Isla Leadbetter shares her thoughts on the recently announced adaptation

It’s o cial – a Harry Potter reboot adapted by Warner Bros. Discovery is coming to Max (previously HBO Max). One season for each of the golden trio’s seven years at Hogwarts. The public’s reaction to this news has been nothing short of mixed, and the subject of fierce online discourse. Whilst some die-hard fans are excited to see a new take on this beloved series, many are not happy with the announcement. I grew up loving both the Harry Potter books and movies, re-watching the films countless times, but I feel conflicted over this remake and believe that certain aspects should be reconsidered. Nonetheless, if the series goes ahead, I do believe that Warner Bros. have the chance to embrace several opportunities.

JK Rowling’s involvement in the series as an executive producer is one of the most contested aspects of this reboot, given her provocative comments about the transgender community. It is almost impossible to suggest that the series could go ahead without her association whatsoever given her creation of the world, plots, and characters. Still, I believe that Warner Bros. should seriously reflect upon the contentious feelings surrounding the production of this show and the extent of Rowling’s participation.

This raises another point of discussion – would this reboot cut short the legacy of the revered eight-film franchise? For many millennials and early Gen-Z’ers who grew up with Daniel, Rupert, and Emma as their golden trio, the answer is a resounding yes. The nostalgia towards the original cast means that for some, the idea of a new group of actors taking on these iconic characters is too much to bear. After all, who could rival Alan Rickman’s cold yet tortured embodiment of Snape, or Maggie Smith’s stern but fair portrayal of McGonagall? As someone who also grew up loving and relating to these characters as portrayed by the original cast, I can understand this perspective. Nonetheless, I disagree that a new take on the series would ruin their legacies. Those of us who grew up with this cast will always have the original films to go back to. With this new series, there is an opportunity for the next generation to grow up with this story and become equally attached to a new group of young actors who portray these much-loved characters.

Would this reboot cut short the legacy of the revered eight-film franchise?

That’s not to say that this is the only reason that the show should be reconsidered. Warner Bros. is missing a great opportunity by not giving in to a high demand among fans for several spin-o ideas, especially given the positive reaction towards Max’s Game of Thrones spin-o series House of the Dragon. Some of my favourite ideas relate to a prequel detailing the lives of the Marauders as they move through Hogwarts or a show that delves deep into Voldemort’s backstory. A series telling either of these stories would provide an engaging insight into some of the original series’ most beloved or most complex characters. If not these prequels, then how about an origin story surrounding the founders of Hogwarts or an exciting tale about Madeye Moody’s missions as an auror? For me, covering one of these stories that the fans have been begging to see on screen would be more enthusing than retelling the same story still fresh in our minds. After all, the final movie was released only eleven years ago.

Furthermore, if the show is to go ahead, I do believe the creators could take advantage of some exciting opportunities which could appease some of my reservations and others hesitant about this reboot. Most obvious is the chance to include some interesting details from the books that were missed in the film series, as a TV show better facilitates the subplots that the movies did not have time for. For example, the reboot could incorporate Hermione’s campaign against the mistreatment of house elves with the creation of S.P.E.W., Tom Riddle’s full backstory, or how Neville Longbottom could have been The Chosen One Harry Potter. I would also love to see some unknown actors cast in main roles to open the door for new talent, which could even be a chance to increase the diversity within the cast (echoing the Percy Jackson remake) so that more young people have a chance to see themselves represented on screen.

Overall, whilst I believe that Warner Bros. would be better o creating a series based on a story in the Wizarding World that has yet to be told, I would still be interested in this remake if new elements and opportunities were embraced on screen. However, I would personally find it di cult to watch this reboot with JK Rowling’s significant association, as I find her views to be problematic.