"Harry Potter" is coming to the stage

J.K. Rowling is producing a play about the wizard and his early years as an outcast

Published December 20, 2013 3:05PM (EST)

After devouring the books and obsessing over the movies, "Harry Potter" fans will get to experience the wizarding world in yet another way -- on the stage.

J.K. Rowling announced on Friday that she is co-producing a play with Sonia Friedman and Colin Callender about the wizard and his earlier years, according to a statement on Rowling's Facebook page:

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...

"Over the years I have received countless approaches about turning Harry Potter into a theatrical production, but Sonia and Colin’s vision was the only one that really made sense to me, and which had the sensitivity, intensity and intimacy I thought appropriate for bringing Harry's story to the stage," said Rowling. "After a year in gestation it is exciting to see this project moving on to the next phase. I’d like to thank Warner Bros. for their continuing support in this project."

The novelist will not be writing the script, however. The project is currently looking for writers and directors, and will "move into development in 2014."


By Prachi Gupta

Prachi Gupta is an Assistant News Editor for Salon, focusing on pop culture. Follow her on Twitter at @prachigu or email her at pgupta@salon.com.

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