https://www.cbr.com Read up on the latest Harry Potter franchise News, Reviews and Features from the team at CBR. Fri, 30 Jun 2023 22:30:15 GMT en-US hourly 60 The finale to a major film franchise is usually a very lucrative event, often earning more at the worldwide box office than any other installment in the series. As a result, movie studios have started splitting the final part of a popular franchise into two or more different films. While this can often work for a franchise that needs more installments, audiences can also view this move as a cheap cash grab.

]]> Fri, 30 Jun 2023 22:30:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/movie-franchises-final-film-multiple-parts-unnecessary/ Captain America: Brave New World star Anthony Mackie slams the Harry Potter film franchise for its lack of casting diversity, lamenting the absence of Black actors throughout the acclaimed fantasy movie series.

]]> Fri, 30 Jun 2023 21:53:44 GMT https://www.cbr.com/mcu-anthony-mackie-calls-out-harry-potter-diversity-problem/ The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is much bigger than casual viewers realize, with families extending back centuries, several other wizarding schools, and thousands of side characters barely or yet to be explored. J.K. Rowling's original seven-part book series served the purpose of telling Harry and Voldemort's story, though several side characters' stories are still told along the way.

]]> Fri, 30 Jun 2023 20:30:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/harry-potter-side-characters-ranked/ The world of Harry Potter has a rich history of witches and wizards that started from nothing and grew to greatly impact the world. Perhaps the greatest example of this was Albus Dumbledore, whose legacy included stopping Gellert Grindelwald and being instrumental in stopping Lord Voldemort. He was also a carrier of one of the Deathly Hallows, the Elder Wand, the most powerful wand in the Wizarding World. But like all heroes, he didn't obtain his version of Excalibur until he earned it.

]]> Fri, 30 Jun 2023 12:00:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/dumbledore-first-wand-cgi-change-explained-fantastic-beasts/ It can be difficult for a film franchise to be consistent. So many things go into creating a successful film, such as writing, performances, direction, visual effects, and casting. All of these elements falling into place once is impressive, but to do it in every installment is the mark of a fantastic franchise.

]]> Thu, 29 Jun 2023 14:30:13 GMT https://www.cbr.com/movie-franchises-every-film-good/ In the Harry Potter universe, the notorious and forbidden set of spells known as the Unforgivable Curses is exclusively used by dark witches and wizards (with Snape's killing of Dumbledore the only notable exception.) Imperio enables the caster to control another living being while Crucio inflicts intense pain upon the recipient. The last and most egregious of the three, Avada Kedavra, kills anyone unfortunate enough to be in its path instantly.

]]> Thu, 29 Jun 2023 12:00:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/harry-potter-voldemort-avada-kedavra-snape/ The Harry Potter universe has featured many dangerous creatures and villains, from Dementors to Dolores Umbridge. However, some of the deadliest, in terms of feats, have made a mark that has had them remembered for decades. Two of the best examples have been Gellert Grindelwald and Lord Voldemort, based on their fiendish goals and the many lives they've taken. That said, even their vile acts may be nothing compared to the lengths their followers will go to, specifically the Death Eaters.

]]> Wed, 28 Jun 2023 12:00:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/how-voldemort-death-eaters-got-name/ HBO's Harry Potter series reboot proves its ongoing popularity and profitability as a successful fantasy franchise. While many characters helped solidify the series' legacy, there is one prominent figure that contributed more than others, becoming a household name as a villain: Lord Voldemort.

]]> Tue, 27 Jun 2023 16:30:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/harsh-realities-being-voldemort/ The Harry Potter universe was unique because, through Harry, audiences and readers were introduced to a Wizarding World that had existed before him and would continue even after. As a result, many traditions and customs were foreign to Harry, but fans learned about them through him. This included getting an invitation to Hogwarts, choosing a wand, and, of course, being sorted into the proper house.

]]> Tue, 27 Jun 2023 13:00:18 GMT https://www.cbr.com/hogwarts-sorting-hat-singing-tradition/ The Harry Potter franchise is incredibly complex and has painted a rich image of the wizarding society. One of the most important aspects of this world is the wizard family tree, which includes dozens of important families, as well as hundreds of iconic characters.

]]> Sun, 25 Jun 2023 16:30:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/harry-potter-magical-families/ The Harry Potter franchise counted many skills that wizards and dark wizards displayed in the movies. From powerful spells to parseltongue and house-elf magic, J.K. Rowling managed to fill her wizarding world with all sorts of important magical abilities. Among all of these extraordinarily exciting skills, one skill is often forgotten, and it was the franchise's most underrated.

]]> Sun, 25 Jun 2023 14:00:17 GMT https://www.cbr.com/legilimency-harry-potter-explained/ Harry Potter is full of fun and whimsical names that, generally, reflect the nature of the character to which they're attached. They may even reveal something the audience didn't know about the character upon their initial introduction, such as with Remus Lupin ("lupinus" is the Latin word for "wolfish"). His name hints at his werewolf identity revealed later in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban where he first appears as the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. Albus Dumbledore's name essentially means "white bumblebee," combining both Latin and 18th-century English terminologies. J.K. Rowlings' authorial choice in selecting monikers for her characters has also given her creations a rather specific distinction and cadence.

