London, 1990
It all started on a delayed train ride, that is where J.K. Rowling first conceived the idea for Mr. Harry Potter. What was originally a middle grade to YA book series, steadily became 8 films, a 3 film spinoff, 1 stage play, around 30 official video games, about 1.3 million fanfics, and now a new official tv series coming out in December. And all of this has consummated into a multi-billion dollar enterprise valued at around $30 billion.
What caused the Harry Potter books to capture an audience long term was the emotional attachment they secretly created. As the reader grew up, so did the characters. That’s why in the beginning, the series worked so well for middle-grade readers, and later on they became something much closer to young adult storytelling. That allowed readers to connect with the characters on a deeper level than many other books could.
Way before the book series was finished the Harry Potter films started coming out. On November 4th, 2001, Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone Premiered. At that time only 4 books of the Harry Potter series were out. From that moment Harry Potter couldn’t be stopped. Not only did it have book fans, but the greatest people of all: movie fanatics.
Here We Go HBO
With the successful launch of the new park at Epic Universe it seems as though everything is fine. But ever since it was announced that Paapa Essie’s would play Professor Snape in the new HBO series, a lot of concern and controversy has surrounded the show.
The issue is not really about whether Paapa Essie’s can act. He is a talented actor, and he may end up being great in the role. The concern is more about how the story will read on screen. Snape is already a character Harry distrusts almost immediately, and if the show is not careful, the way that suspicion plays out could feel very different from how it worked in the books and original films.
Just imagine it. “Oh, Harry, what could possibly tick you off about Professor Snape? Yes, he can be quite hard on us sometimes, but Dumbledore trusts him, so he can’t be evil,” Hermione retorted. “I don’t know…” Harry’s voice quivered. “There’s just something dark about him.” That is the kind of thing some fans are already worried about. The show now has to handle those early Snape scenes carefully, because the casting changes the way certain moments may land with modern audiences. It does not mean the show is doomed. It just means HBO has to be very aware of what it is doing.
Not only that, but now the actress for Ginny Weasley has left, and only going to be in the first season due to “unforeseen circumstances,” she and her family stated. This is just before the second season, where Ginny Weasley would have a huge role. Many fans are disappointed, as the actress seemed like a perfect choice, and she has now missed this chance for a “big break.” However, fans have ultimately decided to support her decision. After all, she is an 11-and-a-half-year-old little girl, and not Brad Pitt.
Next, people are upset at style changes made, such as the house crests and redesigned robes, which some fans feel they lack clear house identification and move away from the style they expected from the books. Since this new HBO series is being sold as a more book-accurate version of Harry Potter, fans are naturally watching every costume, crest, wand, hallway, and detail like detectives.
Also, this isn’t an issue that people are really talking about, but I would just like to acknowledge that the new actor for Draco Malfoy, Lox Pratt, is listed as 5’6″. So the entire show, he will be TOWERING over every other student, most of whom are listed to be around 4’8″ to 4’9″. Although, unlike the other young students, Lox Pratt is 14 years old, not 11. He is also going through a growth spurt. Personally, I think his extensive height will be great for intimidation, since early in the series Draco is meant to be intimidating, smug, and untouchable. Not only is he taller than Harry Potter, but he’s also already taller than some adults, including me. Anyways, overall, Lox Pratt does seem like a strong choice for the role of Draco Malfoy, and we are all excited to see how he does.
Your Turn J.K.
It is impossible to talk about the future of Harry Potter without talking about J.K. Rowling. Over the years, Rowling has become one of the most controversial parts of the franchise. Many fans and critics have accused her of making transphobic comments because of her views on gender identity, inclusive language, and laws involving gender recognition. Rowling has defended her views by saying she is concerned with protecting women’s sex-based rights, but for many former fans, the damage has already been done.
There have also been long-standing criticisms about representation in the original books. Readers have pointed out that the series has very few major Black characters, and the name Cho Chang has been criticized for feeling stereotypical and careless. Whether people see these choices as intentionally harmful or simply poorly handled, they have become part of the larger conversation about how the Wizarding World represents different groups of people.
This is why the idea of “separating the art from the artist” has become so complicated with Harry Potter. For some fans, the story still means too much to let go of. For others, Rowling’s public views have made it hard to enjoy the franchise the same way. Either way, HBO and the future of the Wizarding World cannot ignore the fact that Rowling’s controversy is now tied to the franchise’s legacy.
Hogwarts Legacy 2…When?
Now, some people hated Hogwarts Legacy, but a lot of people LOVED it, including me. First off, the visuals were incredible. For the first time ever, we were able to fully see and explore the entirety of Hogwarts, as well as Hogsmeade and so many other iconic spots. The side quests were phenomenal, and you got to be friends with such wonderful characters. Also, several people fell head over heels for Sebastian Sallow and Ominis Gaunt.
Now, the only things people consistently disliked about the game were pretty clear. First, you spent a lot of time outside of Hogwarts for a game that is literally called HOGWARTS Legacy. The outside areas were beautiful, but fans wanted more time inside the school. They wanted classes, hallways, secrets, common rooms, student life, and the feeling of actually living at Hogwarts.
The other thing was the main storyline. Everyone loved the side quests, but the main story was not the most fun. It was definitely a story, but it definitely felt more like homework and less like a magical journey. Part of the reason it felt that way I believe is because you were not really going through it with a core group of friends. Something iconic about Wizarding World stories is that it is usually a group of friends going through the journey: Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Newt, Jacob, and Tina. And, of course, in Hogwarts Legacy, some of the best moments can from the side mission with you, Sebastian, and Ominis. The next game needs more of that.
