New Delhi: A two-part documentary series on Harry Potter author JK Rowling is set to air on the BBC, documenting three decades of her life, influence and contested legacy.
The series will be produced by Rogan Scotland and will trace the 61-year-old bestselling author’s “dramatic rise, cultural influence and contested legacy, using her life as a lens through which to explore three decades of profound social, political and technological change,” according to a statement, Variety reported.
Rowling got the idea for the Harry Potter series in 1990. The first book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, was published in 1997. In the seven years between conceiving the story and its publication, Rowling lost her mother, gave birth to her first child and divorced her first husband.
Six sequels followed, with the series concluding in 2007 with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
By 2008, Forbes had named Rowling the highest-paid author in the world. The books have been translated into 85 languages and adapted into films and video games. Her work has earned her several accolades, including appointment as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire. She was also appointed a Member of the Order of the Companions of Honour for her services to literature and philanthropy.
In 1999, two years after the first book was published, Warner Bros. purchased the film rights to the first two Harry Potter novels for a reported $1 million. Rowling agreed to the deal on the condition that she would have a say in the final film scripts and retain some control over the merchandise.
The film franchise concluded with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, which was adapted into two parts. The first was released in 2010, followed by the second in 2011.
The Harry Potter franchise is also set to return with an HBO television series. The new adaptation stars Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley and Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger. The first season is scheduled to be released at Christmas this year.
(Edited by Stela Dey)