]]> Sat, 24 Jun 2023 16:00:17 GMT https://www.cbr.com/professor-sprout-first-name-harry-potter/ In the world of Harry Potter, countless colorful characters find themselves overshadowed by "The Boy Who Lived." And as the Max streaming service prepares to remake the Harry Potter series, multiple fascinating characters still haven't had the chance to shine. While many ponder what a retelling of the Harry Potter stories may look like, perhaps it's time to turn the page and start a new chapter with Wizarding World celebrity Celestina Warbeck.

]]> Fri, 23 Jun 2023 10:00:17 GMT https://www.cbr.com/celestina-warbeck-deserves-harry-potter-spinoff/

]]> Thu, 22 Jun 2023 09:00:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/how-peter-pettigrew-died-harry-potter/ The Wizarding World has showcased a healthy amount of magical creatures. Even just in the first two Harry Potter movies, the audience was shown unicorns and giant spiders, which only scratched the surface. But it wasn't until the Fantastic Beasts movies that an even greater spectrum of magical creatures was revealed, including animals like the sticky-fingered Niffler. Some of the most important of these creatures even partook in ancient magical practices.

]]> Wed, 21 Jun 2023 15:00:17 GMT https://www.cbr.com/fantastic-beasts-qilin-importance/ J.K. Rowling fascinated fans by creating a secondary world with her Harry Potter franchise. This Wizarding World was filled to the brim with magical characters, enchanted places and a wide variety of exciting spells and potions. Warner Bros. managed to display this sense of magic in its Harry Potter movies and portrayed witches and wizards swinging their magic wands and chanting spells. Amidst all of this, one important skill was often forgotten -- Parseltongue.

]]> Tue, 20 Jun 2023 15:00:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/why-harry-potter-communicate-with-snakes/ The wizarding world of Harry Potter is separated from the Muggle (non-magic) world, and that's the way most witches and wizards like it. In fact, they do all sorts of work within the Ministry of Magic to ensure their world remains a secret. While most wizards believe themselves superior to Muggles, Ron Weasley's father, Arthur Weasley, is one of the few who believe all people are equal, regardless of magical ability.

]]> Mon, 19 Jun 2023 10:00:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/harry-potter-arthur-weasley-job-explained/

]]> Fri, 16 Jun 2023 13:00:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/harry-potter-fleur-delacour-deserved-better/ Former Warner Bros. Pictures president Lorenzo di Bonaventura recently recalled his bosses' less-than-enthusiastic reaction to him buying the Harry Potter film rights.

]]> Fri, 16 Jun 2023 08:20:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/lorenzo-di-bonaventura-buying-harry-potter-warner-bros/

]]> Thu, 15 Jun 2023 14:00:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/harry-potter-rita-skeeter-nasty/ HBO's Harry Potter reboot announcement has received mixed responses from fans. Yet, it's undeniable that the TV series does bring about an exciting and unique opportunity: to bring to life many of the book series' dismissed characters.

]]> Thu, 15 Jun 2023 12:30:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/deep-cut-harry-potter-characters/ With HBO's Harry Potter reboot confirmed, now is a perfect time for fans to revisit the beloved original series, along with all of its flaws. Although Harry Potter has given Potterheads many great characters and plots to enjoy for years now, there also exist many elements of the story that make no sense.

]]> Wed, 14 Jun 2023 16:30:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/nonsensical-harry-potter-storylines/ The Harry Potter franchise is full of epic duels. In Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Harry and Malfoy battle after Snape and Lockhart's demonstration, and they go toe-to-toe again in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince with much more dire consequences. Harry also has an emotional battle against Snape in Half-Blood Prince after the latter kills Dumbledore.

]]> Wed, 14 Jun 2023 14:00:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/snape-vs-mcgonagall-who-wins-harry-potter/ Part of the charm of the Harry Potter universe over the years has been the glimpses into the lives of witches and wizards that never learned at Hogwarts, whether it be students who learned to use magic without wands in Uagadou School of Magic or wizards in the US attending Ilvermorny. That said, one of the best ways that fans learned about the other magical schools was in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire during the Triwizard Tournament.

]]> Tue, 13 Jun 2023 17:00:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/viktor-krum-most-impressive-feat-not-triwizard-tournament-harry-potter/ Recent news of a reboot has received heavy backlash from Harry Potter fans who have furiously rallied to keep the franchise's original legacy untouched. Not only have the cast and films become immortalized in popular culture, but the series' complex characters have always been a soft spot for Potterheads.

]]> Tue, 13 Jun 2023 16:31:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/harry-potter-most-understandable-characters/ The titular wizard of the Harry Potter series became renowned, in part, due to his signature lightning bolt scar, both within the Wizarding World and in pop culture. He earned that telltale scar the night he survived an assassination attempt by one of the evilest wizards who has ever lived. Not only did Harry survive, but, that same night, the 15-month-old brought Voldemort's reign of terror to a temporary end. However, Harry's parents, Lily and James Potter, Lord were killed. But why did Voldemort target Harry, and murder his parents? The answer is both simple and complicated: It was because of prophecy.

]]> Mon, 12 Jun 2023 00:00:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/why-voldemort-killed-harry-potter-parents/ Post-credits sequences in movies have been around for decades, and while the Marvel Cinematic Universe has made the practice commonplace among big-budget blockbusters, it's a long way from the first to do so. Along with The Lord of the Rings trilogy, the Harry Potter movies largely resisted including any post-credits scenes, which was notable even then. Both fantasy epics contained long credits sequences, largely owing to their copious and elaborate special effects, and the producers may have felt that they were too long to expect audiences to sit through.

