To be completely truthful to Chris Columbus, whose flip remark of “What is the level?” will most likely be reprinted in every single place as proof that he hates “Harry Potter” or one thing, it is a very legitimate query. This is a quick timeline of the collection: The primary e book, written by Joanne “J.Okay.” Rowling, hit cabinets in 1997, and the film adaptation directed by Columbus adopted in 2001 (by that point, the primary three books — “Sorcerer’s Stone,” “Chamber of Secrets and techniques,” and “Azkaban” — have been already out). The movie franchise spanned eight films after it break up the ultimate e book, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” into two movies launched roughly six months aside, nevertheless it led to 2011. As I write this, it is 2025. That is … not an enormous hole, all issues thought of.
I perceive that popular culture is turning into an ourobouros the place all the things repeats itself advert nauseum, whether or not Sheldon is younger or we simply do “Harry Potter” once more, however as a collection this time. Nonetheless, this feels egregious, and it is already attracting controversy due to Rowling’s heavy involvement. Since 2020, Rowling has spent what appears to be the overwhelming majority of her time attacking the transgender group, particularly transgender girls, below the guise of “defending” girls; I am removed from the primary particular person to declare this, however trans girls are girls and should be included in any feminist safety supplied by these with privilege. It is additionally notable that Daniel Radcliffe and his co-stars Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, the latter of whom play Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley within the movies, have spoken out in opposition to Rowling’s expressed views … just for her to work on a collection that recasts the “golden trio” with a brand new set of actors.
What’s significantly fascinating to me is that, in his Selection chat, Columbus even made positive to make clear that he does not help Rowling’s controversial and admittedly merciless views. “I wish to typically separate the artist from the artwork, I feel that is necessary to do,” Columbus stated. “It is unlucky, what’s occurred. I actually do not agree with what she’s speaking about. But it surely’s simply unhappy, it is very unhappy.”
The mere existence of a brand new “Harry Potter” adaptation is, at face degree, kind of bizarre, and it appears to be like just like the skeptics amongst us can rely Columbus amongst our ranks. The unique “Harry Potter” films, in the meantime, are streaming on HBO Max and Peacock now.
