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Wizard People, Dear Reader: A Parody

Just when you thought the series was over...

Joy Scull
Oct 17, 2014
Syracuse University
163
Wizard People, Dear Reader: A Parody
Harry Potter Reactions

In 2004, comedian Brad Neely released an unauthorized and self-produced alternate soundtrack narration of the first Harry Potter movie based on J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone." It is known as "Wizard People, Dear Reader," and it is about one of the funniest "books on tape" I have ever had the pleasure of listening to.

The entire soundtrack is made up of a grumpy, cracking, deep-voiced narrator (Neely) who serves as the main and only character to tell the dark and twisted tale of the "young god" we know as Harry Potter. In other words, Neely has no boundaries when sharing his hilariously raunchy, and sometimes disturbing version of Harry's story. As you listen, you may wonder what could have possibly been the inspiration or motivation for someone to transform what has become a classic into something so ridiculous, and possibly insulting to the those who are true die-hard HP fans. In an interview he did with Paste, Neely explains that he, "Felt like it would be really fun to satirize our love and acceptance of [Harry's journey] by playing a character who loved it a whole lot more than he should.” So he isn't making fun of the story, but poking fun at the obsession of another version of the "Hero's Journey" by sharing the parody as a character who was obsessed himself. 

In the end, no words can describe the hilariously well-told alternative beginning to Harry's journey to becoming a wizard. Here you can listen to all of 35 chapters of "Wizard People, Dear Reader" on YouTube, while conveniently watching the muted version of the movie synchronized to Neely's story as it goes on.

Enjoy, dear readers. 

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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