As Harry Potter and the Cursed Child hits London's theater and worldwide bookstores, we discuss whether all the buzz will likely translate into yet another J.K. Rowling success.
Photograph: Manuel Harlan
Nine years following the final book (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows) in J.K. Rowling’s wildly popular Harry Potter series, the author joins playwright Jack Thorne and director John Tiffany in penning an eight installment of the story—this time, for the theater. Officially opening on July 30 at London’s Palace Theater, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Parts I and II’s stage production will be accompanied by the release of the script book on July 31. Set 19 years following our last encounter with the gang, the mere existence of a new script warrants excitement. But is the incessant worldwide chatter justified? Will the storyline actually satisfy our craving for more? Yes, it will. Here’s why (warning: spoilers ahead):
1. You’ll see Harry like never before
Older and wiser, Harry is now father to 11-year-old Albus Severus Potter, who is just starting his education at Hogwarts.
2. Draco Malfoy is here to stay
Albus will join cousin Rose Weasley and Draco’s son, Scorpius Malfoy, in magic school. We’re wondering… Like father, like son?
3. Time traveling!
Without disclosing too much of the plot (spoiler-prone fans, the Daily Beast breaks down the entire storyline right here), all characters will be dealing with a very exciting amount of time traveling. Will we see Voldemort again? Is a younger Hermione making an appearance?
Manuel Harlan
4. Ron and Hermione forever
We’ve been waiting for these two to get together throughout all of the seven books. Now, we get to witness their love bloom as the couple is finally married (with kids!).
5. Although J.K. Rowling told us that there will be no movie, we still have hope
According to Forbes, the film franchise generated around $10 billion in the United States alone from 2001 to 2011. Can the film industry really turn this kind of money down? Warner Bros., are you hearing us?
6. And if the movie is really a no-go, we’ll settle for a theater run in the States…
Although nothing is currently in the works, rumors are swirling about producers attempting to bring the theater production here.
7. …Which we already know will be GREAT
Critics all over the world flew to England to catch the play’s previews and everybody is raving about the production. Are you even surprised?