Upon joining the Harry Potter franchise, Natalia Tena experienced a surreal feeling of entering a whole new world. The movies, based on the widely popular books, became a cultural phenomenon, grossing over $7 billion for the original eight films. The franchise has continued to expand with prequel spin-offs through the Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them series, and a stage play serving as a sequel. As Nymphadora Tonks, Tena was unprepared for the intense audience reactions, and it was only after seeing the sets and attending premieres and conventions that she gained a true understanding of the vast Wizarding World. With hopes of joining the Harry Potter Max reboot as a professor, Tena remains a dedicated and enthusiastic member of the franchise.
When I first walked into the studio, I wasn't nervous at all about filming the movies. It wasn't until I saw the sheer size and scope of the production that I began to feel a bit overwhelmed. It wasn't until the first premiere that I truly realized the impact of the film franchise. Before that, I had thought of it as just some weird kids' movie, but seeing the fans and paparazzi, I knew it was something much bigger. While I enjoy meeting fans at conventions, I know that they are more interested in the world of Harry Potter than in me as an actor. At its core, Harry Potter is about a child who overcomes abuse and finds a new family among his friends. It's a powerful message that resonates with both children and adults, and is coupled with the allure of magic and the theme of coping with death, making it a truly successful franchise.
Why Harry Potter Still Resonates Today
The fantastical elements of Harry Potter, combined with the grounded story of a mistreated child rising above a monster to save his friends and the world, has been a significant draw for fans. Additionally, the books and films remain true to the age of the characters and audience, resulting in the story becoming heavier and more poignant as Harry and his friends mature.
The vast and diverse cast of characters in Harry Potter, each with their own motives, traits, and histories, adds depth and intrigue to the story. Even seemingly villainous characters, like Snape, are given the chance to redeem themselves. Moreover, even the most brutal characters, such as Dudley and Petunia Dursley, are not beyond the point of redemption. The story's message that no one is ever beyond saving is heartwarming and inspiring.
JK Rowling's controversial anti-trans comments have caused a serious backlash against the Harry Potter franchise. Additionally, the failure of the Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them movies has posed a significant challenge. The upcoming Max series will determine if Harry Potter will continue to be relevant and resonate with future generations in the years to come.