]]> Sun, 11 Jun 2023 11:00:17 GMT https://www.cbr.com/harry-potter-post-credits-scene/ The 2000s represented a new era in filmmaking, one filled with coming-of-age, fantasy, and teen comedies leaving every teenager rushing to the theaters on the weekends. Studios were taking more risks after learning that not every movie needs to be a blockbuster, and from it, classic films were born.

]]> Sat, 10 Jun 2023 16:00:13 GMT https://www.cbr.com/iconic-2000s-movies/ It's no secret that the Dursley family hates Harry Potter throughout the entire Harry Potter series. But their family situation leaves a lot of people confused. If they hated the Potters so much, why on Earth would they agree to care for their son?

]]> Fri, 09 Jun 2023 15:00:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/why-petunia-dursley-kept-harry-potter/ Of all the characters in the Harry Potter series, none made as big an impact as Severus Snape. Although he spent years being portrayed as a villain, he was ultimately redeemed in the final movie, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2.

]]> Thu, 08 Jun 2023 18:00:17 GMT https://www.cbr.com/harry-potter-why-snape-became-death-eater/ Harry Potter is one of the most sprawling fantasy franchises of all time, with countless characters, complex histories, and magical lore that spans back centuries in-universe. J.K. Rowling created an immersive world in Harry Potter, and with the inclusion of spin-offs like Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them, it has grown even further.

]]> Thu, 08 Jun 2023 17:50:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/incorrect-harry-potter-facts/ With Harry Potter, J.K Rowling constructed a vast wizarding universe showcasing the opposing forces of good and evil. Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry aimed to represent the good side of wizards, striving for knowledge and protecting the magical world. In contrast, Voldemort brought forward his Death Eaters and dark wizards, whose only mission was the eradication of all non-pure wizards. Although there was a clear line between the goals of either side, Harry Potter history showed that Voldemort took advantage of Hogwarts by recruiting numerous students from their school.

]]> Thu, 08 Jun 2023 12:00:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/hufflepuff-no-death-eaters-harry-potter/ The Harry Potter universe has showcased a fair share of witches and wizards that were both students and adults. The best part was that many of them knew how to use a wand and could do amazing things with the magic they learned. One of the best examples of this was the Weasley twins, Fred and George, who consistently showed that magic was more than a utility. In fact, their cleverness led to a successful joke shop where fun and magic led to laughs. But none of this would've been possible without their trusty wands.

]]> Wed, 07 Jun 2023 12:00:17 GMT https://www.cbr.com/what-fred-weasley-wand-made-of-harry-potter/ The Harry Potter franchise is packed full of magical beings and fantastical creatures spilling into the Muggle world, but the opposite is also true. There are non-magical beings in the Wizarding World. The term "Squib" is only used in the Harry Potter films once and is never really explained, but it is an interesting phenomenon in the series nonetheless. It is also imperative to define because Squibs can play an important role in the Wizarding World.

]]> Tue, 06 Jun 2023 09:00:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/harry-potter-squib-explained/ In the Harry Potter franchise, Harry found himself in possession of an incredibly accurate potions textbook that brought him to the top of Professor Slughorn's class. Even Hermione was baffled by Harry's sudden success with potions, a class he'd never particularly excelled at before. Much to Hermione's relief, it wasn't Harry who seemed to have mastered potions. The book once belonged to a student who only referred to himself as the Half-Blood Prince.

]]> Tue, 06 Jun 2023 00:00:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/harry-potter-why-snape-half-blood-prince/ With more than 600 million books sold and a growing slate of films, Harry Potter has established itself as one of the most popular franchises in entertainment history. J.K. Rowling's magical Wizarding World is filled with wonder, lovable characters, one-of-a-kind creatures, and a whole host of spells, charms, hexes, and curses.

]]> Mon, 05 Jun 2023 19:51:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/dark-harry-potter-storylines/ The Harry Potter universe has become a hub for mystery and wonder that has captured the imagination of generations. Part of this has been because of the many mysteries that have yet to be answered in the universe and the individuals tied to these conundrums. Of all the characters in the Wizarding World, none are more closely tied to the mystery than Albus Dumbledore and his family. This also includes his familial connection to the phoenix.

]]> Mon, 05 Jun 2023 12:00:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/phoenix-importance-dumbledores-harry-potter/ Sirius Black played a vital role in the Harry Potter universe. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban first portrayed Gary Oldman in the role of Sirius Black. Sirius is the descendant of the highly prestigious Black family that valued their pure wizard blood. The Blacks' lineage is often mentioned, but the Harry Potter movies never fully delve into their family tree. Fans that want to know more have to read J.K. Rowling's books to get a broader perspective on the Black family and discover hidden gems, such as the forgotten Regulus Arcturus Black.

]]> Sun, 04 Jun 2023 23:00:17 GMT https://www.cbr.com/regulus-black-heroic-harry-potter/ The world of Harry Potter has been home to many wonders in the world of spells and their many uses. From enchanting objects to potions that could create a sense of luck, the Wizarding World could be a place of great wonder. However, it could also be a home for truly dark and malevolent creations that harness and bring out the worst in people. This was best shown through the three Unforgivable Curses: Avada Kedavra, Crucio and Imperio, which kill, torture and control, respectively.

