From the mind that immersed readers in the magical world of Harry Potter comes a new fantasy tale altogether, The Ickabog, but author J. K. Rowling has been in the news cycle lately for all the wrong reasons. Her latest story, separate from the Potter universe and tailored more to young children than her previous works, seems almost bound for the big screen given the enormous success of her Wizarding World franchise. But after reiterating her transphobic stance and navigating a rocky road for the Fantastic Beasts series, it bears questioning whether a Rowling-headed property of any kind could amass a four-quadrant box office performance reminiscent of her golden age, much less one targeted at a younger demographic.
Following a rags-to-riches ascent to the apex of writer-stardom, Rowling has under her belt over 15 published novels and a handful of producer credits on film adaptations of her work. The Potter films rival any contemporary media franchise in their depth, accessibility, and extraneous features, building a broad and ravenous fanbase who looked to the author as a paragon of hard work rewarded. So when Rowling began a series of unsavory statements regarding transgender rights, many among that broad fanbase felt betrayed. And with Fantastic Beasts struggling through critical and production challenges of its own, it stands to reason Rowling's blessing may not carry the weight it once did, during the years in which every Harry Potter film was a guaranteed blockbuster.
The Ickabog is a quaint fairytale that follows a group of children who must fight corrupt rulers to save the mysterious titular creature, as well as the kingdom that has suffered under the harsh rule - and was received positively by many children. Amidst controversy for her doubling-down on transphobic remarks, Rowling released the children's story online in installments, as a show of good faith during the coronavirus pandemic. Despite its widespread viewership during this limited free release, the material failed to engender strong responses from critics, leading to natural speculation about its viability as a cinematic prospect. And in an era of increased scrutiny where creators' ethics are important, the Ickabog movie may more likely find itself in development hell than in a fast track to production.
Aside from Rowling's media blunders of late, an alarming trend has emerged in recent works of hers to reach theaters. The Fantastic Beasts series has failed to reach the high-water marks of its Potter predecessors, and the second installment, The Crimes of Grindelwald, was a critical bomb even before the controversy surrounding lead man Johnny Depp. After enjoying wild success for eight movies, perhaps the magic has run out for Rowling's IP. With audiences' fantasy appetites satiated by long-form competitors like The Witcher and promised Game of Thrones and Lord of the Rings spinoffs, it may take more than a little liquid luck to lure viewers back to a Rowling story.
Still, The Ickabog has a few tricks up its sleeve. Children scarcely aware of the sociopolitical tumult of the day may petition their parents into seeing the story that comforted them during the dark days of quarantine if and when it comes to the movies. A triumphant return to form could go a long way in helping that case, placing some substantial pressure on the third Fantastic Beasts film. Whatever happens, Rowling will continue to make headlines. In the interest of marginalized communities everywhere and fans eager for more modern-classic fantasy works, it can only be hoped that those headlines take a turn for the more inclusive.