LONDON -- Deep breath, Harry Potter fans. J.K. Rowling announced Friday morning that a Harry Potter play will open in London next year and it will be based on a new, original story.
The play, titled Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is a collaboration between Rowling, writer Jack Thorne and director John Tiffany.
The author made the announcement in a series of tweets:
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
Rowling dropped a couple of hints about the story, but didn't give too much away.
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
The play is expected to premiere at London's Palace Theatre next summer and tickets will go on sale later this year.