What comes next for Harry Potter franchise at Warner Bros. Discovery? The Fantastic Beasts series has completely fallen off a cliff following two underwhelming sequels, and current studio boss David Zaslav now hopes to put the spotlight back on the Boy Who Lived.
According to a new report from Puck (via SFFGazette.com), the executive is keen to develop a two-part big screen adaptation of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. That's currently a play in London's West End and on Broadway, and remains a somewhat divisive sequel among fans who weren't on board with how some of the characters were portrayed over the course of the story.
It's said that Rowling previously wasn't interested in The Cursed Child being adapted for film (it's never been clear whether the story is true "canon"), though Zaslav is hoping to change her mind, particularly if it means keeping the franchise on screen.
As for Fantastic Beasts, that's effectively dead now, while any sort of TV show appears unlikely. There have been talks of a Wizarding World HBO Max series at Warner Bros., but that's also an idea Rowling is said to be unsure about. With Warner Bros. Discovery keen to revisit Harry Potter, however, it sounds like there are now two options.
Remake the entire franchise, which seems highly unlikely, or finally make The Cursed Child a reality. Apparently, any future plans are unlikely to come to fruition before 2025 at the earliest, leaving the entire franchise in a state of flux.
There's no denying that Harry Potter and the Cursed Child would make for a great couple of movies, especially if the original cast can be convinced to return. That may be easier said than done, of course, as Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint have all gone to great lengths not to be forever associated with Harry, Hermoine, and Ron.
Stay tuned to SFFGazette.com for the latest of Harry Potter's future as we have it.