It is evident that few
series (books or movies) will ever be able to achieve the popularity and esteem
that the Harry Potter novels attained in the past years, and most certainly, none will be able to
enchant readers quite like these novels did.
But fret not, HP fans, after the jump are 5 Things to Look Forward to Until J.K. Rowling Envisions Her Next Major
Franchise . . .
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1. Pottermore
Rowling rocked the HP world by announcing an all new website to be launched in October 2011. For the first time ever, audio and ebook versions of the Harry Potter series will be available for purchase. The site will also feature exclusive materials (more than 18,000 words) about the characters, places and objects of the franchise, and will be an interactive forum for readers to delve even further into the wizarding world. Members will be able to read as well as experience Harry's journey first-hand with online features that allow them to choose a wand, be sorted into a Hogwarts house, and even cast spells and mix potions. In the Youtube video announcing the website above, Rowling explained Pottermore as an “opportunity to say thank you […to a] wonderful, diverse and loyal readership.”
2. The Hunger Games
So it doesn't feature wizards or vampires but The Hunger Games trilogy, written by Suzanne Collins, is bound to keep readers entertained and enthralled. Set in a post-apocalyptic future, the book follows the story of Katniss Everdeen, a 16-year-old who enters a survival competition where she is forced to fight for her life in order to save those she loves. All three books have already been published and the first movie starring Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth is to be released next March.
Don't worry, muggles, reading other books will not make you a traitor to the Potter franchise. In fact, you might actually enjoy it.
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3. The Dark Knight Rises
Here's another midnight premiere HP fans can camp out for on July 20, 2012. America's favorite vigilante returns in the third installment of the Batman series, written and directed by Christopher Nolan. Christian Bale resumes his role as the caped-crusader, fighting off new evils of Gotham City, Bane and Catwoman, played by Tom Hardy and Anne Hathaway.
4. The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn-Part I
It's not too late to jump on the Twilight bandwagon. The soppy yet addictive human-vampire-wolf love triangle will ensue with the first part of the final movie set to be released on Nov. 18. Expect a more graphic, horror-movie feel as Bill Condon, director of Candyman: Farewell to the Flesh (1995), recreates the highly anticipated birth scene of Edward (Robert Pattinson) and Bella's (Kristen Stewart) hybrid baby for the big screen. Yes, they finally do it!
5. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
OK, so maybe fans won't have to give up the beloved Potter series cold turkey. The newest attraction at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida, is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, where they have recreated some of the most influential scenes from the book, including Hogwarts Castle and Hogsmeade Village. Fans can ride one of the three rollercoasters, pick out a wand at Ollivander's, send a letter with an authentic Hogsmeade postmark at the Owl Post, or try a real cup of Butterbeer at the Three Broomsticks.
