When Writing Worlds Collide
It is implausible that Harry Potter and Spider-Man would ever meet, because the copyright holders would never agree to share their audiences. Hardcore fans would also argue that the two franchises cannot coexist because Harry Potter uses magic, while Spider-Man’s strength comes from radical biology (superpowers). Plus, Spider-Man lives in New York, not the altered magical realm accessed through an English train platform. Yet, the two franchises could come together for a one-time event.
One example occurred when Bugs Bunny was legitimately on-screen with Mickey Mouse in the movie Who Framed Roger Rabbit. It was a fun film, but each franchise went its separate way, and a future collaboration is improbable.
There is another aspect of colliding worlds. For example, if Harry Potter actually met Spider-Man, it would mean the two entities acknowledged each other. The result would make Harry Potter’s magic less magical and Spider-Man’s extraordinary strength less impressive. Why? Harry Potter could cast a magic spider-spell on his friend, which would provide spider qualities. And Spider-Man could shoot a web to take away Harry Potter’s magic broom. All of which would not read well.
If this collaboration did occur, fans would be outraged. “What a cheap rip-off!” Plus, the result would be confusing and lead to strange questions. Could Spider-Man use a magic wand? Would Harry Potter be able to date Spider-Man’s girlfriend, Mary Jane? Wow, it got complex quickly.
Still, I think it would be fun to watch such mashups. How about Luke Skywalker getting a Vulcan nerve pinch? Ripley from Aliens using a lightsaber to fight the Joker? Iron Man flying next to Space Ball One? A Star Trek Borg assimilating a Star Wars Ewok? Lots of possibilities that we will never see.
What about an unregulated space, such as fan fiction or parody? Fans will always create fun stories, but readers and audiences only tolerate small amounts of crossover, as the Roger Rabbit scene mentioned above. Why is this? I think that for a character to get wildly popular, a fan must become invested over time. When something occurs that detracts from their long-term investment, it causes outrage.
Would I like to write in this space? I think that creating such material, while fun, would quickly get confusing. Plus, I certainly do not like mooching off other people’s work. Plus, the franchise owners would never allow me to abuse their copyrights. So, that space is a big no-no for me. How about a crossover article? No, my prior writing is already confusing enough.
You’re the best -Bill
August 11, 2021 Updated January 10, 2026
One example occurred when Bugs Bunny was legitimately on-screen with Mickey Mouse in the movie Who Framed Roger Rabbit. It was a fun film, but each franchise went its separate way, and a future collaboration is improbable.
There is another aspect of colliding worlds. For example, if Harry Potter actually met Spider-Man, it would mean the two entities acknowledged each other. The result would make Harry Potter’s magic less magical and Spider-Man’s extraordinary strength less impressive. Why? Harry Potter could cast a magic spider-spell on his friend, which would provide spider qualities. And Spider-Man could shoot a web to take away Harry Potter’s magic broom. All of which would not read well.
If this collaboration did occur, fans would be outraged. “What a cheap rip-off!” Plus, the result would be confusing and lead to strange questions. Could Spider-Man use a magic wand? Would Harry Potter be able to date Spider-Man’s girlfriend, Mary Jane? Wow, it got complex quickly.
Still, I think it would be fun to watch such mashups. How about Luke Skywalker getting a Vulcan nerve pinch? Ripley from Aliens using a lightsaber to fight the Joker? Iron Man flying next to Space Ball One? A Star Trek Borg assimilating a Star Wars Ewok? Lots of possibilities that we will never see.
What about an unregulated space, such as fan fiction or parody? Fans will always create fun stories, but readers and audiences only tolerate small amounts of crossover, as the Roger Rabbit scene mentioned above. Why is this? I think that for a character to get wildly popular, a fan must become invested over time. When something occurs that detracts from their long-term investment, it causes outrage.
Would I like to write in this space? I think that creating such material, while fun, would quickly get confusing. Plus, I certainly do not like mooching off other people’s work. Plus, the franchise owners would never allow me to abuse their copyrights. So, that space is a big no-no for me. How about a crossover article? No, my prior writing is already confusing enough.
You’re the best -Bill
August 11, 2021 Updated January 10, 2026
