The Harry Potter magic is back, and the numbers prove it.
Publisher Scholastic (SCHL) said Wednesday that the script to the London stage production Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Parts One and Two sold more than 2 million print copies in North America in its first two days of sales, which is an unprecedented rate for a script book.
“Eager fans of all ages gathered at midnight parties in bookstores and libraries to get their copies of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, bringing communities together to celebrate the magic of reading and the power of great storytelling,” said Ellie Berger, president, Scholastic Trade, in a press release. “It’s an incredible start, and all the signs are indicating continued strong sales for this exciting release.”
The script of the Cursed Child play, which has been billed as the eighth Harry Potter story, had the most pre-orders since 2007, making it a U.S. Bestseller before it even hit the shelves.
But despite the hype surrounding the play, book, and spin-off film of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, J.K. Rowling confirmed the end of the Harry Potter series early this week.
“He goes on a very big journey during these two plays and then, yeah, I think we’re done,” Rowling said. “This is the next generation, you know. So, I’m thrilled to see it realized so beautifully but, no, Harry is done now.”
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child picks up 19 years after the end of the original series, with a middle-aged Potter working in the Ministry of Magic and his son, Albus, entering the wizarding world for the first time.