Hans Zimmer is responsible for the film music for the new “Harry Potter” series. The Oscar winner succeeds John Williams. Fans react mixed.
In 2027, fans can expect a new series version of the “Harry Potter” series. Now it is clear that Hans Zimmer will create the music for it. The fans’ reactions are mixed.
Hans Zimmer is drawn to Hogwarts
The new “Harry Potter” series will be released in 2027. Dominic McLaughlin takes on the role of the famous sorcerer’s apprentice, and the cast also includes Alastair Stout, Arabella Stanton, John Lithgow and Paapa Essiedu.
On January 15th it was announced that the German film composer Hans Zimmer and his company Bleeding Fingers Music would be responsible for the film music for the series project. He confirmed this in a statement on Instagram: “The musical legacy of Harry Potter is an important reference point for composers worldwide, and we are honored to be involved in such an important project with such an extraordinary team. We, Kara Talve and Anže Rozman (composers of Bleeding Fingers Music), take the responsibility very seriously. Magic is all around us, often just a step away, but like in the world of Harry Potter, you just have to look for it. With this soundtrack we want the audience of magic bring it a little closer and at the same time honor the legacy.”
In the footsteps of John Williams
The original soundtrack for the “Harry Potter” films, released between 2001 and 2011, was composed by John Williams and is still considered legendary today. So the legacy is great.
However, the Frankfurt native doesn’t have to hide: his works for “The Lion King” and “Dune” have won Oscars, and he was most recently nominated for a Golden Globe for the music for “F1”.
Divided opinions in the fan base
The news provoked different reactions. “Only Hans Zimmer can bear the tremendous responsibility of following in the footsteps of John Williams,” one fan wrote on Instagram, while another said: “Hans is incredible and one of the few people who can create a film score as iconic as the original.”
Some fans said they were more excited about Zimmer’s involvement than the series itself. One fan wrote on
Others remembered the films wistfully. Someone wrote: “Will never come close to John Williams. Hearing that legendary theme song takes you right back.” Another asked why the series couldn’t just reuse Williams’ music.
However, some felt that Zimmer was one of the composers who came closest to Williams. Someone said: “Wow, great news! What a stroke of luck! It’s impossible to top John Williams’ theme song, but Hans Zimmer can definitely try.”