Harry Potter headed to the stage with J.K. Rowling's blessing

LONDON, Dec. 20 (UPI) -- British author J.K. Rowling has announced she is developing a stage play based on her Harry Potter stories, which have already been adapted as hit films.

The play will be a collaboration between Rowling and theater producers Sonia Friedman and Colin Callender.

"What was it like to be the boy in the cupboard under the stairs? This brand new play, which will be developed for the U.K. theater, will explore the previously untold story of Harry's early years as an orphan and outcast," a posting on Rowling's website said Friday. "Featuring some of our favorite 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."

Rowling will be a co-producer on the project, but will not write the script.

"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. 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," Rowling said in a statement.

Writers and directors are now being considered, and the project is expected to move into development in 2014.