As we approach the New Year, I found myself reflecting upon the quite busy year it has been for us in the Potter fandom. Between news of trials, splits, delays, and new projects, many stories made headlines and had us all talkin’. Among the many though are the following – my list of the Top 5 Harry Potter stories of 2008:5. On April 25, Warner Brothers announced that Harry Potter: The Exhibition, "a state-of-the-art exhibition highlighting artifacts from the Warner Brothers films based on J.K. Rowling's beloved book series" would begin its global tour in Spring 2009. And, just a few weeks ago, we found out that the exhibit’s first stop will be in Chicago!! It is slated to open at the Museum of Science and Industry on April 30, 2009. (YEY for me since I live in the Chicago area!!)
4. JKR v. RDR court trial – In 2007, Warner Brothers and J. K. Rowling brought a copyright lawsuit against RDR Books, an independent publishing company. WB and JKR argued that RDR's attempt to publish a for profit version of “The Harry Potter Lexicon,” a free online guide to all things Harry Potter, constituted an infringement of their copyright and a violation of fair use. The trial was held this past Spring from April 14-17, during which JKR, RDR Books, and Steve Van Der Ark all testified in court. A number of reports and statements surfaced during this crucial week for the Potter fandom. In September, the court ruled in Rowling's favor, and publication of the book was blocked.
3. On March 12, after months of rumors, Warner Brothers officially announced that Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows would be split into two separate films. It was later announced that Part 1 would be released in November 2010 and that Part 2 would be released in May 2011.
In a press release confirming the spilt, Warner Brothers said, “In concluding the film franchise, we recognized that Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is packed with vital plot points that complete the story arcs of all of its beloved characters. That said, we feel that the best way to do the book, and its many fans, justice is to expand the screen adaptation of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and release the film in two parts.”
Producer David Heyman said, “Over ten years ago, we made a commitment to Jo Rowling that, above all else, we would be faithful and true to the spirit of her books, and ever since we have endeavored never to compromise on the creative ambitions of the films. The Deathly Hallows is so rich, the story so dense and there is so much that is resolved that after discussing it with Jo, we came to the conclusion that two parts were needed to do it justice.”
2. On July 31st (Harry’s birthday, actually) it was announced that The Tales of Beedle the Bard would be published worldwide on December 4th, with all proceeds going to charity. Originally only to be read by the owners of the seven handwritten copies, JK Rowling decided to share the tales with the fans while benefiting a great charity at the same time. The new edition includes the Tales themselves, translated from the original runes by Hermione Granger, and with illustrations by JKR, along with notes by Professor Dumbledore, which “appear by generous permission of the Hogwarts Headmasters’ Archive.”
As of December 9th, Beedle the Bard has become the fastest selling book of 2008, beating out all of the Twilight novels.
1. On August 14th, Warner Brothers announced that they would delay the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince film until July 17th, 2009.
No other story in 2008 shocked Potter fans around the world as much as the announcement of the film delay. Many speculated over why the decision was made and it prompted sweeping campaigns encouraging Warner Brothers to reconsider their decision. In the end, however, fans were forced to wait. Instead of a full film, fans were given a flurry of production photos and three film trailers, including the official teaser and theatrical trailers. And, with about seven more months until the film’s release, many more teasers and leaks are likely to follow.
