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Harry Potter fan has the perfect “what if?” story if “Lord of the Rings” director Peter Jackson had directed the series


Harry Potter fan has the perfect “what if?” story if “Lord of the Rings” director Peter Jackson had directed the series

Directed by several directors in eight films, the interpretation of JK Rowling’s popular books, Harry Potterhas become a highly acclaimed franchise for Potterheads. Because the series offers plenty of room for discussion about characters and fan theories that could become canonical plots, fans have often delved deeply into the magical franchise.

Daniel Radcliffe's Harry Potter during the final battle | Image: Warner Bros.
Harry Potter by Daniel Radcliffe | Image: Warner Bros.

One of these fascinating ideas raised the question: What if the mastermind behind The Lord of the RingsPeter Jackson had the Harry Potter Franchise? Fans imagined a Potterverse led by Jackson and wondered what that alternate reality might have looked like. By mixing Jackson’s distinctive style with JK Rowling’s magical storyline, Potterheads imagined changes that might have been closer to the original.

1. A larger-than-life start for the franchise

Reddit user u/DustSnitch believes that Peter Jackson’s adaptation of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone And Chamber of Secrets would initially mirror Chris Columbus’ approach, but gradually move toward more cinematic flourishes. Much like Columbus, Jackson’s approach would likely introduce the Wizarding World with a mix of whimsy and grandeur.

Peter Jackson. | Image credit: Mike Walen/CCA-BY-SA-3.0/Wikimedia Commons.
Filmmaker Peter Jackson | Image: Mike Walen, licensed under CCA-BY-SA-3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

From the CGI-inspired trolls in the girls’ bathroom to battling them through a storm of magical effects, fans are confident that Peter Jackson’s signature flair would make the film a thrilling adventure. Even the Quidditch scenes would be turned into epic aerial battles, and the finale, unlike Chris Columbus’ version, would not be low-key.

Fans are convinced that Peter Jackson’s Potterverse will feature Harry’s instinctive confrontation with Professor Quirrell and also underline the importance of Voldemort’s dark influence.

2. Darker, more dramatic third year

From The Prisoner of AzkabanFans believe that Peter Jackson’s influence would significantly change the tone. The director would bring the intense, nearly fatal game of Quidditch to the screen, filled with heart-wrenching sequences of near-death experiences and dangerous stunts. Potterheads believe that Jackson’s version would emphasize the high stakes and danger of the sport.

A still from Harry's first Quidditch match at Hogwarts | Warner Bros.
Daniel Radcliffe’s Harry during a Quidditch match | Image: Warner Bros.

Additionally, the Expecto Patronum scene, a moment of personal triumph in the book, would turn into a major battle between Harry and the Dementors in Jackson’s version, fans say. Potterheads imagine this as a dramatic showdown on the tower where Sirius is hidden, and believe Jackson would create a thrilling climax similar to what we’ve seen in his previous works.

3. Peter Jackson’s twist on Goblet of Fire

In Goblet of Firefans expect Peter Jackson to take the grandeur of the Quidditch World Cup and turn it into a breathtaking spectacle. Given that romance is a subtle but crucial part of The Lord of the RingsFans believe that Jackson would focus on Viktor Krum’s character and his romance with Hermione. Their brief relationship would be more of a focus and give their story more depth.

Victor Krum and Hermione Granger during the Yule Ball | Image: Warner Bros.
Victor Krum and Hermione Granger during the Yule Ball | Image: Warner Bros.

The Redditor claimed that while Jackson wouldn’t split the book into two films, he wouldn’t mind extending the runtime to allow for a more detailed depiction of the Triwizard Tournament and its complicated challenges. Therefore, the filmmaker could add even more of the magical creatures and tropes from the book.

4. More focus on Dumbledore’s Army

What Order of the PhoenixPotterheads assume that Peter Jackson is likely to deviate from the source material. In this film, fans believe he may tighten up the narrative by cutting out some of the early, less action-packed scenes. Rather than focusing on the Dursleys or the intricacies of 12 Grimmauld Place, fans believe the director would put the spotlight on Dumbledore’s Army and their training sequences.

Dumbledore's Army in a still from the Harry Potter films | Image: Warner Bros.
Dumbledore’s Army in a still from the Harry Potter Movies | Image: Warner Bros.

The climax is expected to be a grand spectacle, with a focus on the Battle of the Ministry of Magic and a more faithful adaptation of the book’s dramatic finale. Fans believe Neville Longbottom’s evolution from outsider to hero will also be highlighted, drawing parallels to Samwise Gamgee’s role in Jackson’s novel The Return of the King. The Lord of the Rings.

5. A dark and gloomy Half-Blood Prince

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince under Peter Jackson’s direction could turn into a darker and more complex narrative. Fans believe that the filmmaker could add darker undertones to the film to give a hint that war is afoot. The film could even cover Dumbledore’s search for Horcruxes and show his dangerous journey with the same seriousness as Gandalf’s search in The Hobbit.

Daniel Radcliffe and Michael Gambon
Harry and Dumbledore in a still from Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince | Image: Warner Bros.

Well, it’s not just about Dumbledore’s quest, but fans believe Jackson’s version could also feature Lupin’s interactions with the werewolves and Snape’s collaboration with the Death Eaters against the backdrop of a world in turmoil. In addition, the romance between Harry and Ginny is expected to likely reflect the book’s more nuanced approach. It is also expected that a decisive battle at Hogwarts between the Order and the Death Eaters could appear as a longer, action-packed sequence.

6. Deathly Hallows with a Jackson-like detailed narrative

As for the last part of JK Rowling’s book collection, Deathly Hallows is intended to provide a more faithful and grander conclusion for both the characters and the franchise. Reddit user u/DustSnitch believes that even Jackson would split the film into two parts, only he would opt for a longer narrative in Part 2. Just as the director placed much more emphasis on Aragorn and his struggles rather than the hobbits battling with the ring, he would split the narrative between Neville at Hogwarts and Harry’s hunt for Horcruxes.

The Deathly Hallows exhibition | Image: Warner Bros.
The Deathly Hallows exhibition | Image: Warner Bros.

It is believed that Ron’s departure could be replaced by a quicker corruption of the locket Horcrux, leading to a more immediate and dramatic conflict. In addition, the explanation of the Deathly Hallows is expected to be woven throughout the story, with Dumbledore’s obituary, Rufus Scrimgeour’s explanations, and Hermione’s insights seamlessly weaving into the plot.

The final battle is set to be a grand spectacle, with giants and werewolves facing centaurs and other magical creatures in long sequences. Voldemort’s death could even be depicted as a dramatic explosion with green light rather than turning him to ash, which would underline Jackson’s penchant for visually impressive final sequences.

Harry Potter Movies are currently available to watch on Max.

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