What's happened
James and Oliver Phelps, who played Fred and George Weasley, share their thoughts on the upcoming HBO Harry Potter series and their return to hosting 'Wizards of Baking' on Food Network. They express mixed feelings about the new series and reflect on their long history with the franchise, which is set to debut in 2026.
What's behind the headline?
The twins' lukewarm attitude towards the HBO adaptation highlights a broader tension within the Harry Potter fandom and industry. Their comments suggest a disconnect between the original cast's nostalgic attachment and the new series' attempt to reimagine the franchise for a new audience. The show's casting of new actors for iconic roles and the director's critique of visual similarities indicate a cautious approach to the adaptation, which may impact its reception. Meanwhile, the twins' enthusiasm for 'Wizards of Baking' demonstrates their ongoing connection to the franchise's legacy, leveraging their popularity to engage fans in a different, more playful context. This duality underscores how legacy actors navigate their relationship with franchise reboots—balancing nostalgia with skepticism—and how such projects influence the franchise's future relevance.
What the papers say
The NY Post reports that James and Oliver Phelps have expressed indifference towards the HBO series, stating they 'haven't thought about it' and are only aware of what everyone else knows. They also shared their nostalgic feelings about filming on the original Harry Potter set and their hopes that the new actors enjoy their roles. Meanwhile, other sources, like The Independent and AP News, detail the production of 'Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking,' which the twins host, and include their reflections on filming at Warner Bros. Studios. The series' reception is mixed, with some industry figures like director Chris Columbus criticizing the visual similarities to the original films, suggesting a lack of innovation. The contrasting opinions reveal a divide between the franchise's nostalgic core and its efforts to reinvent itself for new audiences.
How we got here
The Phelps twins played Fred and George Weasley in all eight Harry Potter films, which were released between 2001 and 2011. They have since participated in various projects, including hosting the Food Network show 'Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking,' filmed on the original Warner Bros. set. The upcoming HBO series will adapt each of J.K. Rowling's seven books into a season, with new cast members replacing the original actors. The series has received mixed reactions from the original cast and crew, with some expressing skepticism about its faithfulness to the original films.
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Joanne Rowling CH, OBE, HonFRSE, FRCPE, FRSL, better known by her pen name J. K. Rowling, is a British author, screenwriter, producer, and philanthropist.