MuggleCast: The Harry Potter Re-Read Podcast

Episode: Unhinged 2026 Potter Predictions, Learning Voldemort's Name, And More MuggleMail
Date: December 23, 2025
Hosts: Andrew, Eric, Micah, Laura

Episode Overview

In this lively, year-end episode, the MuggleCast hosts wrap up 2025 by diving into predictions for Harry Potter fandom in 2026, reflecting on fandom changes, and answering a jam-packed MuggleMail segment that covers both the books and current Wizarding World news. From playful, "unhinged" predictions to an extended discussion on how wizarding children learn Voldemort's name, this episode is full of camaraderie, nostalgia, and thoughtful Potterverse deconstruction.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Looking Ahead: Potter Fandom Predictions for 2026

[01:41–11:12]

• Hogwarts Legacy Sequel:

  • The panel expects an official announcement and possibly a release date for the sequel to the popular video game, noting its massive sales success (40 million copies).
    • "I would even say that a release date probably is not that far off." – Micah ([03:13])
    • "I'll go ahead and predict we'll hear about a release date, too, and some details." – Andrew ([03:39])

• Harry Potter TV Show:

  • Consensus that a release date for the anticipated HBO/Max Harry Potter TV series will be announced by the end of 2026, but skepticism exists about whether delays could push actual release into 2027.
    • "I also think you'll get a teaser trailer by the end of 2026." – Micah ([04:18])

• Half-Blood Prince Illustrated Edition Release:

  • Confirmed release for October 2026, with anticipation around the evolving art direction since Jim Kay's departure.

• Media Merger Speculation:

  • Discussion about whether potential mergers (Warner Brothers with Netflix/Paramount) will accelerate or stifle Harry Potter spinoffs.
    • "If a merger goes through... I foresee that happening, because they're going to want to monetize as soon as possible the IPs that they just bought." – Eric ([05:00])

• Casting Predictions:

  • Predictions that Voldemort's TV actor will be revealed in 2026, but secretive roles (like Peeves) might remain hidden until premiere.

Unhinged/Funny Predictions

[06:24–11:12]

• A "Wizards of Drinking" HBO show (spinoff of "Wizards of Baking")
• A gender-bent Harry Potter series featuring "Harrietta Ray" and "Herman" as main characters
• Ridiculous hybrid book editions (full cast, 3D pop-out, illustrated, etc.)
• "Wizards After Dark" – a tongue-in-cheek adult Harry Potter merchandise line
  • "Now it's foldable and it fits in your purse." – Eric on the infamous vibrating broomstick ([09:40])
• Jokes about monetizing even further by splitting the books “part one and part two”

2. MuggleCast in 2026: Show Announcements

[11:48–13:28]

• Upcoming segments:
  • TV-show-focused episodes to prep for HBO series
  • "Looking Back" episodes on older fandom facets: games, events, spinoff books
• Re-Read Plans:
  • Continue chapter by chapter through Half-Blood Prince and then move on to Deathly Hallows, which the hosts note is the series entry they've all read least.
    • "Deathly Hallows is the book that I've been wanting to do chapter by chapter for since we started this chapter by chapter...I'm just really excited to reintroduce and really go through it with the freshest eyes that I can." – Eric ([13:28])
• Community and introspection:
  • Reflections on 20 years of podcasting, fandom growth, and gratitude for patrons and listeners.

3. Muggle Mail Segment – Voicemails & Emails

[18:05–46:40]

How Do Wizarding Children Learn Voldemort’s Name?

[18:05–20:58]

• Voicemail asks: if no one says "Voldemort," how do post-1981 wizarding children learn the name?
  • Comparison to learning curse words in real life: "You knew you weren't supposed to say it, but you didn't know. And that was when I learned fudge." – Eric ([18:46])
  • Theories: kids pick it up from older children, history books, or media like the Daily Prophet. Panel concurs information is "readily available"—the real taboo is saying it.
  • "Don't underestimate the ability of children to find out information." – Micah ([20:22])

Neville and the Prophecy

[24:32–25:36]

• Could Neville have picked up the prophecy? Consensus: no, as the prophecy is warded to the currently relevant person—Harry.
  • "If Harry's name is written there, then it's locked to him. Neville can't touch it." – Andrew ([25:29])

Arthur Weasley’s Almost-Death

[26:39–29:52]

• Question about whether earlier books foreshadowed the originally planned (but scrapped) death of Arthur Weasley. No real evidence found, though Andrew makes a (possibly stretched) connection to the Weasley family clock. Group agrees there’s no real pattern like with Sirius.

Was Snape Trying to Give Harry a Clue With Tonks’s Patronus?

