‘Harry Potter 8’ Is Being Published, But ‘Cursed Child’ Isn’t A Novel

Some Muggles haven’t been keeping up with the latest “Harry Potter” news. When it was announced that “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” would be published, many assumed that the eighth "Harry Potter" story would be a novel. However, J.K. Rowling has clarified that it is the script for her new plays. The British author even pinned the tweet to the top of her Twitter profile.

“Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” is two plays that will debut in London at the Palace Theater this summer, intended to be seen on the same day or consecutive days. They follow Harry and his children 19 years after the original book series finished.

“While Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albus must struggle with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted,” the synopsis reveals. “As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: sometimes darkness comes from unexpected places.”

While it’s typical for a play’s script to be published eventually, there are special circumstances surrounding the eighth “Harry Potter” tale. As previously reported, the “Cursed Child” script will have two editions. One will be the rehearsal edition that gets published July 31, the day after the play officially premieres. The other will be published later and will be known as the definitive collector’s edition. The later version will likely change some things from the first one. The scripts of most new theatrical works are subject to changes during rehearsals and previews.

Rowling also has many people asking if it’s a prequel. She once again clarified that “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” takes place after the original set of books. However, she reminded Potterheads that they will see a prequel soon, but it won’t be about Harry’s family.

“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” takes place in the Wizarding World in the 1920s. The film follows magizoologist Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) on a trip to America that goes awry when a few of his magical creatures get loose. It was Rowling’s first movie script, and she is set to write two more sequels starring Redmayne. Watch the “Fantastic Beasts” trailer below:

The “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” scripts will hit shelves July 31. “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” will be in movie theaters Nov. 18.