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HBO’s Harry Potter show is coordinating story elements with the Hogwarts Legacy games

BBG News

HBO's Harry Potter show is coordinating story elements with the Hogwarts Legacy games

As someone who grew up with Harry Potter as an integral part of my childhood, I must admit that the recent news about the franchise’s expansion has left me both excited and slightly bewildered. The magical world J.K. Rowling created has been such a significant part of my life, and to see it being reimagined in various forms is truly fascinating.

The initial “Harry Potter” book was released in 1997. In the ensuing years, it reached unprecedented levels of success, with each book becoming a best-seller and the movies launching new celebrities. “Harry Potter” became a beloved franchise among millennials, and Warner Bros. Discovery aims for their children to feel the same. To achieve this goal, the studio is exerting efforts to expand the “Harry Potter” universe across various platforms, including television, video games, and merchandise.

It’s intriguing to note that while the initial Hogwarts Legacy game is set in the 1800s, the HBO Harry Potter series appears to be more contemporary, as suggested by the books and original movies. The challenge lies in synchronizing these stories, unless the sequel to Hogwarts Legacy leaps significantly into the future. Essentially, all these elements are interconnected: choices concerning Hogwarts Legacy could impact decisions about the HBO show, which could then influence decisions about the Epic Universe Harry Potter theme park, and so forth.

How involved in J.K. Rowling in all of this?

The objective we’re aiming for over the long haul is to make Harry Potter a timeless series that continues to captivate audiences across generations, much like how Batman has maintained its popularity. According to WBD executive Robert Oberschelp, this is similar to the enduring appeal of Batman, another character under their studio’s ownership. He wonders aloud, “How many different Batmans are there?” His hope is that one day, people will be asking each other, “Which Harry Potter character do you identify with most?

Over time, the Harry Potter series has faced some challenges. The Fantastic Beasts film series, created by J.K. Rowling, concluded prematurely due to decreasing ticket sales with each new release; lead actor Eddie Redmayne doubts there will be more installments.

Initially, Rowling, who has openly expressed anti-trans opinions in recent years and sparked conflicts with actors from the films, has reportedly distanced herself from the franchise she originated. A recent report by Variety indicates that she is no longer managing the series but remains informed through her literary agent, as WBD executives brief her on its progress. As for the future of the franchise, Oberschelp emphasizes that any expansion will be carefully considered to ensure everyone involved feels comfortable with the direction taken.

Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking

The first salvo in the latest Harry Potter venture is fast approaching: “Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking”, a reality competition where participants create intricate cakes that not only taste delicious but also narrate stories reminiscent of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, debuts on Max and Food Network next Thursday, November 14. The program is hosted by James and Oliver Phelps, who portrayed the twin brothers Fred and George Weasley in the Harry Potter films, and was filmed on the actual film sets at Leavesden Studios. For a cooking reality show, it’s quite elaborate.

WBD is hoping this all pays off. We’ll find out slowly, together, over the next few years.

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2024-11-06 17:41

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