I was all set for the merchandising tie-in extravaganza that would accompany the next Harry Potter movie which opens worldwide today. And what have we heard?

<crickets>

With Harry and the Gang getting older and the story getting darker there’s almost nothing for kids, toy-and-gadget-wise except prop replicas and clothing. The Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince video game is a bit of a washout and even Lego has abandoned this year’s movie. I suppose drinking potions, fighting zombies, and wanton death and destruction doesn’t really seem like Lego’s cup of tea. Sorry kids, maybe next year … but I very much doubt it.

Tags: harry+potter, harry+potter+and+the+half+blood+prince