The Harry Potter series is one of the most popular and beloved book and film franchises of all time. The books have sold over 500 million copies worldwide, and the films have grossed over $7.7 billion at the box office. The series has legions of fans of all ages, who have come to love the characters, the world of magic, and the themes of friendship, courage, and good versus evil.
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But even the most die-hard Harry Potter fans might not know everything about the series. Here are 10 surprising and unknown facts about Harry Potter:
1. J.K. Rowling originally wanted to call the series “The Worst Witch”
J.K. Rowling originally wanted to call her series “The Worst Witch.” She was inspired by the Enid Blyton books about a young witch named Mildred Hubble. However, Rowling’s publisher thought the title was too similar to other existing books about witches, so she changed it to Harry Potter.
2. The name “Harry Potter” was inspired by a real person
Harry Potter’s name was inspired by a real person. J.K. Rowling’s grandfather, Henry James Potter, was a soldier who fought in World War I. He was wounded in battle and died in 1918.
3. The first Harry Potter book was rejected by 12 publishers
The first Harry Potter book, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, was rejected by 12 publishers before it was finally accepted by Bloomsbury. Rowling had written the book on a typewriter in her spare time, and she was determined to get it published.
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4. The Harry Potter books have been translated into 80 languages
The Harry Potter books have been translated into 80 languages, making them the most translated books in history. The books have also been adapted into 8 films, which have been released in 200 countries.
5. The Harry Potter films have grossed over $7.7 billion at the box office
The Harry Potter films have grossed over $7.7 billion at the box office, making them the highest-grossing film franchise of all time. The films have been praised for their special effects, their acting, and their faithfulness to the books.
6. The Harry Potter films have won 12 Academy Awards
The Harry Potter films have won 12 Academy Awards, including Best Picture for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2. The films have also won numerous other awards, including Golden Globe Awards, BAFTA Awards, and Screen Actors Guild Awards.
7. The Harry Potter books have been banned in some countries
The Harry Potter books have been banned in some countries, including Iran, China, and Saudi Arabia. The books have been banned for a variety of reasons, including their depiction of magic, their religious themes, and their violence.
8. J.K. Rowling has said that she regrets killing off some of the characters
J.K. Rowling has said that she regrets killing off some of the characters in the Harry Potter series. She has said that she wishes she had kept Dumbledore alive, and that she would have liked to see what happened to Ron and Hermione after the series ended.
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9. There is a real-life Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
There is a real-life Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the United States. The school is located in Orlando, Florida, and it offers a variety of programs for students of all ages.
10. The Harry Potter series has been credited with helping to improve literacy rates
The Harry Potter series has been credited with helping to improve literacy rates around the world. The books have been popular among children and adults alike, and they have been shown to help people learn to read.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the many surprising and unknown facts about Harry Potter. The series has captured the imaginations of millions of people around the world, and it continues to be popular. If you’re a fan of Harry Potter, I encourage you to learn even more about the series.
