The Rings of Power may be an incredibly divisive franchise title, but Harry Potter’s upcoming adaptation on HBO Max proves it at least had the right idea. Created as a prequel series to explore the Second Age of Middle-earth prior to The Lord of the Rings, The Rings of Power is one of Prime Video’s most successful fantasy dramas.
Nevertheless, die-hard The Lord of the Rings fans take issue with the creative liberties taken by The Rings of Power, especially when it comes to the franchise’s main timeline. Yet, that remains the biggest factor differentiating The Rings of Power from something like HBO’s Harry Potter. For devoted and casual fans alike, the Harry Potter remake is taking major risks.
HBO’s Harry Potter Remake Proves The Rings Of Power Could’ve Been Much Worse
The Upcoming Adaptation Is Already Stoking Controversy
Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter in Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets
Given production started as early as 2021, it’s no surprise that HBO Max’s take on Harry Potter has been a highly-anticipated release. Half a decade after news broke, however, the series is shrouded in controversy— without a single episode released. Everything from the cast to the leaked sets has been scrutinized, but one issue arises as the most common complaint.
Rather than tell an original story based in the Wizarding World or explore new aspects of the ubiquitous franchise, HBO Max’s version will essentially be a remake of the Harry Potter movies which aired from 2001-2011. Choosing to simply retell an already beloved narrative comes with complications, however, and could jeopardize the project’s future from the very beginning.
The eight-episode first season of HBO Max’s Harry Potter is scheduled to premiere in early 2027.
Ironically, this is where The Rings of Power protected The Lord of the Rings’ legacy. For all the changes made that unleashed ripple effects on the overarching lore, The Rings of Power has never attempted to replace Peter Jackson’s iconic films. By making new content additive to the franchise, flagship titles remain somewhat safeguarded by sequels, prequels, and spinoffs.
The Rings Of Power Had The Right Concept, But The Wrong Execution
The Prequel Took The Best Approach
Morfydd Clark as Galadriel holding a sword with her back to a fireball in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power
Of course, every new story told in a franchise is automatically subject to comparison. Yet, while The Rings of Power may be weighed against The Lord of the Rings, there’s no question that they exist in separate realms. Despite the rare overlap, The Ring of Power is a prequel that maintains a safe distance from the original films.
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Prime Video’s 9/10 Fantasy Epic Is Only Getting Better
Prime Video has several fantasy epics on their platform, and one 9/10 entry is a fantasy epic that is only getting better as it continues its run.
That distinction is by far The Ring of Power’s greatest strength as a franchise title. Of course, the prequel series is far from perfect; indeed, the condensed timeline, unnecessary love triangle, and canon alterations leave much to be desired. Nonetheless, HBO’s Harry Potter remake proves The Rings of Power could have been truly disastrous— and not just for super-fans.
Release Date
September 1, 2022
Network
Amazon Prime Video
Showrunner
John D. Payne, Patrick McKay, Louise Hooper, Charlotte Brändström, Wayne Yip
