Happy New Year! A Review of a Year of Potter

Dec 31, 2012

Posted by: Catherine

News

2012 was the first year in which neither a new Potter novel nor Potter film was released, but that has not slowed us–the mighty fandom–down one bit. In fact, we thrived on a year full of Harry Potter news and excitement. Pottermore kept the fandom feed with new content from J.K. Rowling in its release of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, and the first installment Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. The release of games (Harry Potter Kinect, and Wonder Book: Book of Spells) and movie collections (The Harry Potter Wizard’s Collection, and all of the ultimate editions of the movies are now out) kept us entertained. As well as the fact that now we can all visit the studio where all the magic was made, and shop at the real Platform 9 3/4. With the 15th anniversary of the novel that started it all (Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone), and the 10th anniversary of the theatrical release of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, it was a year to reflect and enjoy all that the Harry Potter empire has brought–and is still bringing.

This year, we have watched the beloved cast of Harry Potter grow and develop beyond the movie set of their childhood. We proudly saw them thrive in all of their post-Potter projects and endeavors; bringing us more joy and entertainment in their new movies and musical performances. Many awards were nominated and received; Helena Bonham Carter received her CBE in January, and Kenneth Branagh was knighted in November. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows–Part 2 was nominated for many awards (5 Empire awards, and 10 Saturn awards, just to name a few), and received quite a few as well.

Ms. Rowling has kept us on our toes from early on in the year. On February 24, J.K. Rowling announced the publication of her first post-Potter, adult novel. She kept us on the edges of our seats as details of this mysterious new book were slowly released. During this excitement, Ms. Rowling received The Freedom of the City of London Award on May 8th. On April 12, J.K. Rowling launched her new website and released the publication date, few plot details, and the title of her new work. The cover art of Ms. Rowling’s new novel was released later this past summer, on July 4th. Ms. Rowling took a break from enticing her fans to make an appearance (with Lord Voldemort) at London’s 2012 Summer Olympic Games. The Casual Vacancy was finally released on September 27, 2012. J.K. Rowling was on the promotional road again, and stirring up a whirlwind as she went!

This coming year, we can only expect many more great things from the world of Potter. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is expanding, and opening in new locations. We are looking forward to the release of many more post-Potter movies from our favorite actors, and J.K. Rowling is working on a children’s novel and expects to be back on the promotional road soon! We here at Leaky have deeply enjoyed this past year with all of you, and we look forward to the years to come for this thriving fandom. We wish you the best, and a very Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!





The Leaky Cauldron is not associated with J.K. Rowling, Warner Bros., or any of the individuals or companies associated with producing and publishing Harry Potter books and films.