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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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Witch
Points: 930
lemonlime says:
Nothing against Robin Williams (I actually like many of his movies) but he is just NOT how I imagine Hagrid. Robbie Coltrane does a great job!
Also, I'm afraid that, as great an idea as a Harry Potter ride sounds, Disney may make it too cheesy. Of course, I'll still keep up on the info. It could be great!
Posted Oct 16, 2006 at 2:47 PM EST
Professor
Points: 1029
Magic Dancer K says:
Interesting. I wonder what the ride would consist of. Maybe it would be themed on just one book, or it would be like SMurf mountain (if anyone remembers that) where it's just a ride through the life of.
Posted Oct 16, 2006 at 3:04 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 3rd Class
Points: 1576
ALLI8 says:
That would be cool though. I'd love to go to Disney World and ride a HP ride. They have a starwars won so why not HP? i just hope it's not like lame or anything.
alli8~
Posted Oct 16, 2006 at 3:05 PM EST
Auror
Points: 2209
Scarlett Kent says:
I haven't been to Disneyland since I was a child, but if they make any HP-themed things, I'll definitely go again! I must say if JKR really had final approval on casting, I wonder what she thinks about Michael Gambon's portrayal of Dumbledore. We'll probably never know.
Posted Oct 16, 2006 at 3:06 PM EST
Points: 865
superduperpotter says:
It would be great for disney and J.K ROwling to team up. As long as disney valuse J.K for her work instead of making it their own creation.
Posted Oct 16, 2006 at 3:09 PM EST
Auror
Points: 2363
Nataly says:
I love Disney! Great combination!! It will be a great succes!
Posted Oct 16, 2006 at 3:22 PM EST
Points: 8027
deemz says:
Robin Williams as Hagrid?
Hehehe, thats funny.
Posted Oct 16, 2006 at 3:31 PM EST
Witch
Points: 677
Fawkes's Lament says:
cool. Disney and Harry Potter, it's like my dream come to life!
Posted Oct 16, 2006 at 3:33 PM EST
Hogwarts Psychologist
Points: 4236
Patronus Wiz says:
This is funny.... this story keeps reappearing. Is it real?Is it a rumor? Well, if there's a letter of intent, there's still a ways to go.
Posted Oct 16, 2006 at 3:34 PM EST
Auror
Points: 2108
phoenix_feathers says:
Well, I don't believe it quite yet, but if it were true, I think that it would be very unique and awesome. Walt Disney was an American, and has definitely the most famous collection of movies out there. He truly was a genius when it came to cartoons. I do hope though tha tthis turns out to be more than a rumor. Disney would have their greatest aspect yet, and I might actually consider going there!
Posted Oct 16, 2006 at 3:34 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 4th Class
Points: 1392
SiriusFan says:
If this were/is a valid claim I know that'll be one popular attraction. I know I'd definitely check it out and my daughter would go crazy for it. We'll see if it's a rumor I guess...
Posted Oct 16, 2006 at 3:41 PM EST
Mrs. Draco Malfoy
Points: 27761
Arika Granger Malfoy says:
That would be so cool!!!!!!!!!!!
I would love to go on that ride!!!
Posted Oct 16, 2006 at 3:43 PM EST
Witch
Points: 692
~Remember Snape~ says:
I'm so happy that J.K. Rowling is working with Disney That is awesome. Well a theme park sounds like fun.
Posted Oct 16, 2006 at 3:46 PM EST
Student
Points: 209
yugi900098 says:
Wow Harry Potter the ride Wow. Cant wait!!
Posted Oct 16, 2006 at 3:52 PM EST
Professor
Points: 1186
Godric11 says:
It's going to happen sooner or later...If Disney was to get thier hands on it, I hope they wouldn't make it cheesy for the sake of children...and quick profit.
Posted Oct 16, 2006 at 3:54 PM EST
Witch
Points: 861
star chaser says:
A Harry Potter ride would be fantastic, I would love to go on that ride. Glad JK said no to Robin Williams, he does not have what it takes to play Hagrid.
Posted Oct 16, 2006 at 4:05 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 3rd Class
Points: 1426
~Hermione says:
It is going to be cool if they do a theme park. But I think it is just a rumour.
Posted Oct 16, 2006 at 4:11 PM EST
Witch
Points: 896
QueenOfAmouraq says:
Woah! A Harry Potter ride would be way awesome. I hope it is built!
Posted Oct 16, 2006 at 4:16 PM EST
Professor
Points: 1161
princess165 says:
My thoughts are mixed on this. Although I generally like Disney World and think a Potter ride would be a lot of fun, it seems like commercialization of Harry Potter might be getting out of hand- especially to hand it to Disney, a company that is great for kids but at the same time a corporate monster.
Posted Oct 16, 2006 at 4:18 PM EST
Head Girl
Points: 462
DJan says:
Oh thats good but i think J.K should keep most of the rights to herself.
Posted Oct 16, 2006 at 4:18 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 3rd Class
Points: 1550
the_girl_who_lived89 says:
Hehe...never been to disneyland...but i hope it will be a ride called: Harry's magic wand or something similar :P
Posted Oct 16, 2006 at 4:24 PM EST
Muggle
Points: 59
~*HPfan4ever22*~ says:
That would be sooo amazingly awesome if they did have a disney ride...i'd fly down to Florida every weekend just to ride it...I think they should go for it because it would probably be really successful(with me anyways)
woah! I never knew that Robin Williams could have played Hagrid! that would hve been just plain weird
__________________
Posted Oct 16, 2006 at 4:31 PM EST
Order of the Phoenix
Points: 4073
Eleanor says:
Should be intresting, whether fact of fiction. But if the Artical comes form a paper, which is known to print untruths, then we shouldn't get our hopes up.
Posted Oct 16, 2006 at 4:39 PM EST
Witch
Points: 527
daniel_radcliffe_lover736 says:
Cool, Disney is building a Harry Potter ride, that is so totally awesome I would so make my family go there during the summer.
Posted Oct 16, 2006 at 4:45 PM EST
Witch
Points: 888
HarrySiriusly says:
OK i dont want to sound like a stickler but lets go through some things.
1. This is only a rumor
2. It is a theme park RIDE not a theme park
3. Robin Williams = wonderful actor/comedian but he is no Hagrid
Ok now that i feel better, i hope to hear if this is true or not soon and i also want to hear a confirmation date on the next HP release!
Posted Oct 16, 2006 at 4:54 PM EST
Student
Points: 254
Kurben rules your world!! says:
Well id love a happy potter ride... it would be soo good..
id go there all the time..and be lykke...wooo dont i just rock...=]=]
Posted Oct 16, 2006 at 5:09 PM EST
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