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OCTOBER 16, 2006 at 11:39 AM
Posted by GERI
Source: Jim Hill Media via Wizard News
An interesting piece of news has appeared online this morning pointing out that JK Rowling has signed a letter of intent, giving Disney the right to begin preliminary development of a theme park-related project featuring the Harry Potter characters.
According to the article
:
And given Ms. Rowling's reputation for being one tough negotiator (Case in point: When Warner Bros. was getting ready to produce the very first "Harry Potter" film, the studio insisted that at least one actor in the cast be a "name." To be specific, Warners wanted Robin Williams for the role of Hagrid. But J.K. absolutely refused to allow the studio to cast this Academy-award winning comedian as Hogwart's big-hearted gamekeeper. And given that one of the terms of the sale of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone movie rights was that the author had final approval over the film's cast ... Well, that's how Robbie Coltrane wound up filling Hagrid's over-sized boots) ... Just because Disney now has a letter of intent with J.K. Rowling doesn't mean that you should plan on queuing up for Harry Potter: The Ride anytime soon.
The article also goes on to mention that the release of the last book is scheduled for July 7, 2007 -- which as of this moment is just a wish date for fans, as no word on a publication date has been released by reliable sources.
A few years ago, the same publication touched upon the same story whereby they indicated that AOL Time Warner actually owned the rights to the characters.
Now while this article may whet the appetite of those theme park loving fans, please note that no word has been released from Rowling's camp and we may yet read about this in the 'rumor' section of her site, but if we hear anything we will let you know.
UPDATE: As pointed out above as to the validity of this information, JK Rowling's representatives have denied that there is any 'signed letter of intent' between Rowling and Disney.
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Head Girl
Points: 427
shadowquill says:
I'm only shocked that J.K. Rowling approved of the idea of a theme park ride and not the idea of an opera. Sure, at first thought an opera sounds quirky and not right for the series, but as a music lover I believe if the right composer shouldered the challenge it could be excellent. Anyways, back to the topic of a themed ride: I'd enjoy it, sure. I'd probably wish to visit Disney World again soon, but quite frankly, I find that idea less attractive than having a Harry Potter opera. Sure, kids will love it, but its only Disney trying to make as much cash as possible. Harry Potter is such an art at this point, it deserves more respect than something like...say...well, I shouldn't give an example lest I offend someone, but certain popular series were written solely for profit. I believe Harry Potter is of a different calibur than your average trend, and it shouldn't become like a song on the radio you've heard too many times. Its a delicacy. ;) Savor it,obsess over it (which I do. all the time), but don't commercialize it.
Posted Oct 17, 2006 at 2:24 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 4th Class
Points: 1347
Chudley_Cannons_Rule! says:
Oh wow! That would be so incredible if Disney actually did build a Harry Potter theme park! I would definitely live there! (figuratively of course) Would it be too much to hope for this to be true (eventually)? L0L
Posted Oct 17, 2006 at 2:25 PM EST
Witch
Points: 651
Therin Ennui says:
Harry Potter: The Ride would get me to a Disney park. Until then I refuse.
Posted Oct 17, 2006 at 2:25 PM EST
Head Girl
Points: 427
shadowquill says:
Actually, having read over my last post, I would like to express my appreciation that JKR is being just as particular as with the movies. Without her keeping the purity and perfection of everything the way it is meant to be, imagine how horrid things could have been! :) Thanks JKR!!!
Posted Oct 17, 2006 at 2:28 PM EST
Prefect
Points: 302
xGryffindorGirlx says:
Wow. I'm glad they didn't get Robin Williams for the part of Hagrid. I'm not sure if a Harry Potter themed ride is such a good idea though.
Posted Oct 17, 2006 at 4:24 PM EST
Head Girl
Points: 453
sparkle_fairy92 says:
That would be cool if there was like a Harry Potter ride or something!!! To bad its not true...
Posted Oct 17, 2006 at 5:40 PM EST
Auror
Points: 2313
loopy looney says:
Too bad it was just another false rumor, i wonder if it will show up on her site??
Posted Oct 17, 2006 at 8:29 PM EST
Head Boy
Points: 459
hjgfan1 says:
I would take my kids, that would be so cool.
Posted Oct 17, 2006 at 8:41 PM EST
Witch
Points: 566
lupinsgal24 says:
Well, it would be a cool idea but I didn't really believe it. Maybe in the future...who knows!
Posted Oct 17, 2006 at 10:38 PM EST
Auror
Points: 3045
Tinker.belle says:
A Harry Potter theme park? Wow. That´s going to be sooo cool. Can´t wait til it´s finished =) It will be a great success.
Posted Oct 17, 2006 at 10:58 PM EST
Witch
Points: 914
hp-luver says:
Wow! That's pretty cool! Disney rides must be really cool, although I've never been on one. But if they want to make a Harry Poter themed ride, the rest of the rides must be awesome! JK Rowling shouldn't have to sign the letter, but if she did, it would be so cool.