]]> Sun, 04 Jun 2023 01:00:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/voldemort-cruciatus-curse-worse-avada-kedavra/ It's been years since the main Harry Potter series concluded, but the nostalgia of the saga still spawns theories about some of its most important moments. As every fan knows, Harry survived the killing curse as a baby because his mother's love protected him. However, after Voldemort returned using Harry's blood to regain his full body, he was allowed to touch Harry without suffering negative consequences. This raises the question of how Harry survived the killing curse a second time in Deathly Hallows.

]]> Sat, 03 Jun 2023 18:00:17 GMT https://www.cbr.com/why-harry-potter-did-not-die-deathly-hallows/ The world of fantasy has been around since long before the stories of King Arthur. Tales of myth and quests have only grown more refined and made way for iconic stories, like The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien. However, one of the most impactful sagas to come in the past few decades has been the Harry Potter books by J.K. Rowling. From its main character to the world around it, it's clear that the story is both a whole new world and one inspired by tales past. But one mystery has tied the series to another impactful series -- The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis.

]]> Fri, 02 Jun 2023 20:00:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/did-chronicles-of-narnia-inspire-harry-potter-hogwarts-founders/ While Harry Potter is one of the biggest cultural phenomenons from the last two decades, it is not without its flaws. As fans grow older, they realize some of their favorite scenes aren't as good as they remember. Many of the most beloved characters in the series have problematic traits, are inconsistent, and have aged incredibly poorly.

]]> Fri, 02 Jun 2023 16:50:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/poorly-written-harry-potter-characters/ From the moment Severus Snape was introduced in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, he was viewed through Harry's eyes as a villain. Harry obviously reminded Snape of his father, James, who had bullied and tormented Severus all throughout their time at Hogwarts together. But there was far more to Snape's story than anyone could have ever guessed. It was known throughout the story that Snape was a double agent, working for Dumbledore and reporting the Dark Lord's movements while feeding Voldemort as much information as he could about the opposition. There were a lot of people who didn't believe Snape was actually loyal to Hogwarts' headmaster, including Harry and his friends.

]]> Thu, 01 Jun 2023 14:00:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/why-snape-killed-dumbledore-harry-potter/ Fans have come up with counltess theories since the release of the final Harry Potter book in 2007 and The Deathly Hallows: Part 2 in 2011. While some of their ideas are far-fetched, a lot of theories make a surprising amount of sense.

]]> Thu, 01 Jun 2023 14:00:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/harry-potter-theories-make-sense/ The Houses at Hogwarts are integral to the Harry Potter universe. The House in which one is placed speaks volumes about who they are as a person, and many Harry Potter fans, to this day, enjoy theorizing which House they would end up in if they were to go to Hogwarts.

]]> Wed, 31 May 2023 20:00:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/harry-potter-hufflepuff-badger-explained/ In the world of Harry Potter, magic could come in many forms. From potions to transfiguration, there are few limits to what could be done and who could create it. In fact, it could be argued that the ability to create new forms of magic was just as impressive as harnessing the spells that already existed. That said, not all spells created by witches and wizards were done with positive or constructive intentions.

]]> Tue, 30 May 2023 14:00:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/snape-created-sectumsempra-harry-potter/ Recent years have seen an increase in the fantasy genre's popularity, from the hit Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon to the epic sci-fi/fantasy movie Avatar: The Way of Water. Of course, there has always been a dedicated fanbase that loved these fantastical storylines.

]]> Sun, 28 May 2023 17:40:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/overused-fan-favorite-fantasy-tropes/ The magical creatures of the Harry Potter universe have always had two names attached to them. Newt Scamander and Rubeus Hagrid. Newt made a name for himself as a wizard that made a career out of finding and documenting the many magical creatures in the world. On the other hand, Hagrid lived as a groundskeeper on Hogwarts property, where he developed a deep affinity, respect and understanding of many magical creatures.

]]> Sun, 28 May 2023 01:00:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/harry-potter-theory-newt-scamander-gave-hagrid-aragog/ Every movie is subject to its audience's critique, and cinephiles are quick to analyze a film, right down to the smallest details. Every audience member has their own take on what they watch, leading them to applaud or pick apart movies as they see fit. Filmmakers are well aware that nothing escapes the notice of a keen film buff.

]]> Sat, 27 May 2023 16:40:12 GMT https://www.cbr.com/movies-with-annoying-plot-holes/ There are a lot of things Harry Potter might not have achieved without the aid of the Cloak of Invisibility he received as a Christmas gift in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. It would have been impossible for him to sneak into the forbidden section of the library at Hogwarts, and he certainly wouldn't have been able to escape the numerous sticky situations he got himself and his friends into over the years. A magic artifact of such renown is obviously rare, which begs the question: How did Harry Potter get so lucky?

]]> Wed, 24 May 2023 20:00:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/harry-potter-who-gave-invisibility-cloak/ Some of cinema's most iconic cars have attracted moviegoers with their fancy designs and remarkable resilience during action sequences. Transformers is best known for its transforming vehicles, and with Rise of the Beasts set to hit theaters on June 9, it's a good time to look back on the best movie cars.

