A new take on the hit series Harry Potter has been announced for the first time, with trailers and teasers being released to sites like Youtube. Where they showcase looks into the adaptation, the trailer shows off what is in store for the series. It shows how prominently redesigned everything is, for better or worse. Almost everything in the series that has been given a recognizable design from the 2001 – 2011 series has been changed.
The only thing that has remained unchanged is the Hogwarts Express. The train consists of British Rail Mark 1 coaches being pulled by a GWR 4-6-0 Hall Class locomotive, just like in the original series. The only difference is the engine used. In the original film series, the train was pulled by Olton Hall No. 5972. In this adaptation the train is being pulled by Olton Hall’s sibling, Wightwick Hall No. 6989. The original engine could not reprise the role due to its expired boiler ticket. Meaning if it were to run again, it would need to undergo an entire overhaul. Olton Hall was placed in static preservation at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in London. Where fans of the movies could walk through the screen-used set pieces.
The series will be an episodic series that will adapt the books more than the original movies did. Each episode will be an hour, with the total of 8 episodes, the series is estimated to be 8 hours long in full. Even then, HBO is only currently adapting the Sorcerer’s Stone, the first story.
First reactions to the announcement have been mixed. With some welcoming the new envision of the franchise, while others completely livid to the concept. Most of the outcry is happening due to the ongoing controversies with J.K. Rowling. While others are unhappy with the drastic changes the series is making. One of the most prominent issues facing backlash is the actor playing Severus Snape being Paapa Essiedu. People aren’t happy with the fact Snape is now black. With some pointing out how it isn’t faithful to how Snape was described to have pale skin in the book, and others making racist remarks to how the only black teacher is being accused of doing suspicious actions.
While this new adaptation of the beloved series is hard to accept, it would be healthier to give it a chance to do what it can. The cast and crew responsible for creating this series shouldn’t be discredited from their efforts. A lot of the film crew have stated their excitement on this project.
