Could Harry Potter And The Cursed Child Become The Next Film In The Series?
Even though it's been over a decade since "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" premiered, and even longer since the last book was published, the Harry Potter universe has continued to expand. For one, the "Fantastic Beasts" spin-off films take place decades prior to Lord Voldemort's (Ralph Fiennes) initial rise to power. However, fans also get a chance to learn more about what Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron (Rupert Grint), and Hermione (Emma Watson) are like as adults in "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child."
Based on an original story written by J. K. Rowling, John Tiffany, and Jack Thorne, "The Cursed Child" is a "Harry Potter" play that opened in London in 2016. It picks up right where the epilogue leaves us, 19 years after the Battle of Hogwarts, and focuses on Harry's son, Albus Severus Potter. With the "Fantastic Beasts" film series circling the drain, any hope for more Wizarding World content lies with "The Cursed Child" unless She Who Must Not Be Named decides to take the story in a completely new direction. "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" movie rumors were squashed years ago, but circumstances have changed since the show first came to theaters and a film adaptation would be an interesting development.
What does the story add to the Harry Potter universe?
If the minds behind "Harry Potter" decide to make another movie, making a film version of "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" would definitely be an intriguing decision. The play delves into ideas presented in the epilogue, such as Albus' struggle to live in his father's shadow, as well as the fact that he's ultimately sorted into Slytherin and strikes up a taboo friendship with Scorpius Malfoy. In a misguided attempt to save Cedric Diggory (Robert Pattinson) from his tragic fate, the boys decide to steal a time-turner and change the past. Naturally, their actions have unintended consequences, forcing them on a wild goose chase through time.
However, because the story is shifting back and forth through different timelines, the audience doesn't get to spend much time with the versions of Harry, Hermione, and Ron that we've grown accustomed to. The narrative also shocks the audience with the introduction of Voldemort's long-lost daughter, Delphi, who's determined to save her father at any cost.
Whether or not the story needs adjusting for a screen adaptation, the movie might already have a director lined up. "Harry Potter" director Chris Columbus, who Daniel Radcliffe named as the greatest influence on his career, has already expressed interest. "I would love to direct 'The Cursed Child,'" Columbus told Variety in 2021. "It's a great play and the kids are actually the right age to play those roles. It's a small fantasy of mine."
The clock is ticking
Chris Columbus is stretching it a bit when he says that Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson are the right age to reprise their roles in a sequel. The epilogue takes place 19 years after Harry defeated Voldemort, and "The Cursed Child" follows Albus through several years at Hogwarts. That would put Harry, Ron, and Hermione in their late 30s. The actors who play them still have a few years before then, but if another movie is going to happen, getting the original cast on board is a good plan. It would be difficult to get fans to support the film if those core characters were recast.
However, maybe it wouldn't be so bad to make "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" now. After all, the play features an appearance from Minerva McGonagall, and Maggie Smith isn't getting any younger. If it gets adapted for the big screen, "The Cursed Child" would already be forced to recast Severus Snape, who was portrayed in the film series by the late Alan Rickman.
In any case, Radcliffe is willing to make a comeback as Harry Potter, just not at the moment. "I'm never going to say never, but the "Star Wars" guys had like 30, 40 years before they went back," the actor told The New York Times in 2022. For me, it's only been 10. It's not something I'm really interested in doing right now."
Radcliffe's willingness to return to the Wizarding World is a step in the right direction. Now, all we can do is wait.