]]> Wed, 24 May 2023 19:50:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/best-movie-cars/ A great many films hinge on their plot twists. In one short scene, everything the audience thought they knew about the story can change, and things can take off in an entirely new direction that almost nobody saw coming. Some plot twists require character deaths, reappearances, or major events. Some require a single sentence.

]]> Tue, 23 May 2023 17:15:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/movie-lines-that-changed-everything/ Most people will say that books are always better than their film adaptations, but this isn't true. While sometimes there are bad adaptations, films are usually simply another medium to experience stories. In the Harry Potter franchise, the films even did some things better than the books.

]]> Sun, 21 May 2023 18:41:12 GMT https://www.cbr.com/harry-potter-movies-better-than-the-books/ With her Harry Potter books, J.K. Rowling constructed a world filled with ancient history, intriguing characters and deep-rooted disputes. Building on Rowling's books, the Harry Potter movies picked up on this wide variety of feuds. These varied from the most significant conflicts between wizards and dark wizards to more mundane disputes like those between Albus Dumbledore and the Ministry of Magic. A lesser-known historic past surrounded the hate between goblins and wizards.

]]> Sun, 21 May 2023 12:00:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/harry-potter-goblin-wizard-conflict-explainer/ The timeless Harry Potter franchise is all about magic and wizards. The hero himself, Harry Potter, learned that he himself was a wizard on his 11th birthday when the giant Rubeus Hagrid told him, "You're a wizard, Harry." Ever since then, Harry has studied hard at Hogwarts to learn the ways of magic, most of all by using his unique phoenix core wand.

]]> Sat, 20 May 2023 20:15:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/harry-potter-wizards-win-lose/ HBO's announcement of a Harry Potter TV series reboot has consumed the fan base, and garnered split reviews. J.K. Rowling's magical Wizarding World took the world by storm, and has found a stable home in its dedicated fan base. Apart from the incredible storytelling, Harry Potter is known for its perfectly casted characters, a testament to casting director, Janet Hirshenson's talents.

]]> Sat, 20 May 2023 19:30:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/irreplaceable-harry-potter-actors/ Harry Potter's story may have lasted only seven books and one stage play, but it's branched off into various other forms of media and even drawn in fans thanks to the Wizarding World. That said, while there are many avenues for fans to explore and interact with the universe, there are still many secrets that the average Harry Potter fan may not notice or even think about. A great example of this is the houses and their mascots, specifically Ravenclaw.

]]> Fri, 19 May 2023 14:00:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/ravenclaw-mascot-explained-harry-potter/ The fantasy genre never goes out of style, and every great fantasy movie requires certain elements to make it a favorite among fans. In addition to having a captivating protagonist that audiences feel compelled to root for and an imaginary world of vast proportions, a powerful villain is compulsory in this genre.

]]> Thu, 18 May 2023 15:41:11 GMT https://www.cbr.com/best-fantasy-movie-villains/ Despite originally being a novel series aimed at children, the Harry Potter series didn't shy away from more mature topics such as prejudice and morality. The way in which these themes were inclusive to children and not condescending helped to make them relatable to their intended audience as well as engaging to older audiences. This combination played a significant role in making it a global sensation. The way that the series depicts death and grief is multilayered and showcases a variety of reactions to these terrible losses. As a result, many beloved characters, unfortunately, don't survive the series, and many of them leave a lasting impact on the characters and the audience. One of the most devastating deaths is Fred Weasley, who died fighting in the Battle of Hogwarts during Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

]]> Wed, 17 May 2023 01:00:13 GMT https://www.cbr.com/how-george-weasley-honored-fred-harry-potter/ With stories of magic, adventure and infinite possibilities, the Harry Potter series might've seemed at home within Disney; however, the company missing out on the Wizarding World saved the franchise. It's hard to find anybody who hasn't heard of Harry Potter and how, from humble beginnings, the books gave way to one of the most beloved series ever. Now able to rival the works of Lucasfilm and Marvel and argue just as much cultural impact, things could’ve been very different if Disney hadn't lost the opportunity to adopt the Wizarding World.

]]> Tue, 16 May 2023 12:00:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/disney-losing-harry-potter-saved-franchise/ Another actor from the Harry Potter film adaptations has defended author J.K. Rowling's transphobic comments.

]]> Tue, 16 May 2023 02:12:09 GMT https://www.cbr.com/john-cleese-defends-jk-rowling-transphobic-comments/ With Harry Potter, Warner Bros. created a massive universe filled to the brim with magical creatures, fascinating characters and thrilling Wizarding battles. J.K. Rowling, the author of the books the movies are based on, included several characters and creatures that could have benefited from additional screen time. None quite shone out as much as Centaurs. Only featured in selective movies such as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Centaurs displayed ample potential to become Harry Potter's most interesting magical beings.

]]> Mon, 15 May 2023 16:00:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/harry-potter-movies-failed-centaurs/ The world of Harry Potter contains many layered and complex characters who defy the binary of good versus evil. In that way, the series is an interesting exploration of the complicated nature of morality. Some of these characters, like Severus Snape, have received some backlash in the years since the original series came to a close. Some feel that their supposed redemptions are ultimately unsatisfying compared to the truly indefensible acts they commit over the course of the series. It does make sense that a character with a complicated status also has a complicated set of consequences and fan perception as a result.

