Did J.K. Rowling Write 'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child' or Did She Just Put Her Name on It?

The release of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Part One) on 31 July 2016 shocked many fans of the series. J.K. Rowling, the author of the original books, stepped into a new medium: she wrote the story but not the words you're reading. The Cursed Child was a collaborative effort between J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne, and John Tiffany, each bringing their own unique skills to the project.

The Collaboration Behind 'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child'

Rowling has always been an innovator, not just in storytelling but in bringing her world to new audiences. In this case, the collaboration with John Tiffany, a director and dramaturg, and Jack Thorne, a playwright, resulted in a stage play that has received both praise and criticism. The relationship between Rowling and Thorne is crucial to understanding the collaborative nature of the project.

Rowling had never written for the theatre before, which is why Thorne was brought in as a key collaborator. Thorne worked closely with Rowling to shape the story into a stage play, ensuring that it fit the expectations of fans while also adding fresh perspectives to the narrative. Patrick Tam, writing for PopSugar, highlights: 'Rowling was the architect of The Cursed Child, even if Thorne and Tiffany helped stitch together the fabric of the performance.'

Rowling's Contributions and Challenges

Rowling's contributions went beyond just story ideas. She provided a strong foundation for the narrative, drawing on her vast experience in the world of Harry Potter. However, this hasn't stopped critics from questioning her involvement. Some argue that the quality of the writing in The Cursed Child is inconsistent with Rowling's usual style.

Nathan Hale, writing for Paper Magazine, notes, 'The narrative is riddled with plot holes, inconsistent character development, and poor execution that feels far removed from the brilliance found in her original series.'

Despite these criticisms, it is clear that Rowling was the key creative force behind the story. The script was written by Jack Thorne, but it is based on a new story that Rowling, Tiffany, and Thorne developed together. Rowling stated: 'I wrote the story for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and I’m delighted that it’s now on stage.'

Marketing and Legal Considerations

The decision to put Rowling's name on the play was not just about marketing. J.K. Rowling is a significant figure in the Harry Potter franchise, and giving her proper credit was important for the project's legitimacy. If the play had not been credited to Rowling, it could have faced legal challenges from Warner Bros., which holds the rights to the Harry Potter universe.

Rowling herself has acknowledged the need to give credit where it is due. In a tweet, she wrote, '—but it’s true that @JackThrone wrote the script and a few other people (all wonderful, of course) helped me craft it.'

The Future of Harry Potter

The collaborative nature of The Cursed Child provides insight into the future of the Harry Potter franchise. J.K. Rowling retains creative control over the overarching narrative but may not always be the sole author of every new story. This flexibility is crucial for the long-term success of the franchise, allowing it to evolve and adapt to changing markets and audiences.

As Steve Kloves, the screenwriter for the first two Harry Potter films, was brought on to support Rowling with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2, and later joined as a co-writer on the Fantastic Beasts series, the franchise has learned to embrace collaboration to maintain its integrity and ensure success.

Warner Bros. holds all the rights to the Harry Potter universe, and they will continue to use the property to their benefit. This is not unique to the Harry Potter franchise; Marvel, for example, sold the rights to characters like Spider-Man and the X-Men decades ago to maintain their financial stability.

While J.K. Rowling remains the most prominent voice in the Harry Potter world, the franchise's ability to evolve through collaboration ensures its continued relevance and success in the years to come.

Conclusion

Ultimately, J.K. Rowling's role in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child was to provide the framework and vision for the story, with Jack Thorne and John Tiffany doing the heavy lifting of writing and directing the play. While some may question the quality of the writing, it is clear that Rowling was the driving force behind the narrative. The collaborative approach to storytelling in the Harry Potter franchise is an important aspect of its enduring appeal and longevity.

References

Patrick Tam. (2016). j.K. Rowling's 'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child': From Idea to Reality. PopSugar. Link Nathan Hale. (2016). Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Review. Paper Magazine. Link