The Harry Potter franchise used to be WB’s crown jewel. But ever since Voldemort died in Deathly Hallows Part 2, their Wizarding World movies haven’t been able to create the same impact. The first Fantastic Beasts movie did well, but the second one underperformed and the third one just didn’t turn in any profits. So, David Zaslav and co. have been looking to switch back to the Harry Potter franchise and come up with a couple of movies based on the infamous stage play, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. And apparently, even Ralph Fiennes wants to return.
David Zaslav’s Harry Potter Plan
Very recently, David Zaslav mentioned the possibility of working with JK Rowling on a 2-part adaptation of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. He said:
“We’re going to focus on franchises. We haven’t had a Superman movie in 13 years. We haven’t done a Harry Potter in 15 years. The DC movies and the Harry Potter movies provided a lot of the profits for Warner Bros. … over the past 25 years. If we can do something with J.K. on Harry Potter going forward.”
This sounds like a great plan, but it did not get a promising response from Rowling.
As per a recent report by Puck News, WB exec Toby Emmerich previously tried to make a 2-movie adaptation of the Broadway play. The report stated:
“Emmerich brought up an idea that had been pitched before: A potential two-film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, the originally five-hour stage play that had become a smash success in London and on Broadway.”
But apparently, the idea didn’t go as well with JK Rowling as she wasn’t interested. The report continued:
“Alas, Rowling and Co. weren’t interested in Cursed Child movies, at least not then, which isn’t too surprising,”
Recent reports have even suggested that Rowling had asked Zaslav to not make those planned “Cursed Child” movies. But if Zaslav wants to turn Emmerich’s idea into a reality, we can be sure that he’ll make it happen with or without Rowling.
The Return of Voldemort
As you may be aware, Ralph Fiennes made his debut as Voldemort back in 2005’s Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, and then his character disintegrated in 2012’s Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2. But it seems that he could still be back on the big screen. On the red carpet at the New York premiere of The Menu, Voldemort actor Ralph Fiennes spoke to Variety about playing the big villain again in future projects. He was asked whether he’d like to return and he replied – “Sure, of course. No question about it.”
One may have thought that since Fiennes is a big JK Rowling supporter, he may not have wanted to return for Voldemort. After all, he even defended her against “verbal abuse” and the death threats that were directed at her because of her transphobic views. But obviously, he should be professional and keep all that separate. And that’s what he is doing. Voldemort was the biggest role of his career and he’d surely be back if there is a chance.
For those wondering how he returns, the story of The Cursed Child picks up nineteen years after the Deathly Hallows, and it’s because of the daughter of Voldemort, Delphi that the evil wizard returns. Let’s just hope that his return will happen on the big screen in the next 3-4 years.
Source: Variety
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