Earlier this month, rumors were aflame that Harry Potter and the Cursed Child might become a big screen feature somewhere down the line. As the only canonical Harry Potter media not to be a film, it would not be a surprise if it does end up becoming a full scale production.
However, this installment has been far from unanimously well-received, and there’s definite trepidation from fans over its quality. Some people simply don’t mind whether a new film comes out or not, but it’s important to consider why the other majority aren’t so welcoming to this prospect. To this end, here are 5 reasons why Cursed Child should be a movie and 5 why it shouldn’t.
Should: It’s A Guaranteed Success
We’re of course speaking on the studio’s behalf here, but it’s plainly obvious that no matter what sort of Harry Potter movie may come out, almost every fan will flock to the theaters. This was confirmed with the success of Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them.
With Harry and company having last been seen onscreen almost ten years ago, you can bet fans would love to have the same kind of magical experience of watching a new film in cinemas once more. And with an entirely new generation of fans, the film is a guaranteed money-spinner.
Shouldn’t: It Would Ruin Deathly Hallows - Part 2
There really could not have been a more perfect ending for the film series, with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2 answering every fan’s wish. The ending had a tone of finality to it, where the music from the first part was brought back to ensure it all felt like a circle closing.
Now, if that sense of closure and tranquility will be opened up by new conflict, the impact of Deathly Hallows - Part 2 will be snatched away. Watching the original series won’t feel like a complete package now that we’ll know that Cursed Child has ruined the former sentiment.
Should: Inclusion Onscreen
Hermione’s ethnicity was changed up in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, with JK Rowling claiming that she had never made clear what her race was in the books. Since we’ve all accepted this fact, it would make sense to see that onscreen.
Rowling has already been doled out major criticism for being retroactively inclusive rather than showing it in the books, so this would be the best opportunity to make the Harry Potter universe feel diverse.
Shouldn’t: Continuity Issues With Different Cast
It’s a long shot that all the cast would return for the new film, especially when the main trio of actors seem reluctant to do so. This would mean that the cast would be mixed up with former actors returning, but also with new actors portraying previously established characters.
There would be a major continuity problem in this case, as the transition from Deathly Hallows - Part 2 to Cursed Child really would not make sense when we’d have an entirely different looking Harry, Ron, or Hermione. It’s not like everyone keeps up with the news, meaning a portion of the fanbase won’t have a clue what the heck just happened.
Should: Chance To See Voldemort And Delphini
Seeing the night of the Potters’ attack by Voldemort has always been a point of intrigue for fans who especially enjoyed Snape’s flashback sequence with Lily’s body, as it presented a different point of view.
In Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, the machinations of Voldemort and Bellatrix’s daughter causes the characters to travel back in time to the night of the Potters’ death, which makes for a fascinating scene that would look good onscreen. If done right, Delphini could come across as a suitable successor to the main antagonist of the series.
Shouldn’t: The Story Isn’t Good
There’s no denying that the story for Cursed Child is really quite bad compared to the original seven novels. Here, the story is a case of extreme confusion, as the main characters cause something of a “Flashpoint Paradox” by messing around with Time-Turners.
All in all, it’s like The Butterfly Effect with a dash of Harry Potter dark magic that messes with the mind. A vast majority of the fanbase was put off by this storyline, dubbing it as fan fiction that was made canon. Watching this storyline unfold would ruin the previously established stories from Harry’s youth, and nobody wants that.
Should: There Might Be Story Changes
Then again, there can be liberties taken when bringing the play to the big screen, and perhaps this is where wrongs could be turned into rights. Since the plot of the play isn’t widely known, they could easily change things up to make it more presentable for the film-viewing audience.
This could rectify major faults like characterizations or plot holes, leading to a more cohesive story that could be fun to check out. Transitioning certain aspects from the play already seem difficult, so the sky’s the limit as far as creativity could go in making Cursed Child a better story.
Shouldn’t: Not Much Of The Main Trio
Make no mistake the name of the story has Harry Potter in it, but Harry is far from the main character. He’s there in a supporting capacity, and that too is in such a way that he doesn’t even feel like he’s the same Harry we once knew.
Along with that, Ron and Hermione don’t have meatier roles either; instead Ron seems like a bumbling husband to Hermione’s over-competent Minister for Magic. The winning point of the series was the friendship between these three, but that’s not what the Cursed Child gives us.
Should: Better Special Effects
The special effects of even Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone hold up after almost twenty years; with advancements in this field in the last decade, we could have an amazing experience with the theatrical version of Cursed Child.
Those who’ve watched the play found the magical scenes rather laughable, which makes sense, as bringing magic to life without special effects is like playing make-believe. With the benefit of a huge budget, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child could win hearts by making the plot come alive through the use of incredible CGI and stunt sequences.
Shouldn’t: Awful Main Character
The biggest problem from Harry Potter and the Cursed Child was the weak protagonist. Albus Severus had none of the features of his namesake or his father; instead, his characterization was that of an entitled whiner.
You don’t even feel sympathy for him, as everything bad that happens in the plot is of his own doing. Albus’ insecurities make no sense either, since he was always surrounded by supportive people, and his best friend being Malfoy’s son makes the whole thing seem like a fan fiction where Harry and Draco ended up becoming best buddies. The only way the film could work is if Albus Severus’ character was majorly changed, to the point that he comes across as an entirely new person.
