According to Warner Bros., magic is not for everyone.
Initially reported by the Associated Press on Saturday, the studio’s powers-that-be are cracking down on unauthorized Harry Potter festivals, eliciting disappointment and frustration from fans.
Festivals are now prohibited from using any “names, places, or objects” associated with the series — which, obviously, rules out pretty much everything except broad concepts. One festival outside Philadelphia, for example, will take on a new, vague “wands and wizards” theme.
Online, fans are mourning the loss of their favorite festivals. Many are, understandably, perturbed by the crackdown, particularly because the Harry Potter franchise is already a huge moneymaker.
“Our family absolutely loved Wizarding Weekend in Ithaca last year,” wrote user @CeliaBedelia. Warner Brothers certainly makes enough money from the Harry Potter franchise without having to shut down these festivals.”
I’m sitting at the airport watching a news report on how they’re cracking down on Harry Potter themed festivals around the world because it’s illegal to have them if there isn’t commercial profit.. The world is fucking pathetic.
— Derbo Mcdurfo (@Dubloadz) June 17, 2018
This is so upsetting. Our family absolutely loved Wizarding Weekend in Ithaca last year. Warner Brothers certainly makes enough money from the Harry Potter franchise without having to shut down these festivals (and stores and dinner parties…yes, even dinner parties!). https://t.co/fbQah5jy1y
— Cecilia (@CeliaBedelia) June 17, 2018
Because there's nothing more whimsical than a crushing corporate hegemony!!! #VoldemortApproves https://t.co/5klpsFMR1G via @thr
— Matthew Quinn Martin (@matthewqmartin) June 17, 2018
So far, J.K. Rowling has not weighed in.