]]> Sun, 14 May 2023 22:00:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/did-lucius-malfoy-answer-for-crimes-harry-potter/ Spanning eight movies, the Harry Potter franchise is among cinema's finest releases, enchanting audiences with its spectacular imagery. 12 years after the last installment of the franchise, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav confirmed that the series will be rebooted with a TV series on HBO Max (via Collider). The fandom is ecstatic with this amazing news and is already speculating who could play some of their favorite characters.

]]> Sun, 14 May 2023 16:00:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/actors-could-be-star-in-modern-harry-potter-remake/ Most people know Severus Snape as the Potions Master at Hogwarts. He is also revealed to be a double agent for Albus Dumbledore and the Order of the Phoenix. But many people forget that he also invented a number of spells. In the Harry Potter movies, Snape came up with the Sectumsempra curse when he was a student at Hogwarts, and it's known to cause painful lacerations on the target. But the films don't explore all the spells Snape invented in depth. So, go through each spell Snape created and what they were capable of.

]]> Sat, 13 May 2023 13:30:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/which-spells-snape-invented-harry-potter/ The Harry Potter franchise has always demonstrated the never-ending cycle of good versus evil. From kind-hearted wizards to malefic Death Eaters, Harry Potter persistently represented both sides on the opposite ends of the spectrum. Hogwarts prided itself on its altruistic intentions, while Dark Wizards were generally seen as the mortal enemies of peace. An element that was never picked up on is their similar poor treatment of magical beings.

]]> Fri, 12 May 2023 15:00:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/hogwarts-dark-wizards-poor-treatment-magical-creatures/ The Harry Potter film series is known for its exciting representation of all things magic. From spells to magical creatures, the movies have it all. Warner Bros., the production company behind all Harry Potter movies, did its absolute best in presenting its fans with action-packed spell battles and featured a wide variety of potions and the occasional magical plant. The Harry Potter movies did fall short on one aspect, though: depicting the immense destructive properties magical plants possessed.

]]> Thu, 11 May 2023 13:00:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/harry-potter-plants-stronger-in-books/ Since the Harry Potter franchise first dropped, it's had a loyal fanbase prone to online Potterhead quizzes. One of the most popular of these is testing to reveal one's Patronus. The Patronus is a mysterious part of the Wizarding World, and it's only right to dive into the mysterious Patronus of a mysterious wizard.

]]> Wed, 10 May 2023 23:00:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/snape-patronus-explained-harry-potter/ With the Twilight and Harry Potter reboots announced and the recent trailer for The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, it's clear that young adult series remain integral to on-screen media. Yet, while these three projects are meant to further capitalize on already established franchises, there is still a wide range of untapped YA content waiting to be translated on-screen.

]]> Wed, 10 May 2023 15:50:13 GMT https://www.cbr.com/ya-series-that-need-adaptations-before-hbo-hp-reboot/ The Harry Potter books are beloved for their rich and detailed world-building, which includes an array of magical creatures that make frequent appearances alongside the series' witches and wizards. Many magical creatures in the Harry Potter universe, such as Thestrals, merpeople and giants, play a prominent role in the books as well as in the movies. However, there are several magical beings with fascinating abilities and backstories that are never mentioned in the films.

]]> Tue, 09 May 2023 20:00:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/harry-potter-veela-explained/ The Harry Potter movies have become cinematic classics thanks to their stellar cast and devotion to telling a complete story over the years. However, even though the books and films have been watched and examined countless times by fans, there are still new things to learn. In one particular case, even the late Alan Rickman offered invaluable insight into a major scene in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

]]> Tue, 09 May 2023 13:00:13 GMT https://www.cbr.com/harry-potter-dumbledore-death-not-liked-alan-rickman/ The first year of Warner Bros. Discovery has been full of ups and downs. Most of their controversial decisions seem to come from a desire not to repeat the mistakes of previous regimes. However, the new Harry Potter reboot show for HBO echoes a mistake WarnerMedia almost made with The Lord of the Rings.

]]> Tue, 09 May 2023 09:45:13 GMT https://www.cbr.com/wb-harry-potter-series-lotr-mistake/ As far as villains go, the Harry Potter franchise's Dark Lord Voldemort ranks high on the list of most vile. Not only did he commit violent mass murder and promote prejudice and blood purity that extended beyond the Wizarding World, but he spent years targeting a little boy who threatened his quest for immortality. While it may seem ridiculous for such a powerful wizard to feel so threatened by a mere child, his first attempt to eliminate Harry Potter bounced back on him and put him out of commission for twelve years. But that was only part of the reason he was so driven to wipe out the one person who might actually be able to stop him from achieving his hideous goals. The real question boils down to why Voldemort came to Godric's Hollow to kill Harry Potter in the first place, and the answer is as simple as it is complicated: a prophecy.

]]> Mon, 08 May 2023 22:00:12 GMT https://www.cbr.com/why-voldemort-wanted-to-kill-harry/ Some people may complain that there are too many sequels and reboots in theatres, but film franchises exist because they are successful. Movie studios produce entertainment, but their actual business is making money and they aren't stupid. If one film makes a lot of money, chances are a second and third will too.

