Would Harry Potter Have a Star Wars-Style Villain in the Future?

Introduction

The Harry Potter universe has long been a respite from the absolute evil known as Lord Voldemort. Throughout the story, Voldemort remains the main antagonist, a character whose evil is almost unfathomable. However, the recent recent developments and fan theories have sparked questions about the possibility of introducing a new villain akin to the Star Wars villain archetype, specifically someone like the First Order leader. Let's explore this concept and why a future Harry Potter story might avoid such a twist.

Strengths and Shortcomings: Characters in the HP Universe

The Harry Potter series has always relied on its core antagonist, Voldemort, for its storytelling. The complexity and multi-layered nature of his malevolence are unparalleled. Characters like Dolores Umbridge, Barty Crouch, and Peter Pettigrew, while formidable and significant in their own right, don't have the depth or the scope of a character like Voldemort. These characters may serve as excellent foil or players in Voldemort's grand scheme but do not embody the same level of intricacy and fear that Voldemort does.

The Case for Grindelwald: A Reoccurring Antagonist

One can't overlook the significant role of Galtasar Grindelwald in the seven-books storyline of Harry Potter. His narrative is expanded in the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and Fantastic Beasts series, providing a rich background and development similar to a Star Wars villain. Grindelwald is a manipulative and ambitious sorcerer who desires a world based on pureblood supremacy, making him a recurring antagonist that fans are familiar with.

Future Considerations for the Harry Potter Universe

The Hogwarts Legacy game sets the stage for a new generation of witches and wizards with a storyline set before the Fantastic Beasts era. Interestingly, this game hints at the existence of Grindelwald as a threat. Although he is not a first-order villain in the context of the original series, he does pose a significant danger. The question remains as to whether introducing a truly new, Star Wars-style villain would serve the narrative purpose and fan expectations effectively.

Exploration vs. Confinement: The Role of Change

Change is inevitable in any long-running series, and an entirely new antagonist might seem appealing. However, the strength of the Harry Potter universe lies in its focus and development of its most iconic villain. A new first-order villain, similar to the First Order leader in Star Wars, would indeed be a daring move. However, it is crucial to consider whether such a change would add or detract from the existing core narrative and its characters. Would it alienate fans of the original series or provide a fresh perspective?

Conclusion: The Impact of Subtle Evil

While the idea of a Star Wars-style villain is intriguing, the current state of the Harry Potter universe suggests caution in such a significant change. The established narrative has woven a complex web around the character of Voldemort, making him the defining antagonist of the series. A new villain, like Grindelwald, might offer a different but still significant challenge, but introducing a truly new and powerful adversary would require a careful approach to ensure it complements rather than overshadows the beloved characters and storylines of Harry Potter.