The World of David Walliams: General Discussion

[Skyscraper]

Harry Potter is one of the most successful IPs ever. That's the difference.

Plus it's called The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and not The Wizarding World of JK Rowling.

 

[Matt N]

As @Poisson said, Harry Potter is so successful that I’d argue it’s almost grown larger than JK Rowling herself.

As @GooseOnTheLoose and @Skyscraper said, Walliams also differs because the land actually bears his name. Harry Potter doesn’t actually bear JK Rowling’s name other than as the author, so you can divorce the art from the artist to some extent.

It’s worth noting that JK Rowling has also not actually done anything illegal or had any accusations of unethical behaviour against her; all she has done is express controversial views which, while disagreed with by some, are perfectly legal to express and agreed with by others. I’ve long felt that the people who are enraged enough by JK Rowling’s views to boycott Harry Potter are more of a particularly vocal internet minority than a representation of the broader populace at large.

 

[Craig]

We talk about David Walliam having controversy and the area being removed.

Must be remembered Harry Potter creator JK Rowling has her own controversy and yet Universal haven't removed Harry Potter have they.

As well as other people and companies.with IPs attached yet have remained

My main point is how is David Walliams any different to other controversial from other IP creators

Yup I don't think that's a fair comparison. Not only because of the popularity but also that her controversial views became a thing long after the films and even the first Universal lands opened. It's a far, far bigger franchise with a far greater audience than Walliams' books.

Harry Potter has a fandom and established attractions that have transcended Rowling's original books. Of course there's a moral argument for the support of Harry Potter for those against her controversial views (that's for other topics to discuss!). But for many who have quite literally grown up around it, they're happy to remain a fan of the stories, characters and people surrounding the franchise but simply choose to ignore her as the author.

As I said though, there's plenty of other reasons for the thing to be ditched too. The controversy surrounding him as a person is just another additional reason to add to that.

 

[Benjsh]

The ironic thing about the JK Rowling saga is what she believes and said is actually fact and supported by science and basic common sense and ironically it's the people who disagree with her and who tried to cancel her that are the actual problem there and wrong. Not wanting to hurt somebody's feelings isnt a good enough reason to deny science and human biology.

More people in the world are on her side too. Its just those that arent tend to very loud and vocal.

 

[Craig]

Just another reminder to keep discussion about the attraction/area itself. It's fine to refer to the reaction to other incidents involving authors of IPs such as JK Rowling, the impact they had to Harry Potter attractions and subsequent comparisons to Walliams.

However, this isn't the place for specific discussion about her views - that's for the off topic forums. Thanks.