Helmed by multiple directors through the course of eight films, the interpretation of J.K. Rowling’s beloved books, Harry Potter, became a highly acclaimed franchise for Potterheads. With the series offering a scope of debate about characters and fan theories that could become canonical plots, fans have often wondered about the magical franchise in great depth.
One such fascinating imagination birthed the question – what if the mastermind behind The Lord of the Rings, Peter Jackson had helmed the Harry Potter franchise? Imagining the prospect of a Jackson-helmed Potterverse, fans delved into what this alternate reality might have looked like. Blending Jackson’s distinctive style with J.K. Rowling’s magical plot, Potterheads imagined changes that might have been more faithful to the source.
1. A Larger-Than-Life Beginning for the Franchise
Reddit user u/DustSnitch believes that Peter Jackson’s adaptation of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and Chamber of Secrets would initially mirror Chris Columbus’ approach but will gradually transition into more cinematic flourishes. Much like Columbus, even Jackson’s approach would likely introduce the Wizarding World with a blend of whimsy and grandeur.
From CGI-infused trolls in the girls’ bathroom to battling them through a storm of magical effects, fans believe Peter Jackson’s signature flair would turn the film into a thrilling adventure. Even the Quidditch scenes would be transformed into epic aerial battles, and the finale, unlike Chris Columbus’ version, wouldn’t be restrained.
Fans believe Peter Jackson’s Potterverse would witness Harry’s visceral confrontation with Professor Quirrell and also underscore the gravitas of Voldemort’s dark influence.
2. Darker, More Dramatic Third Year
By Prisoner of Azkaban, fans believe Peter Jackson’s influence would shift the tone significantly. The director would bring the intense, near-fatal Quidditch match to the screen, filled with heart-stopping sequences of near-death experiences and dangerous stunts. By doing so, Potterheads believe that Jackson’s version would emphasize the high stakes and danger of the sport.
Further, as per fans, in Jackson’s version, the Expecto Patronum scene, a moment of personal triumph in the book, would be transformed into a grand battle between Harry and the Dementors. Visualizing this as a dramatic showdown on the tower where Sirius is hidden, Potterheads believe Jackson would create a thrilling climax, similar to what we’ve witnessed in his previous works.
3. Peter Jackson’s Twist on Goblet of Fire
In Goblet of Fire, fans expect Peter Jackson to embrace the grandeur of the Quidditch World Cup, turning it into a breathtaking spectacle. Further, given how romance had been a subtle but crucial part of The Lord of the Rings, fans believe Jackson would focus on Viktor Krum’s character and his romance with Hermione. Their brief relationship would receive a heightened focus, adding depth to their storyline.
The Redditor claimed that while Jackson might not split the book into two films, he wouldn’t mind stretching the runtime, allowing for a more intricate portrayal of the Triwizard Tournament and its complicated challenges. Therefore, the filmmaker might even add more of the magical creatures and tropes from the book.
4. More Focus on Dumbledore’s Army
As for Order of the Phoenix, Potterheads expect Peter Jackson to probably deviate from the source material. In this film, fans believe he might streamline the narrative by cutting some of the early, less action-packed scenes. Instead of dwelling on the Dursleys or the intricacies of 12 Grimmauld Place, fans believe the director would shed the spotlight on Dumbledore’s Army and their training sequences.
The climax is expected to be a spectacle of grand proportions, with an emphasis on the battle at the Ministry of Magic and a more faithful adaptation of the book’s dramatic finale. Fans believe Neville Longbottom’s evolution from an underdog to a heroic figure would also be highlighted, drawing parallels to Samwise Gamgee’s role in Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings.
5. A Dark and Gritty Half-Blood Prince
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince under Peter Jackson’s direction might transform into a darker and more intricate narrative. Fans believe the filmmaker might infuse the film with darker undertones to give a hint that war is going on. The film might even delve into Dumbledore’s search for Horcruxes, showing his perilous journey with the same gravitas as Gandalf’s quest in The Hobbit.
Well, not just Dumbledore’s quest, fans believe Jackson’s version might also showcase Lupin’s interactions with the werewolves and Snape colluding with Death Eaters, against a backdrop of a world in turmoil. Further, it is expected that the romance between Harry and Ginny would likely mirror the book’s more nuanced approach. It is also expected that a climactic battle at Hogwarts between the Order and Death Eaters might feature as an extended, action-packed sequence.
6. Deathly Hallows with a Jackson-esque Lengthy Narrative
As for the final installment in J.K. Rowling‘s book collection, Deathly Hallows is expected to serve as a more faithful and grand closure for the characters as well as the franchise. Reddit user u/DustSnitch believes that even Jackson would split the film into two parts, only he would opt for a lengthy narrative in Part 2. Just like the director emphasized Aragorn and his battles way more than the hobbits struggling with the Ring, he would split the narrative between Neville at Hogwarts and Harry hunting Horcruxes.
It is believed that Ron’s departure might be replaced by a faster corruption of the Locket Horcrux, leading to a more immediate and dramatic conflict. Further, the exposition about the Deathly Hallows is expected to be weaved throughout the story, with Dumbledore’s obituary, Rufus Scrimgeour’s explanations, and Hermione’s insights blending seamlessly into the plot.
Meanwhile, the final battle is deemed to be a grand spectacle, featuring extended sequences of giants and werewolves clashing with centaurs and other magical creatures. Voldemort’s death might even be rendered as a dramatic, green-lit explosion instead of turning into ash, which would highlight Jackson’s penchant for visually striking conclusions.
Harry Potter films are currently available to watch on Max.
