Five Heroes to Replace the “Harry Potter”-Shaped Hole in Your Heart
As excitement builds around the upcoming Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, some fans are left wondering what a new film will be like without Harry. Even with the magic of the original series, it will be hard to wait in line for a new movie that won’t feature Harry onscreen. To fill the void, I’ve compiled a list of five heroes who are as courageous, selfless, and loyal as the eleven-year-old with a lightning bolt-shaped scar.
1. Steve Rogers, Marvel Universe
Like Harry, Steve Rogers, better known as Captain America, is a heroic orphan who navigates a difficult upbringing to become a champion of underdogs in the face of war. Constantly putting others before himself, Steve is not a typical hero, but his self-sacrifice and bravery make him the perfect soldier and friend, much like Harry. Also like Harry, there are several films and books dedicated to the superhero, so there’s plenty of material to keep you busy until the next Avengers film.
2. Scott McCall, Teen Wolf
Scott McCall is about as self-sacrificing as they come. His supernatural pack of misfits rivals Dumbledore’s Army in power and loyalty – Scott would die for just about any member of his pack, not just because it’s the right thing to do but also because he cares that much about other people. He also has a sarcastic best friend whose wit would rival Ron Weasley’s and the perfect balance of teen angst and antics to satisfy a Potter fan’s hopes for a hero.
3. Peter Parker, Marvel Universe
Also a bespectacled, orphaned hero who has a troubled relationship with a redheaded girl, Peter Parker’s heroics often land him and his loved ones in trouble, regardless of how he tries to protect them, much like Harry does throughout the Potter series. Peter Parker also has a penchant for sarcasm like Harry does. Perhaps most Potter-esque of all is how he tries to lead a normal life in the face of total chaos and destruction from his enemies. Harry probably wishes he could hide his scar the way Peter Parker hides his famous identity.
4. Percy Jackson, Percy Jackson and the Olympians
The Percy Jackson series follows a similar premise to Harry Potter – Percy, at age twelve, discovers he is not a normal kid but a demi-god, which explains his dyslexia and ADHD, and he is thrust into the world of half-gods and magical creatures to go on a quest to save the world. Along with a super smart girl and an awkward and hilarious sidekick, Percy is as witty and (at times) stupidly heroic as Harry is.
5. Buffy Summers, Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Like Harry, Buffy is the Chosen One, assuming she is a normal girl who discovers she actually has the power (and responsibility) to fight evil forces. Buffy’s story isn’t all vampires and demons – like Harry, she also has to balance school, her group of outcast friends, and an often rocky romantic life. However, what ultimately makes Buffy Potter-worthy is her courage and dedication to fighting evil.