Hello, everyone! It’s One Of Us’ weekly article series, “The Weekly Wrap-Up.” Covering everything from film announcements to comic books, “The Weekly Wrap-Up” ensures that the biggest stories of the week are analyzed and discussed by our team of writers. This week we talk about the Harry Potter and The Cursed Child stage play, the troubles surrounding The Raid: Redemption remake and The Venture Bros. Season Six trailer.
Stage Play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Reveals Name & Plot
Harry Potter has had a few larger scale projects in the years since the film Deathly Hallows Part 2, including two theme park attractions and small stories on Rowling’s Pottermore writings. However, there hasn’t been a true continuation in the form of a story following Deathly Hallows… until now. Rowling announced via Pottermore that the stage play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child would serve as the eight story in the franchise. The two part play, which will open on London’s West End in summer of 2016, was also given a synopsis;
It was always difficult being Harry Potter and it isn’t much easier now that he is an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic, a husband and father of three school-age children.
While Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albus must struggle with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted. As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: sometimes, darkness comes from unexpected places.
Honestly, as someone who both read the Potter books and saw the films as the target audience, I have been rather cynical about most of Rowling’s announcements about the universe that have come in the wake of Deathly Hallows Part 2. Most of them have been small, but ultimately inconsequential things that seem to light fan hearts on fire when they add so little to the universe. It doesn’t help that Rowling is attempting to expand the franchise into a new trilogy of films based on, of all things, the in-universe glossary about magical creatures Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them, despite having no experience as a screenwriter.
That all being said, this play sounds like a fascinating way of expanding the world without retreading old territory. This seems more like a true evolution of the concept, allowing for Harry to grow into a middle age man while at the same time focusing on his younger son trying to live up to the expectations of his father. It sounds like a more grounded character study from within this universe, one that allows for more of a play context than a book or film could display. It also seems like we’ll get more of a comparison between Harry’s childhood and Albus’, giving us a sort of The Godfather Part II style contrast. Maybe we can even get Daniel Radcliffe to take on the role in the next ten years or so when he ages into the role of older Harry.
The Raid: Redemption Remake Loses Director, Studio and Star
In case anyone has not been following the production of the American remake of The Raid: Redemption, you’ll be disappointed (or more likely ecstatic) to learn that the film has suffered some serious setbacks. In addition to production company Screen Gems and its parent company Sony leaving the production, the film’s director, Patrick Hughes (The Expendables 3) and star, Taylor Kitsch (John Carter), have also departed from the project.
Based on Gareth Evans’ 2011 action-film of the same name, The Raid: Redemption follows a SWAT-team as they hunt for a notorious drug lord in an apartment complex filled with criminals and drug dealers. Finding themselves trapped in the complex, the team realizes they’ve become targets themselves and are forced to fight for their survival. Though said to be a remake, the Tracking Board has reported that the American version of The Raid will have some sci-fi influences and be set in a near-future Malaysia.
Honestly, I can’t pretend that I’m disappointed to hear this news. Like many fans of The Raid, I was confused as to why this movie was even being made, and was disturbed to learn of the “talent” that was also attached to the project in the first place. With XYZ Films as the only production company currently backing the remake, its doubtful this film will see the light of day for a very long time.
Venture Bros. Season 6 Trailer
The best geek show on TV is coming back! Venture Bros. Season 6 is coming after a three year hiatus since Season 5 on January 24th 2016. It looks like our heroes are going through a lot of changes, mainly that Dr. Venture is going to have a massive influx of money coming his way, which seems to give titular brothers a new lease on life and draw his on again off again arch nemesis The Monarch back to him.
I’ve been a fan of Venture Bros. since the first season aired way back in 2004. It’s honestly hard to think that it’s taken over a decade for this show to merely get to a sixth season, but it’s always been a welcome presence whenever it’s popped up. Even after the fourth season that seemed like a grand stopping point, the show has continued with less quantity per season, but consistent quality none the less. I just wonder how long Doc Hammer and Jackson Publick will keep things up. Only time will tell.
