J.K. Rowling Says That Harry Potter is ‘Done Now’

A few weeks ago, Daniel Radcliffe gave a very diplomatic answer when asked if he would ever consider a return to the Harry Potter franchise. And while the actor admitted that he would never close the door to the possibility  —  for the right script and with the right people involved  —  it turns out he may not have much more of a character to return to. As reported by RadioTimes (via io9), Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling told reporters at the premiere of London stage show Harry Potter and the Cursed Child that her beloved character was done after the events of the two-part play.

[Harry] goes on a very big journey during these two plays and, then, yeah, I think we’re done. This is the next generation, you know. So, I’m thrilled to see it realized so beautifully but, no, Harry is done now.

Does this really and truly mean we won’t see any more Harry Potter books, movies or plays? I wouldn’t go that far. We live in a world where no franchise is entirely off the table for actors and filmmakers. In the last year alone, we’ve seen Harrison Ford return to the Star Wars universe, a fourth Jason Bourne film starring Matt Damon, and George Miller revamp his Mad Max universe after a three decade absence. For the right script  —  or the right amount of money  —  every artist will probably at least consider a return to the franchise that made them famous.

But if J.K. Rowling is truly done with Harry Potter, it might actually ensure the continuation of the Potter universe as a whole. The author has demonstrated an interest in moving both backwards and forwards in time with the world that she has created, with Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them taking place on either side of the events of her popular book series. Rowling has created a universe full of intriguing possibilities; why not get to know some of the different creatures and characters of Harry Potter lore? Let poor Potter enjoy his happily ever after.