It's time to let Harry Potter go

Harry Potter was an unparalleled phenomenon, a literary and cinematic milestone that will be remembered as a defining event from the late 1990s through the early 2000s. Its influence, success, and scale set a nearly unbeatable precedent, creating a topic of conversation that’s still relevant today. Not to mention its commercial power, which continues to drive sales of merchandise, video games, and theater performances. There's no doubt: if something is Harry Potter-branded, it will sell.

Entire generations—perhaps two or even three—were raised with the books of the young wizard, in front of their TVs or at the movies whenever a new film premiered, visiting places from the wizarding world, snapping photos at Platform 9¾, and proudly wearing a scarf of their Hogwarts house. I am one of them. To me, Harry Potter was a refuge, a home, magic within magic. I reread the books countless times, each time needing a way to escape from reality. The last time? During university, on my Kindle, since my original copies are completely worn out.

The Harry Potter Adults

I’m not alone. Even today, thousands, perhaps millions, of fans continue to express their passion on social media and beyond, gathering in costume, sparking debates, and purchasing re-editions and related products. Their dedication is so visible that it has led to memes (“Carmela, you’re 28—maybe it’s time to find a new hobby?”), often poking fun at adult fans of the saga, and to the label Harry Potter Adults. While the fandom’s self-designation is Potterheads, the internet has associated them with the similarly critiqued Disney Adults. According to critics, both groups are seen as unable to move on from youthful obsessions, especially when comparing real-world political or social events to moments like when Dolores Umbridge seized control of Hogwarts to establish an authoritarian regime with the Ministry of Magic’s support.

J.K. Rowling's Views

Having passions is always wonderful, positive, and constructive, and we’re far from condemning it outright. However, it’s worth noting that holding onto childhood interests so tightly can close us off from exploring new things. Moreover, J.K. Rowling’s virulently transphobic and hostile views have pushed many fans away; they no longer feel comfortable supporting (even financially) a product that, when viewed with a contemporary lens and considering the writer’s Twitter presence—which often seeks to harmfully impact trans women’s lives—shows more flaws than we may have once noticed, especially in terms of inclusivity.

The Traditional Mediaset Marathon, the TV Series, and a Proposal: Should We Move On?

Despite everything, a new TV series has been announced, one that will revisit the books as source material, redoing what the eight films accomplished but with more depth and a new cast. Meanwhile, social media users are eagerly awaiting the annual Harry Potter marathon on Mediaset, which each winter broadcasts a Harry Potter film weekly. This tradition, however, hasn’t been confirmed this year for unknown reasons. Maybe it’s an opportunity to gently let go of our childhood favorite and invest the time we’d save by picking up a new book, another series, new characters that are equally compelling but fresh. And if, in the process of discovering something else, we could also take a platform away from a powerful and transphobic individual, then so much the better.