10.16.06
JK Rowling signs letter of intent with Disney
Is JK Rowling going to let Disney make theme park attractions out of her Harry Potter books/characters/franchise?
Toward that end, Disney officials very quietly began talks with J.K. Rowling, the acclaimed author of the “Harry Potter” series. And after months of negotiations, Rowling finally signed a letter of intent. Which then awarded the Walt Disney Company the right to begin preliminary development of a theme park-related project featuring the Harry Potter characters.
A letter of intent isn’t a contract, but it’s serious.
What moments from any of the books would make good theme park attractions?
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Lisa said,
October 16, 2006 at 8:31 pm
I think something along the lines of the Haunted Mansion, but at Hogwarts. The boat ride in over the water, the threstral-drawn carriages, the great hall, the Gryffindor common room, the DADA dungeon, Dumbledore’s office. And along the way, talking, funny, sarcastic portraits. Outside the ride could be “Hogsmeade” shops.
Renee said,
October 17, 2006 at 8:00 am
Ok, yes, disney rocks, but why the hell do they want Harry Potter in a Disney theme park????? If anyone can find reasoning of this, please inform me, because this one just takes the cake. I mean, are there no WB parks? I think there is.
Headmaster said,
October 17, 2006 at 6:30 pm
Time Warner sold off most of their Six Flags business a while ago. Warner Brothers characters are still featured in the parks, but I don’t know the extent of the relationship between the two entities.
Renee said,
October 18, 2006 at 9:43 am
*cough*money *cough* scam *cough*… i didn’t say anything…
Renee said,
October 18, 2006 at 9:45 am
Wait, it was a lie. I just read that JKR said she didn’t sign anything of the sort. oh welll, big fuss over nothing.
Tara said,
October 20, 2006 at 6:36 pm
Wow, yea I agree with Renee on this. Why the heck would they put Harry Potter in Disney Theme parks? it makes no sense. I mean, I’ve always thought they should make Harry Potter rides, seeing as it’s like the wizard of oz of our time and its like the best childrens books of the century. but disney should NOT jam them in there. warner brothers should put it in their on frickin park. (i know its for money. but still…)
Tara said,
October 24, 2006 at 4:57 pm
I just heard on Pottercast that the Disney Park thing… not happening. You can go on iTunes and see for yourself… it’s free.
Ryan said,
December 16, 2006 at 3:23 pm
Disney parks are not limited to Disney source material. the observant blogger should notice that Disney has both Star Wars themed attractions (20th Century Fox) and Indiana Jones themed attractions (Paramount/Amblin). The reasoning is that Rowling, like Lucas, retains the rights to their products; They can sell the rights to the attraction to the best bidder. And going to numerous theme parks in my life (and working in one, admittedly a Disney park) it is clear that the best attractions designers in the world are STILL the Disney “Imagineers.”