Posted Oct 18, 2006 at 12:05 AM EST
Custodian of Miracles
Points: 3264
MadamDumbledore says:
Oh my goodness! Why didn't I think of that!!! It will not only be a heap of fun, but it will also make a fortune.
I can't wait to see what they will include in the theme.
Posted Oct 18, 2006 at 4:18 AM EST
Squib
Points: 161
Boxee says:
I'm really glad Robin Williams isn't playing the role of Hagrid. The character of Hagrid wouldn't suit him at all!
Posted Oct 18, 2006 at 8:21 AM EST
Professor
Points: 1065
GeeMessy says:
Robin Williams as Hagrid?
I love him, he is a hilarious actor but not right for that role.
A Harry Potter ride would be great. I hope in the years to come they make one.
Posted Oct 18, 2006 at 2:16 PM EST
Witch
Points: 693
Marietta Edgecombe says:
Ahhhh-- that would have been so awesome.
I LOOOVVVVEEEEE Disney!!
It would have been great for them to pair up, but ah well... -shrug-
Posted Oct 18, 2006 at 3:24 PM EST
Auror
Points: 3647
Anastasia Popovick says:
Wow! I am so glad that JK stood her ground! I love Robin Williams as an actor but not as our Hagrid. Robbie Coltrane was the perfect choice for Hagrid.
I love the idea of a HP theme park. I hope that they don't leave out major characters when they are developing rides and such.
I hope that statement about 7/7/07 beieng the book release date is true too! So close to knowing what happens, so close...
Posted Oct 18, 2006 at 3:50 PM EST
Head Girl
Points: 480
Geowitch says:
I'll reserve judgment until this is discussed by JKR herself. I have a feeling she will address this issue soon in her rumours section. I hope so anyway.
Posted Oct 18, 2006 at 5:31 PM EST
Forgetful Werewolf
Points: 14831
Patronus_Potter says:
Hmmm interesting.
We shall have to wait and see, but it doesn't seem as though there is much validity in their statements.
Posted Oct 18, 2006 at 6:20 PM EST
Prefect
Points: 341
i_am_hermione says:
I am SO glad that this is not true :) Don't scare me like that!
Posted Oct 18, 2006 at 7:21 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 1st Class
Points: 1970
Jekca says:
Oh, and the begin of the false info pours out (Storge, or whatever it was.)
I find this period of inaccuracy rather hilarious. You really have to wonder how they can get away with this. I work for a paper and I can say someone said false stuff, I just can't claim fact if it isn't.
Gotta be real careful about that. Do NOT want to end up in court.
Posted Oct 18, 2006 at 9:06 PM EST
Professor
(Moderator)
Points: 1180
Vermin Jerky says:
Oh my God. They were going to cast who as Hagrid? I had never heard this. *faints* I can't even fathom it. I mean I really can't imagine this.
I actually like Robin Williams but this makes me slightly sick. It would have been an absolute tragedy. I can't even imagine what he would have... oh. I can't even pursue this. Thank God JKR had the guts to say absolutely not.
But I would love for the ride thing to eventually come to fruition. Wouldn't that be a blast? Oh if they make one they had better not just do Disney World. As a So. Cal. resident if one went up in Florida but not here I'd have to lose my mind.
Posted Oct 18, 2006 at 9:09 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 3rd Class
Points: 1457
Lexii*Chiita says:
That would be kinda cool :) And I agree with the fact that Robbie Cotrane makes the best Hagrid ever :)
Posted Oct 18, 2006 at 10:27 PM EST
Witch
Points: 629
Melde says:
oh my god. I really DON'T want to see them as partners. I don't actually hate disney, but I don't think Disney is the right firm to do it.
and it should be in england. not america. It's so damn typical if it's going to be in america.
Posted Oct 19, 2006 at 9:04 AM EST
Witch
Points: 916
aishaishaisha says:
I hope they don't 'Disneyfy' it. That would ruin it and turn it into one of those overly happy, overly bright things that only five year olds like and that everyone else has to wear sunglasses to look at.
Posted Oct 19, 2006 at 12:28 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 1st Class
Points: 1955
DanFan723 says:
Disney can be quite controlling at times, wanting to own and control everything. Like what happen when Pixar joined them and the big fight they had over Finding Nemo.
J.K. Rowling should be careful and keep the most of the shares and control if she does want to get into business with Disney.
Posted Oct 19, 2006 at 6:30 PM EST
Head Girl
Points: 442
dalishka says:
Disney and harry???.... I dont think that is a good thing ... i mean I love Disney but harry potter and disney are two very different things... As for Robin williams as Hagrid.... He is a good actor but I dont imagine him as hagrid... Good that JK has a great mind and control over those things... She should direct the movies as well.. They will be sooo much better...
Posted Oct 19, 2006 at 11:46 PM EST
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