'Cursed Child' Names New Cast Ahead of Grint's Ron
By @sharedot · · 7 pages
- Theater
- Broadway
- Casting
- Harry Potter And The Cursed Ch
Broadway's 'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child' added new cast members starting November 10 ahead of Rupert Grint's 2027 limited run as Ron Weasley.
What happened: a changing of the guard at the Lyric
Broadway's 'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child' will welcome new company members to the Lyric Theatre beginning November 10.
According to Broadway News, Matt Harrington, a North American tour cast member, will play Ron Weasley through January 31, 2027, succeeding Daniel Fredrick, while Jocelyn Maher makes her Broadway debut as Ginny Potter, succeeding Trish Lindstrom.
Tom Felton continues as Draco Malfoy alongside Aidan Close as Scorpius through January 3, 2027, with eight new ensemble members — Josh Bates, Markcus Blair, Danny Bó, Casey Butler, Erin Chupinsky, Lauryn Hayes, Jennifer Thiessen and Timmy Thompson — also joining the company.
Why it surprises: two film stars, one stage role
What theatergoers are talking about is the relay the show has built around Ron Weasley: Harrington holds the part only until the previously announced Rupert Grint arrives, reprising his screen role in a limited engagement.
According to New York Theatre Guide, Grint plays Ron from February 2 to May 30, 2027, reprising the film role that made him famous — while Tom Felton, already playing Draco, continues reprising his own film role on Broadway.
The outlet also notes Cody Combs will make his Broadway debut as Scorpius Malfoy the same night Grint opens, meaning a screen-icon debut lands alongside a stage newcomer's first night.
The evidence: overlapping handoffs, tracked by outlets
The three outlets trace a detailed casting calendar.
broadway.com reports that on January 5, Ben Thys — who originated Draco in the North American tour — takes over as Draco, and veteran Broadway company member Erik Christopher Peterson rejoins as Scorpius for a four-week engagement through January 31, after which Cody Combs assumes the role.
Broadway News adds that continuing in their roles are John Skelley as Harry Potter, Emmet Smith as Albus Potter, Rachel Christopher as Hermione Granger, Janae Hammond as Rose Granger-Weasley and Kristen Martin as Delphi Diggory, alongside an extensive continuing ensemble.
The stakes: a six-Tony phenomenon leaning on nostalgia
The show remains a heavyweight: directed by John Tiffany and based on an original story by J.K.
Rowling, Jack Thorne and Tiffany, the play is set 19 years after 'Deathly Hallows' and centers on Harry's headstrong son Albus, and the original Broadway production won six Tony Awards including Best Play, per Broadway News.
New York Theatre Guide notes the multi-award-winning play has run on Broadway since 2018, and previously reported that it is set to become the third-longest-running Broadway play in history.
Recruiting the actual film actors to reprise their screen roles is the kind of draw a play of that longevity can use.
What comes next: a winter of new faces
The next few months now map out a staggered season of arrivals at the Lyric: new leads on November 10, a Draco and Scorpius swap on January 5, Cody Combs stepping in as Scorpius and Rupert Grint as Ron on February 2, with Grint's limited engagement running through May 30, 2027, per the outlets.
New York Theatre Guide adds practical notes for attendees: the show plays at the Lyric Theatre at 214 W 43rd St, is recommended for ages 8 and up, and runs as a single part rather than the original two-part format.
For fans, the question is whether the film-star stunt casting will hold the box office through a winter of almost entirely new leads.
Sources
- broadwaynews.com › Broadway's 'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child' announces new cast members ahead of Rupert Grint's arrival
- newyorktheatreguide.com › 'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child' names new cast members joining Tom Felton, Rupert Grint
- broadway.com › Broadway's Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Announces New Cast Members Ahead of Rupert Grint's Arrival