Mumbai’s Harry Potter fans weigh in on HBO’s upcoming reboot and new cast

My interest was sparked by the adventure of a young boy discovering a hidden wizarding world. From the introduction to Hogwarts, the magic, action-packed battles, and very cool lines, it was amazing. I think the actors look very much like us, of our age and in school. That makes it all the more exciting. Though I like the main characters, I want to see more of Hermione’s story. I hope they include more scenes of her using the Time Turner in school.
Shanaya Chadha, 10, student, Vikhroli

Harry Potter is special

A scene from the films featuring Dobby the house elf. Pics Courtesy/@Harry Potter on YouTube

I first watched Harry Potter with my mom. She loved it, and we would talk about Hogwarts and magic. I loved the magic, but I liked how Harry, Ron, and Hermione always stood up for each other even more. My favourite scene was when Harry looked into the Mirror of Erised and saw his parents.

I am excited about the new series. It is different, but that’s okay. I want them to show more things  — like Peeves the Poltergeist. He was really funny in the books. I’d also love to see more of Dobby and his story.
Aarav Mehta, 9, student, Vikhroli East

Teen talk

Go emo

A scene featuring Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley), Emma Watson (Hermione Granger), and Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter)

My aunt and uncle introduced me to Harry Potter. It opened up a whole new magical world for me. One of the most unforgettable moments was when Sirius Black was introduced — the mysterious, wrongly accused wizard who turned out to be Harry’s godfather.

I was so shocked and devastated by his death that I cried, and I couldn’t continue reading the book for a fortnight. When I heard about the new series, I literally screamed with excitement. The cast, especially Dominic McLaughlin as Harry, Arabella Stanton as Hermione, and Alastair Stout as Ron look perfect.
Kanak Sanghavi, 17, student, Borivli

Gen Z to the fore

A new interpretation

I had watched the movies when I was in Grade 2. When I got to know they were based on the books, I wanted them. It is still so magical, especially the first book when Harry discovers his powers. One moment he is an orphan boy next door, and the next moment he is the OG.

I cannot picture anyone other than Emma [Watson] as Hermione. Same with the rest. My brother has already sworn off the series. But let’s give it a chance. I hope they expand on the backstory of the Dursleys. I feel they were harshly treated as evil, but there is an emotional core to Petunia Dursley.
Smritika Mishra, 23, learning specialist, Chembur

Focus on the Marauders

My brother got the box set first, as a gift, when he was 10-years-old. I started reading with him. Despite the familiar motifs, you cannot deny that the books were pioneering in the genre at the time. The reboot is a great idea. Many Gen Z or Gen Alpha do not recall the movies anymore.

The controversy over the casting is overdone though. I want to see characters fleshed out well. In the movies, Ginny and Ron Weasley were given poor treatment. Also, I would love to see an entire episode on Snape’s background, on the four friends — James Potter, Remus Lupin, Sirius Black, and Peter Pettigrew.
Vanshika Paharia, 24, professional, Goregaon

Millennial, ahoy

Quidditch games

I think the series is a good way to reach out to Gen Alpha and Gen Z. My first memory of the book is reading in the school library. In fact, I am still surprised my convent school stocked Harry Potter. Without getting into JK Rowling’s politics, the world building in the books, as well as the films, are quite impressive.

Everyone has the creative liberty to rebuild it. The idea of a female actor play Voldemort might be shocking to some, but you have to realise that it is part of moviemaking. Personally, I would like to see more Quidditch. It can be quite action-packed, and add a touch of sporting cinema to the fantasy genre.
Nirav Mehta, 34, founder, Broke Bombay Bibliophiles (Mumbai chapter)

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