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The Harry Potter series, originally conceived by British author J.K. Rowling, chronicles the journey of a young wizard, Harry Potter, as he navigates the complexities of the magical world.
His story begins on his eleventh birthday, when he discovers he is a wizard after living a difficult childhood with his neglectful relatives, the Dursleys. Among these relatives is Aunt Petunia, portrayed by Fiona Shaw in the film adaptation. Shaw’s performance as Aunt Petunia captures the character’s critical nature and the underlying tension between Harry and his relatives.
Credit: Warner Bros.
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Shaw appeared as Aunt Petunia in five of the eight films, becoming a recognizable face in the world of Harry Potter. The original cast, including Daniel Radcliffe as Harry, Emma Watson as Hermione, and Rupert Grint as Ron, hold a special place in fans’ hearts, creating a nostalgic connection that makes a reboot a complex topic within the fandom.
In light of recent announcements about a Harry Potter reboot over at Max (formerly HBO Max), Fiona Shaw expressed her humor regarding the news. She notably remarked, “How dare you?” during the New York City premiere of Bad Sisters season two when asked about the new series.
Despite her playful remark, Shaw also conveyed a commendable spirit toward the new cast and wished them well in their endeavors.
Credit: Warner Bros.
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When asked about the new series, Shaw said:
“How dare you!” she jokingly tells PEOPLE when asked how she feels about the reboot at the New York City premiere of Bad Sisters season 2.
On a more serious note, she says to the new cast, “I wish them well.”
“I mean, can stories be retold? They must be retold over time,” Shaw continues. “It seems to me no time [has passed] since we told it, but maybe it’s [for] a whole new generation.”
Credit: Warner Bros.
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Warner Bros. officially announced the Harry Potter series back in April 2023 and shared that the series would last a whopping ten seasons. The project is touted as a “faithful adaptation” of J.K. Rowling’s seven books, indicating a commitment to exploring the original storylines in a more detailed and nuanced manner than the film adaptations allowed.
Additionally, the announcement prompted a casting call in the U.K. and Ireland aimed at sourcing new actors for the iconic roles of Harry, Ron, and Hermione. This open casting showcases Warner Bros.’ determination to introduce fresh faces into the landscape of this storied franchise.
Credit: Warner Bros.
The announcement of the new Harry Potter series comes amidst a time of significant controversy surrounding J.K. Rowling. Over the past few years, Rowling has faced backlash for her public comments on transgender issues, which have led to heated debates within the fandom and beyond. Many fans struggle with her involvement in the series, which has cast a shadow over what should otherwise be an eagerly anticipated project.
Reactions to the Harry Potter reboot announcement have been mixed. While some fans express excitement at the idea of a fresh retelling of the classic tale, others are wary about displacing the nostalgia associated with the original cast and films. The generational leap since the last film in 2011 does not seem to deter speculation as to whether the reboot is premature.
Do you agree with Fiona Shaw? Is it too soon for a Harry Potter reboot? Or are you excited to see new actors take over the iconic roles? Share your thoughts in the comments!
