On May 2nd, Harry Potter fans celebrated the memorable Battle of Hogwarts. May is a good month to examine the Potterverse’s current state.
Because even though the magic still works, heated debates are increasingly swirling around it.
A Legacy That Endures
The Harry Potter books and films remain one of the most influential pop culture phenomena of the 21st century. Book sales are counted in hundreds of millions, and the movie remains available on streaming platforms. The series continues to attract new readers, while older fans return to it with nostalgia.
Publishers are not slowing down—new illustrated editions, limited collector’s versions, and companion books expanding the Potter universe are regularly released. The franchise lives on in official publications created under Rowling’s supervision, such as “Fantastic Beasts”, “Quidditch Through the Ages”, “The Tales of Beedle the Bard”, and “The Magical Almanac”.
The Success of Hogwarts Legacy Confirms the Brand’s Strength
Released in 2023, “Hogwarts Legacy” has already sold over 34 million copies, becoming one of the biggest successes of recent years. Gamers enthusiastically rediscovered the Wizarding World—this time set in a period preceding the events of the books.
There is increasing talk of a sequel. Although Avalanche Software has not officially announced it, leaks and industry reports suggest another instalment is only a matter of time.
The Shadow of J.K. Rowling’s Controversies
For several years now, J.K. Rowling has sparked controversy with her statements about transgender people. For some former fans, this is a reason to distance themselves from the author. Some boycott new projects; others try to separate the creator from the work.
Actors from the film saga have also spoken out. Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint expressed solidarity with trans people. Meanwhile, Helena Bonham Carter and Ralph Fiennes defended Rowling’s right to express her opinions. The tensions surrounding the author have not subsided and continue to divide fans.
A TV Series in the Shadow of Division
In 2023, HBO announced a new adaptation of Rowling’s books—this time in the form of a TV series intended to be more faithful to the original. Each season will cover the story of one book. The premiere is scheduled for 2026, with J.K. Rowling remaining an executive producer.
Some of the cast has already been announced. The teachers will be portrayed by:
- Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape,
- John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore,
- Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall,
- Nick Frost as Hagrid.
The casting of Essiedu, known from “I May Destroy You”, sparked a wave of reactions—some fans appreciated the more inclusive approach, while others criticized the departure from the character’s familiar image. This is yet another sign that every decision about the brand is now analyzed from multiple perspectives.
The young wizards—Harry, Hermione, and Ron—will be played by newcomers, though their names have not yet been revealed. The creators deliberately chose unfamiliar faces, similar to the first film adaptation 2001. The idea is to help audiences accept new interpretations of well-known characters more easily.
Will the Popularity of Potter Ever Fade?
Despite the controversies, the books continue to sell, the films remain in the spotlight (with the possible exception of the “Fantastic Beasts” series), and new projects generate massive interest. However, discussing Harry Potter without considering the broader context is becoming more challenging. The Potterverse is no longer just a magical fantasy world—it has become a space filled with increasingly complex questions about beliefs, responsibility, and what remains of a story once it stops being “innocent.” Harry Potter’s popularity endures, but how we talk about it is evolving.