While we're in self-isolation, new means of entertainment are coming up. For the Harry Potter fandom, the website Wizarding World has dropped in a surprise. It will upload videos of the characters and other famous personalities reading the chapters of the first in the series, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. The first chapter, 'The Boy Who Lived', was read by Daniel Radcliffe, the actor who played the bespectacled wizard in all the eight movies.
The chapters would be released weekly and audio versions would be made available on Spotify. The first video was released on Tuesday, wherein Radcliffe read the chapter sitting on his couch and added comments here and there making it sound really fun. The line-up for the remaining sixteen chapters includes various other stars from the Wizarding World, including Claudia Kim and Eddie Redmayne from "Fantastic Beasts" and Noma Dumezweni, who played Hermione Granger in the Broadway show "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child". Other personalities like David Beckham and Dakota Fanning not related to the movie series as such, will also be reading for the fans.
Also Read: Harry Potter Series Turns 20: Wizardry Keeps Generations Gripped
Harry Potter at Home
The book reading is a part of the online hub started by JK Rowling to keep children entertained while under lockdown. The first book of the franchise has been added to Audible's free library making it available in several languages without a subscription to the audiobook service owned and operated by Amazon. Other resources in the hub include quizzes, puzzles, videos and articles to engage global fans in fun activities within their houses. While launching the service, she reportedly said, "Parents, teachers and carers working to keep children amused and interested while we're on lockdown might need a bit of magic."
The all-time favourite series
Harry Potter is a British-American film series adapted from Rowling's novel collection by the same name and has been praised by people of all ages. Added to the titular wizard, the series focuses on Hermione Granger (played by Emma Watson) and Ron Weasley (played by Rupert Grint). The story revolves around their adventures at Hogwarts, the fictional school of Wizardry and Witchcraft and the war they wage against Lord Voldemort. It was widely acclaimed for the effects and animation that hooked the viewers to the screens. The book series had a fanbase of its own that accepted the on-screen version with open arms.
Daniel Radcliffe and his role
The actor majorly gained popularity as Harry Potter and had a knack for acting since he was five years old. His first screen appearance was in a television production of David Copperfield and he caught the attention of the director, Chris Columbus who made him audition for Potter's role. The 11-year-old thus became a focus of media houses and a favourite of the audience. Over the years, he undertook various other projects on screen and stage, added to the film franchise. He is one of Hollywood's most prominent actors and his fans are delighted to see him read what he acted in.
Reaction of the Twitterati
People expressed their delight through tweets and expressed gratitude for the amusing initiative. A user said thanks to Radcliffe for reading bedtime stories to the family.
A user called the reading session the best start of their day in months. Many others said that Daniel narrating the chapter made their day.
Another one called it a magical experience and the other Potterheads couldn't help but agree.
Also Read: Harry Potter Author J.K. Rowling Faces Criticism Over Transgender Tweet
Image Credit: The Brag
Saavriti is an intern at SheThePeople.TV
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