Like many 90s babies, I grew up with Harry Potter – first with the books, and later with the movies and its cast. There was little at the time that was as extraordinary or “magical” as the Wizarding World (save for LOTR, maybe). But as the years have passed, more of the younger generations are exposed to the movie as well as it’s various commercialised merchandising and marketing (apps, video games and the like) over the book. With that, we see the original magic of the books slowly waning. After all, the iconic franchise has been milked for all its worth over the course of its 20-year existence. And now, in what can only be seen as an attempt to stretch the franchise further, it seems that the Harry Potter franchise may be transitioning from the big screen to its smaller counterpart. Reports by The Hollywood Reporter have revealed HBO Max is keen on developing a series revolving around the Harry Potter franchise.
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However, there seem to be two different views on the matter.
The Hollywood Reporter has (without naming them) said that their sources confirm the project to be in “extremely early stages”, with HBO Max and Warner Bros. having held “a series of meetings with writers with the goal of bringing the blockbuster franchise to television”. Despite this, no writers nor talents – much less the direction for the project and if it will build upon the already existing franchise or branch off – have been confirmed.
In the flipside, Variety has released a statement in which both Warner Bros and HBO Max have shot down the rumours.
“There are no Harry Potter series in development at the studio or on the streaming platform,”
Nevertheless, Variety has also quoted “sources” that have confirmed that plans are indeed moving forward.
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If they do choose to greenlight the project, it wouldn’t be a surprise. After all, the books have spawned one of the most successful (and popular) franchises of all time, with the book series having sold at least 500 million copies (‘Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone’ sold 120 million copies alone) and the eight blockbuster movies transitioning the magical world from fiction to reality. The project will, however, be under intense scrutiny following multiple different issues being brought to light regarding author J.K. Rowling. The author has sparked backlash from fans and peers alike after doubling down on numerous transphobic comments. Rowling retains control over the franchise (which, has made her richer than the Queen of England) and “has a say in everything involving the property.”
But whether it will follow the timeline of the original books, go back in time to when Nick was not yet “Nearly Headless”, or focus on the children of the three most famous wizards of all time – it will be exciting (you’ve got to give them that, at least) to delve back into the Wizarding World.
*Cover image credits: Instagram / @harrypotterfilms
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