]]> Mon, 08 May 2023 15:40:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/most-profitable-movie-franchises-ever/ The Harry Potter franchise is full of interesting characters. Cho Chang, Harry's first love interest and the only Asian character in the main series, played a minor but important role in the franchise. However, her name has attracted some controversy in recent years. Unlike other strong female characters, whose names are not only real but have deep literary and cultural references, Cho Chang's name only contains a vague indication of her Asian origin.

]]> Sun, 07 May 2023 01:00:13 GMT https://www.cbr.com/why-cho-chang-bad-name-harry-potter/ Mashle: Magic and Muscles is undeniably heavily inspired by Harry Potter, with the anime's world almost an identical copy of the famed wizarding world. While the anime certainly has plenty of uniqueness outside its worldbuilding, Mashle also has its own version of the popular magical sport known as Quidditch.

]]> Sat, 06 May 2023 14:00:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/mashle-duelo-harry-potter-quidditch-magical-sports-key-differences/ When the Harry Potter books were released, they broke records, set precedents, and garnered a huge fan base. When the film adaptations were released, the series made epic fantasy the new money-maker. Audiences laughed, sobbed, and gasped as they followed Harry Potter and his friends' adventures. Even now, eleven years after the last film came out, the series is still shaping and influencing modern culture and entertainment.

]]> Fri, 05 May 2023 14:40:13 GMT https://www.cbr.com/harry-potter-characters-who-aged-poorly/ Mashle: Magic and Muscles is a colorful comedy anime airing in the Spring 2023 season -- an uplifting tale about a musclebound boy who will defy the odds and make something of himself without any magic. The parallels between Mashle and Harry Potter are many, including the supporting characters such as Headmaster Wahlberg.

]]> Fri, 05 May 2023 13:00:13 GMT https://www.cbr.com/mashle-magic-and-muscles-wahlberg-better-grandfather-figure-than-harry-potter-dumbledore/ The Harry Potter franchise is officially being rebooted in a long-form series format for HBO Max, bringing audiences back to the Wizarding World. As the franchise prepares to enter an entirely new era, it's hard to believe how well the original eight movies hold up, still maintaining a passionate fanbase from all around the world to this day.

]]> Thu, 04 May 2023 19:06:11 GMT https://www.cbr.com/harry-potter-movies-streaming-guide/ Mashle: Magic and Muscles (or simply Mashle), one of many anime debuting in the Spring 2023 lineup, is based on the popular parody manga that's been serialized since January 2020. The story follows the magic-less Mash Burnedead, who is forced to attend a magic academy in order to save his foster father. Since he possesses zero magic abilities, one of his primary aims is to avoid being discovered by the people around him -- otherwise he'll be facing expulsion.

]]> Thu, 04 May 2023 19:00:11 GMT https://www.cbr.com/mashle-harry-potter-world-similarities-original-characters-plot/ Whether it be the Fantastic Beasts spinoff or the upcoming HBO TV reboot, the Harry Potter franchise has continued to dominate pop culture for decades. Apart from books and on-screen adaptations, one realm that the Wizarding World has also unexpectedly thrived in is video games.

]]> Thu, 04 May 2023 18:00:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/greatest-harry-potter-video-games/ Harry Potter's title character comes from a long line of wizards, although that was unknown to him for the first part of his life. He was raised by his muggle aunt and uncle, who kept his true identity a secret. However, they likely would have been kinder to the boy wizard had they known he had access to a sizable fortune. But how did Harry Potter get so rich?

]]> Wed, 03 May 2023 18:00:13 GMT https://www.cbr.com/why-harry-potter-parents-rich/ Mashle: Magic and Muscles presents itself as "Saitama goes to Hogwarts," but this shonen anime also has surprisingly deep themes that connect it to Harry Potter in more meaningful ways than wizards and Hogwarts schools. Mashle's third anime episode proved that when Mash's struggle as a powerhouse Muggle became more personal.

]]> Wed, 03 May 2023 16:00:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/mashle-magic-muscles-mash-burnedead-vs-draco-malfoy-lloyd/ The bustling world of cinema has seen countless exciting projects make it to the big screen. Although these movies have become known for their star-studded casts, many of these high-profile releases could have turned out differently. With news that Tim Roth was almost cast as Harry Potter's Professor Snape recently doing the rounds (Via Startefacts), moviegoers have been discussing similar roles that were nearly played by other actors.

]]> Wed, 03 May 2023 15:40:13 GMT https://www.cbr.com/actors-almost-cast-in-popular-roles/ Wizards are born with magical powers in the Harry Potter universe. A young wizard first comes in contact with their magic by making things happen. In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Harry made a glass wall disappear and reappear just by staring at it. His mother, Lily, was able to make a flower blossom in her palm in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Wandless magic is a wizard's natural-born ability and can be very powerful.

]]> Wed, 03 May 2023 14:00:13 GMT https://www.cbr.com/why-doesnt-hogwarts-teach-wandless-magic-harry-potter/

]]> Wed, 03 May 2023 00:00:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/harry-potter-how-voldemort-horcruxes-destroyed/ Mashle: Magic and Muscles doesn't bother hiding the fact that it parodies the wizarding world of Harry Potter, and that's what makes it interesting. It likes poking fun at the renowned franchise's details, including the titular character's unique lightning scar. However, what started as a parody detail has now become a quirky power-leveling scale in the series.

