If you love quirky movie trivia, here’s a fun one: the 1986 movie Troll featured two characters named Harry Potter. Yep, you read that right. It’s not from the J.K. Rowling universe, but this fantasy-horror flick from the ’80s had its own Harry Potter Sr. and Jr. Who are they? What’s the deal? Let’s dive in.
The 1986 Movie Troll and Its Characters Named Harry Potter
Right at the start, it might sound confusing to have two Harry Potters in a movie far predating the famous wizard we all know. In Troll, Harry Potter Sr. works as a book reviewer, while Harry Potter Jr. is a kid who ends up befriending an elderly witch. The movie’s plot revolves around a dark creature trying to remake the world, blending dark fantasy with horror elements.
This isn’t just a coincidence or a nod to future lore; it’s a completely separate story that just happens to share the same character names.
What’s Troll About?
Troll is a 1986 fantasy-horror movie that you might have caught late at night on cable or stumbled upon in a thrift store aisle. It’s about a family moving into an apartment building, only to discover that a strange creature (the Troll) wants to transform the world with magic. Along the way, Harry Potter Jr. becomes an unlikely hero, forging an alliance with an old witch to stand against evil.
Now, I remember watching it once with a friend who was only familiar with the Harry Potter books and movies. We kept joking about how this must be the “original” Harry Potter story, a wild coincidence that made the movie feel even more bizarre and fun.
Why Two Characters Named Harry Potter?
The 1986 movie Troll having two characters named Harry Potter (Sr. and Jr.) seems like a deliberate choice by the filmmakers. It could have been a simple attempt to create a family dynamic or just coincidence. Either way, it’s a charming quirk that adds flavor to this cult classic.
Harry Potter Sr. had a simple but interesting job as a book reviewer—a role that feels oddly meta when you think about the name association today. Harry Potter Jr. beingfriend an elderly witch adds that classic fantasy flavor the film thrives on.
The Dark Creature and the Fantasy Theme
At its core, Troll is about something much bigger than just the Harry Potters. A sinister, shape-shifting creature seeks to remake the world in its dark image. It’s a bit campy by today’s standards, but it blends fantasy and horror in a way that’s unique to its time.
The contrast between the mundane (a family moving into a new apartment) and the magical threat lurking beneath gives the movie its charm. It’s a reminder of the ’80s oddball fantasy-horror genre, standing apart from more polished modern films.
Fun Fact: The Legacy of Troll
Interestingly, Troll has often been mistaken for or connected to other films like Troll 2 (which is famously unrelated) and even cult-favorite movies. But Troll holds a unique spot as a fantasy-horror film featuring a multi-layered story with the quirky twist of having two Harry Potters.
If you’re curious about obscure movie history or like exploring how names and characters pop up unexpectedly, Troll is a neat little gem to check out.
Wrapping It Up
The 1986 movie Troll’s choice to name two characters Harry Potter (Sr. and Jr.) is a fun piece of cinematic trivia that makes the film stand out even more today. It predates the famous wizard by over a decade but still offers a whimsical family fantasy story involving witches, dark creatures, and magical battles.
If you want to explore more about cult classics and hidden movie gems, check out [Link to related post]. And for more on the lore of fantasy movies and character naming, you can read up on some interesting academic takes over at this trusted source.
Have you seen Troll? What did you think about the two Harry Potters? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Image description: Scene from the 1986 movie Troll showing a character named Harry Potter Jr. standing alongside the elderly witch he befriends, showcasing fantasy magic elements.