With “The School For Good And Evil” Netflix gives the starting signal for a potential new fantasy franchise. Whether the book adaptation can compete with “Harry Potter” and co. will be revealed in a few days, but the trailer is already getting us in the mood.
While the “Fantastic Beasts” series has weakened recently, people outside the “Harry Potter” studio Warner Bros. are also looking for the next big franchise hit that follows in the same vein as the story of the world-famous sorcerer’s apprentice. And Netflix might have found what it is looking for, as “The School For Good And Evil” has a few ingredients that should at least arouse the curiosity of Potterheads.
This is also an adaptation of a fantasy book series that takes us to a magical school whose students play a decisive role in the battle for the fate of the entire world. At the School For Good And Evil, however, not only wizards and witches are taught, but also all kinds of other budding fairytale characters. While the school branch for good produces heroes and heroines, the evil counterpart trains the villains and villainesses of tomorrow.
One day, the two best friends Sophie (Sophia Anne Caruso) and Agatha (Sofia Wylie) also end up here – but on opposite sides, which puts their friendship to a tough test. But when a thoroughly sinister force arises that threatens them all equally, they must once again come together…
ILLUSTRE TEACHERSHIP
While the two main characters in “The School For Good And Evil” are embodied by newcomers Sophia Anne Caruso (“Evil”) and Sofia Wylie (“High School Musical: The Musical – The Series”), Netflix relies on big names for the fairytale school’s teaching staff – from “Django Unchained” star Kerry Washington and “Mad Max: Fury Road” fighter Charlize Theron (who preside over the good and evil sides of their school as McGonagall and Snape counterparts), to “Everything Everywhere All At Once” world traveller Michelle Yeoh and “Matrix” mentor Laurence Fishburne, who plays the headmaster here. Two-time Oscar winner Cate Blanchett is also on board as the narrator in the original. Meanwhile, “Ghostbusters” and “Bride Alarm” director Paul Feig has taken a seat in the director’s chair.
Whether the concentrated star power will pay off in the end will become clear in the coming week: “The School For Good And Evil” will be released worldwide on Netflix on 19 October 2022. You can also watch the trailer for the film in the original English version below.