[29:52–32:12]

• Listener speculates Snape’s commentary on Tonks’s weak Patronus could be a subtle, subconscious act of connecting with Harry over Lily. Most hosts feel Snape is too guarded for that, but acknowledge he sometimes projects his issues.

Snape as a Teacher: Discord & Debate

[38:26–39:48]

• Series of responses to the classic question: Is Snape a good teacher? Majority position:
  • Gifted with his subject, but withholds knowledge from students (the "Half-Blood Prince" book proves he doesn’t share the best techniques in class).
  • "He crosses everything off and just writes the way that he knows because he's annoyed with the book for existing..." – Eric ([36:12])

Hermione: Gryffindor or Ravenclaw?

[39:12–39:48]

• Noted Hermione’s by-the-book nature reveals why she’s Gryffindor, not Ravenclaw—she lacks the intuitive creativity typically associated with Ravenclaws.

Tonks & Lupin: Underdeveloped Subplot?

[41:01–44:45]

• Is the Tonks/Lupin arc undercooked? Listeners and hosts agree: the emotional weight falls flat, possibly intended as a parallel to Harry’s own orphanhood, but limited by lack of detail.

4. Wizarding World News & Fandom Feedback

[46:20–47:04]

• Full Cast Audiobooks: Mixed reviews from listeners. Some love the production and Hagrid's voice in particular, but others find the sound effects too loud and narration flat unless using headphones.
• Fan Spinoff Ideas: Popular wish—Netflix-style sitcom “The Weasleys,” Modern Family-style, with Molly as main character. Quick engagement with the panel riffing on spinoff possibilities.

5. Recommended Reading for Potterheads

[49:01–54:53]

• Hosts relay literature recommendations from Slug Club patrons, including:
  • The Hobbit, Lord of the Rings (Tolkien)
  • Murderbot Diaries (Martha Wells)
  • Percy Jackson (Rick Riordan)
  • The Discworld series (Terry Pratchett)
  • A Song of Ice and Fire (George R. R. Martin)
  • Project Hail Mary (Andy Weir)
  • Way of Kings (Brandon Sanderson)
  • Witcher series (Andrzej Sapkowski)
  • And others—noting a blend of magical schools, worldbuilding, and adventure reminiscent of Harry’s world.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "I think it's like [a curse word]. I think that, you know, you're allowed to learn it once, and then the...I don't know who tells you might be different, but you're not supposed to say it out loud." – Eric ([18:48]) (on learning Voldemort’s name)
• "Now it's foldable and it fits in your purse." – Eric ([09:40]) (Joking about the vibrating broomstick adult toy)
• "Deathly Hallows is the book that I've read the least, and, you know, I’m just really excited to like reintroduce...with the freshest eyes that I can." – Eric ([13:28])
• "I love Micah’s dad jokes." – Jeremiah ([34:02])
• "You have to be inquisitive to be a Ravenclaw." – Laura ([39:43])
• "If you have any feedback about today’s discussion, you can send us an owl several different ways..." – Andrew ([54:53])
• Dad Joke Finale:
  • "Why don't skeletons fight each other?
    They don't have the guts." – Micah ([56:06])

Important Timestamps

• Predictions for 2026 – [01:41–11:12]
• Unhinged Predictions Segment – [06:24–11:12]
• Fandom/Show Announcements – [11:48–13:28]
• MuggleMail Voicemail: How Do Kids Learn Voldemort’s Name – [18:05–20:58]
• Prophecy/Neville Discussion – [24:32–25:36]
• Snape as a Teacher Debate – [38:26–39:48]
• Hermione’s Hogwarts House – [39:12–39:48]
• Tonks/Lupin Arc Discussion – [41:01–44:45]
• Full Cast Audiobook Fan Feedback – [46:20–47:04]
• Reading Recommendations for Potter Fans – [49:01–54:53]
• Dad Joke Finale – [55:52–56:18]

Language & Tone

• The hosts’ signature blend of casual, sharp-witted banter and insightful analysis remains. They bounce playfully from earnest literary critique to tongue-in-cheek speculations—never shying away from lighthearted self-deprecation or saluting the weirder corners of Potter fandom.

Summary for New Listeners

This episode is an ideal mix for long-time fans and curious newcomers: covering upcoming Potterverse projects, lampooning the endless spin-offs and product tie-ins, and debating everything from the logistics of prophecy security at the Ministry to the deeper meaning of Snape's teaching methods. The listener mail segment is diverse, lively, and personal, reflecting both the hosts’ sustained passion and the evolving fandom voices. If you want to laugh, learn a little more about the Potter universe, and join a well-read, warmhearted fan community headed into a big Harry Potter year, this is the episode for you.