Jack Thorne

Jack Thorne is an English screenwriter and playwright. Within the context of the Harry Potter universe, he is the writer of the script for the official two-part stage play, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. The play is based on an original story he co-authored with J.K. Rowling and John Tiffany, and it functions as a sequel to the original seven-book series.

As a professional writer for stage and screen, Jack Thorne was selected to pen the script for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, the first officially endorsed Harry Potter story to be presented as a play. His work involved translating the story, which he helped create, into a full-length script complete with dialogue and stage directions. The play picks up the story of Harry Potter, now an adult working at the Ministry of Magic, and focuses on the experiences of his son, Albus Potter, during his time at Hogwarts.

As a real-world creator, Thorne's key relationships within the context of the Wizarding World are his professional collaborations.

• J.K. Rowling: Thorne worked directly with the original author of the Harry Potter series. J.K. Rowling contributed to the creation of the original story for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, entrusting Thorne to write the final script.
• John Tiffany: A celebrated theatre director, John Tiffany also co-authored the story for the play and directed its original award-winning production in London's West End. Thorne's script was written to be realized on stage under Tiffany's direction.

The collaboration between Thorne, Rowling, and Tiffany forms the creative foundation of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

Jack Thorne's contribution is unique as it exists outside of the original seven novels. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is officially marketed as “the eighth story, nineteen years later,” and its script was published in book form on 31 July 2016. While the story is considered part of the official Harry Potter canon, Thorne's role as the playwright means the style, dialogue, and presentation of the narrative differ from J.K. Rowling's novels. His work was specifically crafted for the medium of theatre. The plot he wrote involves complex themes of legacy and friendship, and it heavily features magical concepts such as the Time-Turner and introduces new characters, most notably Scorpius Malfoy. His involvement marks a significant expansion of the Harry Potter universe into a new artistic format. (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child)