Harry Potter Reboot: One of the most popular 21st-century phenomena is Harry Potter. Even after the last book in the series was released fifteen years ago, it is still going strong. From a book series to eight film adaptations (excluding the Fantastic Beasts spin-off), an open-world video game was released recently, and even a theme park. There is no denying that The Wizarding World has won over many people’s hearts and formed a sizable community that has facilitated the creation of fantastic young adult novels and a wide range of fan-made media.
Additionally, Max revealed a Harry Potter revival, which has Potterheads giddy with anticipation. Producer David Heyman did, however, reaffirm lately that the series will stay true to the novels. Many fans were dismayed by this since they thought the reboot would address a lot of the problems with the Harry Potter series. The Harry Potter series contains a lot of problems, which have been addressed in recent years despite its enormous influence. These novels and films, like many other products of the era, lack the variety and representation that modern audiences want from media, and an adaptation that stays faithful to the original work would not find favor with critics.
There Is No Representation of Any Kind in the Harry Potter Books or Movies
People have been pointing out for some time now how terribly the Harry Potter series aged. The Harry Potter books are full of contentious stereotypes that many today deem inappropriate because the 2000s were a difficult decade for representation. The show has a relatively small number of non-White characters, and even fewer of them have significant protagonist roles. In reality, the few POC characters are occasionally given ridiculous storylines and are inaccurately portrayed. For instance, Cho Chang’s portrayal has drawn a lot of criticism from fans since it is viewed as racist and misogynistic. Another supporting character that the main characters frequently criticize for being “too girly” or credulous is Parvati Patil.
There’s not even a single LGBTQ+ character in the Harry Potter books, but J.K. Rowling has stated that Albus Dumbledore is canonically homosexual. There is a rare chance for the relaunch to produce more well-written POC and LGBTQ+ characters. The book may grow and go more into Dumbledore’s gender expression and sexuality, and Cho Chang has a great deal of potential to develop into a more complex and compelling character.
Harry Potter Strengthens Negative Stereotypes About Women
There are three categories of female characters in the Harry Potter series: feminine and “ridiculous” girls, motherly figures, and intelligent and capable women. This classification has the potential to create stereotyped and badly written characters. Motherly figures, like Molly Weasley and Petunia, are defined by the role they serve in their home. In the series, intelligent women like Hermione Granger and Minerva McGonagall are shown as trustworthy and kind individuals. The media frequently portrays intellect as a masculine quality. In the Harry Potter books, intellectual women are typically tough individuals who criticize or ignore feminine traits. Very feminine or attractive women are frequently vilified or ridiculed in the Harry Potter books. One of the primary antagonists of the series, is Dolores Umbridge. She has a high-pitched voice and is often linked with adorable pink kittens.
Hermione, however, is a level-headed character who aspires to improve the world. Despite her frequent ridicule of girlie characters like Lavender Brown. Although McGonagall is sometimes prone to losing her cool among women who are seen as “irrational,” like Sybill Trelawney, she is also sympathetic and devoted to Sybill. In actuality, she stands up for Sybill against Umbridge’s callous actions. People would want to see more sororities like this one in a Harry Potter revival. Although this franchise has made a lot of blunders, it also elevates a number of compelling and powerful female characters, which is ultimately what fans want to see in this adaptation.
A True Potter Adaptation is More Likely To Be Unsuccessful
An accurate translation of the Harry Potter books would undoubtedly feel a little out of date. Since the series is full of negative stereotypes and lacks diversity that has grown increasingly important in recent years. Successful TV shows almost always have well-developed POC and LGBTQ+ characters. Harry Potter perpetuates childish media clichés from bygone eras like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. In which the overweight child is made fun of and the slim one is given a prize.
The reason the Harry Potter film adaptations were successful is because they were also products of their era. Within the fanbase, there will always be a special place for the Harry Potter novels and the original films. To make it more appropriate for contemporary viewers, a Harry Potter remake may eliminate some of the more antiquated elements of the original series. The goal of a good book adaptation, and what the Harry Potter reboot should strive for. It is to take a masterpiece and bring it up to date for a new generation of readers.
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