Warner Bros.
During the company’s Q3 earnings call on November 3, new Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav made an eye-opening comment when discussing the studio’s plans for their big franchises, including Harry Potter.
Warner Bros. Discovery wants to make more Harry Potter movies if controversial author J.K. Rowling is open to the idea
While the “Wizarding World” franchise has remained active since Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallow – Part 2 in 2011, the Fantastic Beasts prequels — the most recent of which hit theaters earlier this year — have failed to recapture the same magic (and financial/critical success) of its predecessor.
As such, Zaslav said the company is hoping to make more Harry Potter movies if author J.K. Rowling is open to it.
Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav mentioned the potential to do “something” with controversial Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling on another title in the Wizarding World franchise “going forward” during the company’s Q3 earnings call Thursday.
The remark was made as part of a lengthy statement about the importance of franchises like DC’s Superman, Batman, and Aquaman films, as well as Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones, and Sex and the City content. It was during this answer the WBD CEO mentioned his interest in “if we can do something with J.K. on Harry Potter going forward.” [via Variety]
It’s unclear exactly what Zaslav meant by his comments, and whether he was referencing sequels, spin-offs, or a full-blown reboot.
One potential possibility could be adapting Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, the Broadway play that is set 19 years after the events of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and follows Harry Potter — who is now Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement at the Ministry of Magic — and his young son, Albus Severus Potter, who is on the verge of beginning his studies at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
In fact, just last year, Home Alone director Chris Columbus — who helmed the first two movies in the Harry Potter franchise (The Sorcerer’s Stone and The Chamber of Secrets) — said that he would “love” to adapt The Cursed Child to the big screen, although it’s doubtful he would be Warner Bros’ choice for the project if it ever came to fruition.