Harry Hype: Why? Part Two

Word-of-mouth proved to be key in the Potter success story, with the British awards and nominations for The Philosopher's Stone gaining major interest from US readers, and as this interest developed, US covers were made for the region's own release of the first book. With sequel The Chamber Of Secrets in 1999, Rowling fast became established as a key English writer, and so Warner Brothers approached her about adapting the original book into a movie to test its popularity on the big screen. Potential directors were lined up, with the list including even Steven Spielberg, but it was Chris Columbus who got the role of helming The Philosopher's Stone. Next was the casting, at which point three little-known actors were found to portray the leads of Harry, Ron and Hermione in Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson. The Philosopher's Stone hit cinemas in November 2001 and was a global success, leading Warner Brothers to see potential in continuing the film adaptations in parallel with Rowling's regular book releases. From there, Potter-mania has consumed the planet, with Rowling and the film cast being internationally recognised as icons and the brand as a whole said to be worth around 15 billion pounds. The truth of what definitely made the story of the Boy Who Lived, then, is yet to be revealed (perhaps a documentary in the near future?), but one thing we can be sure: the franchise will be remembered for decades to come as the kick-start the 21st century needed and got!