a two-part book.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.