We can hardly get through a month of consistent fantasy news without a fresh bout of J.K. Rowling drama, and alas — June is no different.
We’re only a few weeks into full summer, and Rowling is already seeking out that sweet online attention wherever she can find it. This time, it’s in the form of an odd query that seems entirely at odds with her typical behavior, rather than a fresh rallying cry for her TERF brethren. Its pulling attention from other fantasy chatter none-the-less, and thus found a spot in this round-up.
I’d far prefer to discuss lighter topics, however, like the potential for future Hunger Games cameos from Jennifer Lawrence and The Witcher cast’s thoughts on Henry Cavill’s departure. Even discussions of a Legend of Zelda adaptation are favorable to anything J.K. Rowling — even if the idea of an adaptation starring a silent lead feels tenuous at best.
Can Hunger Games still be Hunger Games without Katniss?
Katniss Everdeen represents the Hunger Games story like no other, so news of spin-offs that very much precede the longstanding heroine are throwing the franchise’s fans for a loop. Early trailers for A Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, a prequel set several decades before the first Hunger Games, are riling up fan interest, but longtime viewers are still clamoring for a Jennifer Lawrence cameo. While she’s not likely to make an appearance in a story set years before Katniss was even born, Lawrence eagerly stated her willingness to return to the world of Hunger Games for a future spin-off or sequel series, so all hope isn’t lost.
The Witcher’s Anya Chalotra finally dishes about Henry Cavill’s departure
Anya Chalotra, who plays Yennefer in Netflix’s adaptation of The Witcher, has been acting alongside Henry Cavill for years now. She’s largely stayed quiet, following news of his impending departure from the show, but she recently shared her thoughts on her longstanding scene partner’s absence. Chalotra admitted, in an interview with SFX, that she was “really sad” to learn that Cavill was leaving. She called Cavill, and his portrayal of show protagonist Geralt of Rivia, “a crucial member of the show” and expanded that she will “miss him dearly” following the upcoming third season, which will be Cavill’s last.
J.K. Rowling picks an odd topic for her latest social media blunder
Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling has become synonymous with controversy over the last few years, and she’s not looking to change that anytime soon. She has stepped back from spouting her typical trans-exclusionary rhetoric, however, in favor of instead talking about Twitter and the big guy in the sky. In a recent, eyebrow-raising tweet, Rowling asked “What face will you make when God brings up your tweets,” and quickly set off a predictable wave of pushback from people who are well aware of how the guy upstairs would respond to her bigoted views on trans identity.
Recent adaptation victories could pave the way for a LoZ attempt
There are a lot of video game properties out there that are ripe for the picking, when it comes to television or film adaptations. Among them are several recent success stories, including HBO’s The Last of Us and The Super Mario Bros Movie. While its insanely popular, and remains one of the most sought-after video game properties, The Legend of Zelda would be a questionable choice for an adaptation, largely due to Link’s — the main character — status as a silent character. Link never speaks a word, across dozens of Zelda releases, and that sparks common questions about how, exactly, an adaptation would work.
Despite the issues inherent in a Zelda adaptation, fans of the franchise are eyeing the potential in the wake of rumors about a potential Universal green light. They’re still nothing but theories, and tenuous ones at that, but that won’t be enough to stop the rumor mill’s inevitable forward momentum.