]]> Tue, 02 May 2023 19:00:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/mashle-magic-muscles-harry-potter-lightning-scar-power-leveling-scale/ The pejorative "plot hole" has been used so much in online movie discourse that it practically lost all meaning. Ostensibly, plot holes are contradictions or oversights in the story that are so impossible to ignore that they "ruin" the movie. However, if fans think about some of the biggest movie plot holes, it's clear that they're anything but.

]]> Tue, 02 May 2023 18:40:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/biggest-non-plot-holes-movies/ Harry Potter franchise alum Emma Watson reveals she "wasn't very happy" in Hollywood despite earning countless accolades throughout her acting career, leading her to leave the industry altogether.

]]> Tue, 02 May 2023 16:50:40 GMT https://www.cbr.com/emma-watson-explains-quit-acting/ Hermione Granger had an impressive debut in the Harry Potter franchise when she successfully performed the eyeglasses repair spell "Oculus Reparo" on the train to Hogwarts. Of course, her soon-to-be classmate, Ron, who grew up in a wizard family, had no idea how to do a real spell. After that point, Hermione was cherished for her intelligence and advanced magical skills beyond her years. But one question stuck out about that scene in the train -- as a muggle-born witch with no background in magic, how did Hermione learn to perform magic and even know more about Hogwarts than most pure-blood?

]]> Tue, 02 May 2023 13:00:32 GMT https://www.cbr.com/hermione-learn-magic-before-hogwarts-harry-potter/ HBO Max - now just Max - is poised to launch a rebooted Harry Potter franchise for a new generation of fantasy and action/adventure fans. Rebooting this huge, legendary franchise and appealing to fans of all ages is a monumental challenge, but it also provides some exciting opportunities.

]]> Mon, 01 May 2023 18:40:13 GMT https://www.cbr.com/hbo-harry-potter-reboot-fix-movies/ The Harry Potter universe's most charming quality has always been how it could hold so many characters who have unique and interesting backgrounds. For example, while Harry's story is the main focus, it's hard not to be enthralled by the tragic tale of Remus Lupin or the bravery of the Longbottoms. As a result, there's always a story to be told, even if Harry wasn't there to witness it. A great example of this was with the Weasley family, who have had their own fair share of exciting adventures over the years.

]]> Mon, 01 May 2023 02:00:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/bill-weasley-attack-werewolf-traits-harry-potter/ Harry Potter is packed full of awesome magic scenes and battles. But, sometimes the magic is very Muggle-like. It’s not far-fetched to think that wizards require some services that Muggles use every day. The idea of a magical bus, however, is a pretty interesting part of the Wizarding World. But, it’s a bit strange how the Knight Bus randomly shows up for Harry Potter when he needs it in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

]]> Sun, 30 Apr 2023 20:00:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/how-knight-bus-found-harry-potter/ Powerful characters are quite common in fiction, particularly in the action, sci-fi, and fantasy genres. While strength is often measured using physical attributes, it can also include abstract concepts like willpower, manipulative charm, and literal magic.

]]> Sun, 30 Apr 2023 14:30:13 GMT https://www.cbr.com/moive-overpowered-strongest-characters-nerfed/ The Harry Potter franchise is set to make its debut on the small screen. After rumors of a television adaptation floated for months, Warner Bros confirmed a reboot of the iconic series for the streaming service, Max, with a ten-year commitment. This announcement was met with unprecedented fan pushback, many of whom felt that it was still too early for a live-action reboot of the series. It’s simply been done. An anime remake, on the other hand, might be just the breath of fresh air the Wizarding World needs to catapult it to a new level of relevancy.

]]> Sun, 30 Apr 2023 14:00:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/harry-potter-reboot-anime-form-potential/ Horcruxes are nearly indestructible objects in which a powerful wizard uses dark magic to hide a piece of their soul, with the intention of becoming immortal. Before the events of Harry Potter, Voldemort intentionally split his soul into seven pieces and hid them in meaningful items. Because the Dark Lord had placed parts of his soul in seven Horcruxes, it was nearly impossible for Harry, Ron, and Hermione to defeat him. To destroy a Horcrux and the soul piece it contains, the item must be damaged beyond repair, and its eradication may come with spilling blood.

]]> Sat, 29 Apr 2023 16:40:13 GMT https://www.cbr.com/harry-potter-horcrux-order-destroyed-hogwarts/ When taking a series of books and turning them into films, there are bound to be differences. J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series is no exception, and that includes the number of films that came out of the seven books about Harry's ongoing battle with the Dark Lord Voldemort. In total, there are eight films in the franchise, with the seventh and final book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows being split in two to ensure a satisfying conclusion to the story as a whole.

]]> Fri, 28 Apr 2023 17:01:13 GMT https://www.cbr.com/harry-potter-movies-how-many-release-order/ HBO's recent announcement about rebooting Harry Potter as a television series has left fans divided. While on one hand many are eager and excited to see how the new adaptation will pan out, others believe that the beloved original film series' legacy should be left untouched.

]]> Fri, 28 Apr 2023 14:10:13 GMT https://www.cbr.com/challenges-harry-potter-reboot-needs-to-overcome/ The Harry Potter franchise, for the most part, holds up in the entertainment world and has an extremely loyal fanbase. However, there's a lot about the franchise that irks people. While it's kind of an insignificant part of the Harry Potter franchise, the game of Quidditch is one of the most controversial elements of the magical story.

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