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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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Magical Sanitary Supplier
Points: 2518
5225 says:
This is an unlikely news. Warner bros and Disnay are not affiliated and suddenly Disney wants to have a "HARRY POTTER" related in its parks? it is like putting oil over water. unlikely to merge.
Posted Oct 27, 2006 at 6:07 AM EST
Muggle
Points: 67
cileia lovegood says:
it's just a rumor like all rumors about JK and HP...
I don't think JK will be a disney's partner
Posted Oct 27, 2006 at 10:52 AM EST
Princess of Cleverness
Points: 5207
unicorn_purple says:
Wow that is really cool!!
I'm looking forward for the coming movies.
Posted Oct 28, 2006 at 10:45 AM EST
Auror
Points: 2465
undisputed760 says:
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."
Posted Oct 29, 2006 at 12:34 AM EST
Prefect
Points: 312
LithiumVeela<3 says:
Interesting .... thats very Interesting
Posted Oct 29, 2006 at 1:28 AM EST
Auror
Points: 3252
Tenshi says:
oh no... not Disney... That's going to make HP seem so childish... Which is what the series is NOT! But I wouldn't mind an HP ride I guess... =D
Posted Oct 29, 2006 at 10:57 PM EST
Dumbledore's Muse
Points: 2959
Alchemical Auror says:
Oh man, how cool would a Potterverse ride be!!!
Pity its not going to happen...
I couldn't imagine Robin Williams as Hagrid, it just doesn't feel right... good on JKR for sticking her, I mean Hagrid's, boots...
Posted Oct 30, 2006 at 6:53 AM EST
Gryffindor's Captain
Points: 15176
DarkVamp says:
Haha, this would be pretty cool to have and all... like a theme park o harry potter.
Posted Nov 12, 2006 at 12:00 AM EST
Order of Merlin, 4th Class
Points: 1218
hermygrangergirl says:
Hahah. I can scarcely imagine Harry Potter- the Ride.
Posted Nov 12, 2006 at 3:39 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 3rd Class
Points: 1448
Wulfric_Brian says:
Ah! Oh please oh please oh please! This is like my dream come true! I've been wanting an HP theme park for years and years and always wondered why none had ever been started. Do you know how popular that would be? I'd probably live at the park!
Posted Nov 12, 2006 at 8:26 PM EST
Auror
Points: 2307
Queen_Democrat says:
Umm, I love Harry Potter and Disney both, but I think they are like steak and ice cream. They're both good by themselves, but they wouldn't be quite so good while mixing together.
Posted Dec 2, 2006 at 12:23 PM EST
Muggle
Points: 9
Pancakeflipper says:
hahahaha, your kidding right?
yeah as much as i love both of them, i HIGHLY doubt this will happen
okay if it is, im very disapointed with Disney since they are totally different companies and with all those new rides, where are they going to fit it in?
"The New ride just opened up in Animal kingdom in Dinoland! COME NOW AND RIDE THIS SPECTAULAR RIDE!"
er.....yeah that wouldnt fit right? yeah i didnt think so.
...and they'd be going nuts... okay ive been going to Walt Disney World for about 11 years now and my dad thinks hes cool [heh and he like knows ALOT about disney...which is kind of creepy..] and reads news on the theme park like every day and hes like "I never heard of that...and also it would say something the first day they discuss it.."
i have no clue if this is true or not but id be very disappointed... i hope its not..
NOW if it was in like Islands of Adventure thatd be totally sweet..but at disney? No.
sorry for those you think itd be awsome but yeah...
okay im done ranting now..
heh
Posted Dec 10, 2006 at 10:51 PM EST
Eternal Meatball Head
Points: 6171
BellaCullen says:
I would really love a Harry Potter theme park but I don't really think that JKR sould let Disney do it. Its really a Children's place, (I am not saying thats all it is) but they got to keep in mind that most of its visitors are children.
Posted Jun 8, 2007 at 4:47 PM EST
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