Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: The Sequel or a Financial Venture?

Once upon a time, about 2 to 3 years ago, a woman with a vision had an ambitious dream. This woman was none other than Joanne Kathleen Rowling, better known by her pen name, JK Rowling, the creator of the beloved Harry Potter series.

The Harry Potter series and its film adaptations, merchandising, theme park attractions, supplementary books, video games, events, parties, readings, TV appearances, and charities brought her immense wealth and global fame. The books and storylines were indeed genuinely good and well-crafted, but the time for new releases was waning.

The Milk was Nearly Dry

The final chapter of the final book had been sealed, the last T crossed, and the last I dotted. The movie adaptations were released, even though The Deathly Hallows was unnecessarily split into two parts. JoRow, now a multi-billionaire, realized that the sales of the original books would eventually come to an end. The re-releases of the same well-trodden content were becoming repetitive, and the effort for new writing was too much for her post-Harry Potter projects.

A New Dream

Determined to continue reaping the benefits of the Harry Potter universe, JoRow hatched a new plan. She forged ahead with a creative solution, a sequel that would add yet another layer of depth to the wizarding world.

JoRow partnered with two relatively unknown authors to create a new play, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and published a companion "book" as a theatrical production. This move was a masterstroke, rekindling the passion of fans who had grown up with the original canon and had children who adored the franchise. The play and its book sold like hotcakes, converting the remaining fans into eager consumers of this new narrative.

The Sequel That Wasn't

Unfortunately, the reboot, while commercially successful, was met with disappointing reviews and widespread fan criticism. The writing was often seen as lazy, making little to no effort to respect the original characters or maintain the integrity of the plot. In some cases, the characters were hack/jobbed, and the storyline was weak and disjointed. What was once a beloved series became a source of frustration and disillusionment for many fans.

Marketing and Fan Loyalty

Despite the criticism, the marketing campaign was relentless. Promotions, events, and tie-ins ensured that fans were constantly reminded of the existence of Cursed Child. The combination of nostalgia and the promise of new content lured many into the theater to experience this new chapter in the wizarding world. The magic of the Harry Potter franchise was clear, but the authenticity of the original storylines was left behind.

Conclusion

While Harry Potter and the Cursed Child did manage to generate significant profits, it came at a cost. The financial success diluted the brand's true essence, and the commercial venture overshadowed the quality of storytelling. It is a reminder that sometimes, the pursuit of money can detract from the artistic and creative values that fans cherish.

Keywords: Harry Potter, Cursed Child, JK Rowling