'As a TV writer, I refuse to watch the new Harry Potter series for one reason'
HBO has unveiled the first official photo of 11 year old Dominic McLaughlin as the new 'boy who lived', which almost had me convinced that "actually, this might work" upon seeing Dominic's beaming grin complete with the iconic Harry Potter spectacles and burgundy tie.
However, that fleeting optimism quickly vanished.
When HBO announced the TV series adaptation of Harry Potter back in 2023, it made headlines around the globe, and now the plan for a seven-season journey to cover all the books is drawing heavy criticism.
From the initial outcry over casting choices to the storm brewing around J. K.Rowling's controversial stance on transgender matters, the upcoming series has been caught in a crossfire of contention.
For me, the decision to avoid the new series is simple and based on the timeless wisdom: "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."
The original Harry Potter film series remains one of cinema's most extraordinary success stories, generating billions at the box office and garnering universal critical praise.
Beloved by countless fans, the films continue to cast spells across generations and even saw Evanna Lynch's character Luna Lovegood emboldening youths to celebrate their uniqueness.
The franchise laid the foundation for sparkling careers of its lead actors – notably Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, who prior to the films, only had acting experience from school dramas.
The final moments of The Deathly Hallows: Part 2 remain etched in our minds, as the triumphant trio handed the baton to their offspring after conquering the forces of darkness.
It felt like the ultimate cue to say, "let's close that book now", and yet we hear tales of a TV series potentially costing a robust $8 billion, which begs justification.
For those who breathe Potterverse air, there's a place for fresh narratives like the Fantastic Beasts films or Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on stage.
These expansions offer new adventures within the magical world, avoiding repetitive storytelling.
Yet it seems we're facing another tug at the cash cow when perhaps it's best left alone.
A poignant sentiment captured from a fan post-release of Dominic McLaughlin's snapshot reads: "The series no one asked for. Even my little nieces and cousins love the original, they don't need a new version of it."
I won't attempt to sum it up any better than that, so I'll simply repeat: "If it ain't broke, don't fix it".
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