With Hogwarts Legacy 2 confirmed and apparently in development, fans have a lot of requests. One of the craziest things they have asked for is romance, which I’m not against. Something amazing that the first game did was give us characters we’ve never known and make us love them so much. That means the sequel should lean into relationships, friendships, rivalries, and choices that actually matter.
Next, we definitely need a better main story. People also want more Hogwarts time. They want to go to classes more. Basically, they want a Hogwarts life simulation, which I’m also not against. I have spent over 200 hours playing this game, and I will say that classes were weirdly so fun. I personally would be okay going through high school again if it meant it was at Hogwarts. Something I think would be cool to add is having the ability to become Head Girl or Boy, or even a prefect. Another thing they definitely must do is add new places. Some recommendations are London, Diagon Alley, and the Ministry of Magic.
I would also love for them to try including other schools. I would love to be able to explore or visit, in a small way, Ilvermorny, Beauxbatons, and Uagadou, even if it is only in a small way. It would also be cool to meet students currently in attendance there. When I visited Epic Universe, I loved being able to meet the wizarding students, and that kind of detail could work perfectly in a game.
I also think it would be cool to get a job, whether it was official, like working at the Ministry of Magic, or unofficial, like tutoring or pet sitting. I think we should also have access to more spells and potions, such as the Polyjuice Potion. Maybe if we could do that whenever, that would be great. Obviously, it would take forever to brew, but that is part of the fun.
And finally, my last request, which is rarer, is a game that looked like Hogwarts Legacy but during the time of Harry Potter and/or Newt Scamander. That may be harder to pull off, but fans would absolutely show up for it if it was done right.
Now What Needs To Be Fixed
Obviously, they need to nail Hogwarts Legacy 2. Otherwise, they’re going to not only lose a lot of money, but also a lot of fans. With the first game being such a hit, but still needing a lot of fixes, a lot is riding on the next game.
Next, they have to stay true to the original books for the new HBO series, but they should also expand. The show needs more depth and character growth, especially for characters who were not always given enough time in the original films. Something I know a lot of fans have wanted is for Draco Malfoy to have more redemption, or at least more emotional complexity.
Also, either during the show or separately, they should make new stories that the fans actually want. Voldemort’s upbringing. The story of the three Black sisters. And obviously what the fans call The Marauders. In the meantime, there are several fan films on YouTube that can fill that space until something official.
Next, it has been stated that Hogwarts Legacy 2 will connect to the new HBO series. The only ways to do that, which I have come up with, are: 1) a new mystery is added to the show that is not canon to the books; 2) Hogwarts Legacy 2 takes place during Harry Potter’s year and not the 1800s; or 3) Hogwarts Legacy 2 will somehow give backstory to something during Harry Potter’s time, such as Voldemort, the Black family, or The Marauders.
Also, if Hogwarts Legacy 2 wants a successful release, it should not disappear for too long. Preferably it should be released either in 2027 or late 2026, and with no new news in sight, it’s slowly fans are losing interest for a second game.
Finally The Solution
Do right by the fans. That’s all they need to do.
Anytime a fandom has issues, the best solution is to listen to the fans. Not every fan idea should be used, obviously, but when there is a clear pattern in what people are asking for, the franchise should pay attention. Right now, the requests are not that complicated or outlandish.
1) Release Hogwarts Legacy 2, or at least a trailer with a clear and close release date.
2) Make sure the HBO series is book-accurate, but also adds character depth to those who aren’t The Golden Trio: Harry, Ron, and Hermione.
3) Start making stuff that isn’t reboots and is original, such as Voldemort’s story or The Marauders.
4) Create more inclusivity and diversity in a way that feels natural, respectful, and accurate to what Hogwarts would actually be if it were real.
During the films, I saw moments where different cultures were underrepresented or misrepresented. If Hogwarts is supposed to be a magical school connected to a larger magical world, then that world should feel larger. Better representation would not only make more fans happy and interested, but it would also make the world feel more real and emotionally impactful.
If the Harry Potter franchise can do this, then all their problems could be fixed. The fans want true escapism. They want to be absorbed, and they want to feel the magic, not just see it. What the franchise needs to do immediately is release something the fans can believe in again. Something polished. Something thoughtful. Something that tells the fans, “Trust us.”
I think what we all have to do is take a breath. All of this craziness is over a kids book. I’d be lying if I left it at that. This kids’ book has had the ability to inspire more than one generation. It’s allowed so many to breathe magic and almost live inside the impossible. That’s something worth protecting, and it’s a reason why Potterheads take this all so seriously.
That is why Harry Potter needs to lock in. Because it’s so much more than kids books, movies, or games. Harry Potter has truly become a way to live. It’s a community. It has become one of the biggest fandoms in the world, right up there with Marvel and DC.
From one train ride in London came a piece of art that became globally renowned. Hundreds of millions of fans. Whether you’re a brave Gryffindor or a stylish Slytherin, Harry Potter is a part of you.
And the fans of today, along with the fans from before, are still on the ride of a lifetime.
Buy the Books, Games, and Gear Mentioned Here
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- Harry Potter Book Series on Amazon
- Harry Potter Complete 8-Film Collection on Amazon
- Fantastic Beasts 3-Film Collection on Amazon
- Hogwarts Legacy on Amazon
- Hogwarts Legacy Deluxe Edition on Amazon
- Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Script Book on Amazon
- Harry Potter Illustrated Editions on Amazon
- Wizarding World LEGO Sets on Amazon
- Harry Potter Robe or House Gear on Amazon
- Harry Potter Video Games and Collectibles on Amazon
