Within the immortal phrases of Cornelius Fudge, “He is again.” Lower than 15 years after younger wizard Harry Potter final appeared in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Half 2 – and irrespective of how a lot vitriol has adopted, particularly because of transphobic feedback from the unique e-book sequence’ writer, JK Rowling — the IP monster has demanded his dinner, and in return David Zaslav, CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, supplied Wizarding World’s tried and examined tasting menu. However there’s a twist! This time round, the reboot will take the type of a tv sequence somewhat than an eight-movie franchise spanning a decade. And there is extra! A brand new solid will fill the previous roles made well-known by the likes of Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson and co.
There aren’t many particulars accessible concerning the sequence simply but – simply that it is taking place, and other people have opinions about it taking place. Here is a fast breakdown.
What’s the new Harry Potter sequence about?
For those who’ve seen the unique movie sequence, you already know. Zaslav has promised that the reboot will likely be a trustworthy adaptation of the seven books in Rowling’s sequence – that means it’s going to inform the very same story because the movies.
Here is how the newly rebranded “Max” (the freshly built-in model of Discovery+ and HBO Max) describes the sequence: “The tales from every of Rowling’s Harry Potter books grow to be a decade-long sequence written with the identical epic craftsmanship, love and love produced with the care that this world franchise is thought for. The sequence will function a brand new solid to steer a brand new era of fandom, stuffed with implausible element, beloved characters and dramatic settings that Harry Potter followers have cherished for over 25 years. Every season will likely be genuine to the unique books, bringing Harry Potter and these unimaginable adventures to new audiences all over the world, whereas the unique, basic and well-loved movies stay on the coronary heart of the franchise and will likely be accessible worldwide.”
Who will likely be within the solid?
We’ve not the faintest concept! All we all know is that will probably be “new,” that means Radcliffe and his pals, fortunately, will not expertise any CGI getting old.
What’s the controversy surrounding the brand new Harry Potter TV sequence?
With out delving too deeply into the Discourse™️, we will summarize two major the reason why some viewers are unconvinced {that a} Harry Potter reboot is, let’s consider, essential:
One is that Rowling will likely be concerned not solely because the creator of the supply materials, but in addition as an government producer, that means she could have a major quantity of artistic management over the reboot. That is not excellent news for followers, who see their model of trans-exclusive feminism as a blight spreading in an in any other case in style franchise.
Second, the story is something however new, and it isn’t significantly previous both. Harry Potter is virtually unavoidable in trendy life: whether or not it is his books, or his movies, or his merch, or his theme parks, or his exhibitions, or his video video games, the boy with the lightning bolt scar is amazingly laborious to keep away from. A sure exhaustion (to not point out anger) has permeated even essentially the most devoted corners of the Wizarding World fan base. What can actually be gleaned from not solely the identical franchise, however the identical story?
Casey Bloys, chairman and CEO of HBO & Max Content material, addressed the Rowling dialog herself in a presentation timed to coincide with the sequence’ announcement, including solely this: “JK is an government producer and her insights will likely be shared be useful. We’re within the Harry Potter enterprise. The TV present is new and thrilling, however we have been within the Harry Potter enterprise for 20 years; This isn’t a brand new choice. We’re snug within the Potter enterprise. JK is a really on-line dialog… it’s extremely nuanced and complex and never one thing we will get into. Our precedence is what’s on the display. The Harry Potter story is extremely affirming and constructive when it comes to love and acceptance, and that is our precedence in what’s on display.”
cultural author
Lauren Puckett-Pope is a tradition author at ELLE, the place she primarily covers movie, tv and books. She was beforehand an affiliate editor at ELLE.