Both Harry Potter and Pixar are two of the most powerful franchises in entertainment history, and this recent amalgamation of the two has fans begging for more.
The Harry Potter film franchise, based on the novels by J.K. Rowling, consists of eight movies that chronicle the coming-of-age journey of a young wizard, Harry Potter, and his friends as they navigate the magical world and face the dark forces led by the dark wizard Lord Voldemort.
The main actors include Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter, Emma Watson as Hermione Granger, and Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley. Other notable cast members include Alan Rickman as Severus Snape, Maggie Smith as Minerva McGonagall, and Ralph Fiennes as Lord Voldemort.
The series begins with Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (released as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in the U.S.) and is followed by Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, and concludes with a two-part adaptation of the final book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
The franchise achieved immense box office success, becoming one of the highest-grossing film series in history. The films collectively earned over $7.7 billion worldwide, solidifying their cultural impact and popularity. The success of the Harry Potter movies extends beyond the box office, contributing to a global phenomenon that includes theme park attractions, merchandise, and a dedicated fan base.
Universal Orlando Resort, as well as other Universal theme parks around the world have introduced Harry Potter-themed lands titled The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. In Orlando, the land which was first added into Islands of Adventure became so popular that a second opened at Universal Studios Florida. Now, Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley exist in real-life, and fans of the story can jump into the books and movies with a wand in one hand and a Butterbeer in the other.
Below is a list of the attractions guests are able to enjoy:
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey: This ride, located in both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley, uses state-of-the-art technology to simulate a journey through Hogwarts Castle and various magical landscapes. Riders encounter Dementors, dragons, and other magical creatures.
- Flight of the Hippogriff: This family-friendly coaster in Hogsmeade allows guests to experience the thrill of riding a Hippogriff. The ride provides stunning views of the castle and the surrounding Wizarding World.
- Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure: This roller coaster, located in Hogsmeade, is a high-speed, thrilling ride through the Forbidden Forest. It features groundbreaking coaster technology and brings guests close to magical creatures from the Wizarding World.
- Escape from Gringotts: Found in Diagon Alley, this multi-dimensional thrill ride combines 3D effects, live-action sequences, and innovative ride technology to simulate a journey through the Gringotts Bank vaults.
- Hogwarts Express: Travel from Hogsmeade to Diagon Alley on the Hogwarts Express.
Soon, the Ministry of Magic will open at Epic Universe, the upcoming Universal theme park set to debut in 2025.
While the Harry Potter franchise has proven itself time and time again ti be immensely popular, especially with the recent debut of Hogwarts’s Legacy, there are certain characters and actors that are highly beloved by fans. Including Alan Rickman’s Severus Snape, Dark Arts professor at Hogwarts.
Rickman’s breakthrough on the big screen came with his role as the villainous Hans Gruber in the action film Die Hard (1988).
Throughout his career, Alan Rickman took on a diverse range of roles, showcasing his talent in various genres. Some of his notable films include Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991), Sense and Sensibility (1995), Dogma (1999), and Love Actually (2003).
Tragically, Alan Rickman passed away on January 14, 2016, at the age of 69. His death was attributed to pancreatic cancer. Rickman’s departure was mourned by the entertainment industry and fans worldwide, especially Potter fans.
Now, a Pixar-style animation is bringing back the beloved character.
Pixar Animation Studios is renowned for its groundbreaking contributions to the animation industry, particularly in the realm of computer-animated feature films. Established in 1986 as the Graphics Group, a division of Lucasfilm, it later became an independent studio under the name Pixar in 1986, following its acquisition by Apple Inc. co-founder Steve Jobs.
Some of Pixar’s most celebrated films include Toy Story, Up, Inside Out, Cars, Coco, Elemental and Soul. The studio’s commitment to quality animation and storytelling has garnered numerous awards, including multiple Academy Awards for Best Animated Feature.
In 2006, Pixar became a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, but it continues to operate independently under the leadership of its creative minds, including chief creative officer Pete Docter.
Now, Wizard World (@wizardworld) on Instagram has shared Pixar-style art of what it would have looked like if Snap raised Potter.
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The post has now gone viral and has hundreds of fans commenting on how much they love the artwork, and theorizing that there could have been a world where Snape was, in fact, Harry’s dad. While Rickman has passed, it is heartwarming to see him come back to life, in a sense, with these images. While this is not a film just yet, it certainly could be the start of one.
Through the images, we can see that Snape would have been tough on Harry at times, while still opening his heart to him, which was a side of Snape we rarely caught a glimpse of in the films.
Would you like to see a Pixar-style animation of Harry Potter?