I can't believe this show is actually like, happening! I've known about the show for awhile now but, now that they they've chosen a cast and started filming it's pretty mind-blowing! At first it seemed a bit too early to just create a show since the films weren't THAT long ago. But the idea has grown on me. The show isn't coming out for approximately two years. By then the last movie will be pretty much sixteen years old and the first film will be over a quarter century old. Arguably this is still not a ton of time inbetween but, I don't know it's not TOO terrible.
They seem to be taking the show quite serious in terms of the show's budget. It will likely fly past $1 billion when it's all said and done, with a strong likelihood that the show will be the most expensive of all time. Money doesn't guarantee a good show but it's a good start and pretty interesting!
They're certainly building stuff! This is apparently Privet Drive!
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I just love Harry Potter. I also have a son now, and watching this show with him is going to be absolutely incredible. So yeah, this is awesome.
Here is the new trio!! Pretty cool!
These films from 2001-2011 will always be special. ALWAYS. I think the show will sort of make these movies stand out in their own way. I can't find the words, but it's rather nice that these first movies will have it's own era if that makes sense. HP ruled the 2000's for me and to many.
The casting selections so far have been excellent. But mostly to get it over with I'll start with one casting that was a bit... unexpected. They have apparently cast Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape and well, I definitely have mixed feelings. This was a bold move by the show.
Initially I kind of liked it and didn't necessarily understand the BIG fuss. But then I watched this video of one of my favorite creators that talks about Harry Potter, Morgan Ross who runs the MovieFlame YouTube channel, and he made some seriously valid points I hadn't really considered.
Ross makes the really good point that Snape is literally hated on so many levels by so many people in the Harry Potter universe. He's bullied as a kid by Harry's dad! With so many characters just openly hating him like this, many characters are going to be perceived as racist and it will look just ridiculous. Also, the creators said they'd like to make this series book accurate and well, Essiedu is obviously not book accurate.
BUT after further thought on my own, Snape is also a jerk and is not exactly shy about being a jerk, so I think most reasonable people will understand Snape's character and treatment beyond the actor's skin color. IN ADDITION, as an adult Snape is far from a pushover. He commands respect and is ultimately quite respected by his peers including of course Dumbledore himself. So it's not like Snape is some bystander or some victim.
So I see both sides to Essiedu's casting but I'm tentatively optimistic and intrigued to see how this goes. This could actually be pretty cool. Essiedu is obviously a great actor, hopefully he brings his A game to this iconic role! Severus Snape is one of the most complex characters ever!
MovieFlame is such a great channel, Morgan Ross covers the news of the Harry Potter TV show a lot! Here is his playlist covering the latest news on the show! Too good.
Legendary actor John Lithgow is set to play Dumbledore!
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I think this is a strong choice and people can roll their eyes all they want but as an American I do think it's cool the wise legendary wizard is played by an American. He's not going to have an American accent obviously. He looks a lot like I'd imagine Dumbledore and Lithgow has a super rich and extensive acting career behind him.
Some have been annoyed Lithgow is not British and that he's rather old. I can understand that some people wish Dumbledore was British, but I don't know what to tell ya. He has acted as Winston Churchill and he does look like Dumbledore. Also, I'm pretty sure Lithgow is literally the only American in the new cast, so yeah. His age is a pretty valid point I will say. By the time this series ends, he'll be hovering around 90, if not 90. The original Dumbledore Richard Harris actually passed away after the first two movies in 2001 and 2002. I don't know, hopefully Lithgow lives healthy. In some later books however Dumbledore is required to be a bit active so that will be interesting. I guess let's just be positive and hope he stays healthy and lives well past this role!
Nick Frost is set to play Hagrid! Hagrid is a massively special character in so many ways. He's universally liked but almost underappreciated at times. Hagrid is funny, loyal, gritty and wholesome! Nick Frost seems to be a good fit. I still remember Nick from Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz LOL! He's come a long way since then of course and this role may be his biggest role yet!
Kathrine Parkinson is set to play the new Mrs. Weasley, she seems pretty good!
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Johnny Flynn is set to play Lucius Malfoy. This is not a choice I'm over the moon for. I've watched a few clips of Flynn and I'm unsure how he'll do in this role. I think maybe I feel this way because Jason Issacs was SUCH a good Lucius. We'll see!
Janet McTeer is set to play Professor McGonagall! She is perfect! She really has the right look.
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A massive majority of the cast is set, and I can't wait!
Apparently the show is going to be very much 90's themed, which is book accurate! The first book takes place in 1991 and everything from the fashion to the cars will be thoroughly 90's. I think even non Potter fans will appreciate that.
The movies were GLORIOUS but I am super intrigued to see what can be done when each book gets entire SEASONS to work with. The possibilities are endless I tell you!
If the show is done well, as crazy as it sounds, Harry Potter could actually get bigger in my opinion. Many people JUST saw the movies and fail to really understand how fascinating and deep the Wizarding World is. The books will always be the best and even a show won't match it but, if made well, I can imagine this show meeting the books and movies right in the middle in an awesome way! 2027 needs to hurry up!
I'm currently writing mini-reviews on my favorite books. My own little trio of favorite fantasy series I read growing up. I'm currently reading 'The Inheritance Cycle' next I will read 'Cirque Du Freak' and finally I will end it with 'Harry Potter'!
By the time I begin and finish my re-read and posts, perhaps the show will be here or just around the corner!
I'll try to write about the show here and there but yeah we shall see. When I begin writing my min Harry Potter reviews I imagine I'll begin attaching some news on the show but who knows!
