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Exploring the New Harry Potter TV Series: What Fans Hope to See

The Harry Potter saga, a tale of the Boy Who Lived, has captivated readers and viewers globally, with the book series selling hundreds of millions of copies. Warner Bros. recognized the franchise’s immense popularity, adapting J.K. Rowling’s cherished novels into a successful film series. Nearly two decades after the final book’s release and around 15 years since the last film, interest in the franchise remains robust. In response, Warner Bros. is set to launch a new TV series on HBO, aiming to reintroduce Harry and his friends to a new generation.

While the films adhered closely to the source material, the long-form format of a TV series offers a unique opportunity to explore characters and plotlines that were previously minimized or omitted altogether. Below are ten improvements that the upcoming series could explore to enrich the Harry Potter universe.

1. Percy’s Division From the Weasley Family

In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, the wizarding community is split over the return of Lord Voldemort, leading to conflict within families, notably the Weasleys. Percy Weasley’s alignment with the Ministry of Magic creates a painful rift, a detail glossed over in the films. The series could delve deeper into this fracture, illustrating its emotional toll on the family.

2. Giving Us S.P.E.W.

Hermione Granger’s establishment of the Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare (S.P.E.W.) is a compelling storyline in the books that promotes themes of equality and justice. While the films sidelined this initiative, the TV series could reinstate Hermione’s passionate activism, providing more depth to her character and showcasing societal issues within the wizarding world.

3. Including Cut Characters

Several beloved characters were excluded from the movie adaptations, such as Peeves the Poltergeist, Winky the house-elf, and Teddy Lupin. The TV series format allows for the inclusion of these characters, enriching the story and connecting it more closely to its literary roots.

4. Casting Age-Appropriate Characters

The films often cast actors who were older than their characters, which diverged from the original story’s intent. The series has a chance to cast age-appropriate actors, enhancing the authenticity of characters like James and Lily Potter, along with Severus Snape and Sirius Black, allowing viewers to witness their youthful heroism and its tragic consequences.

5. Showing the Quidditch World Cup

The Quidditch World Cup is a significant event in the series, but the movies shortchanged it, offering only brief glimpses. A detailed portrayal of this majestic sporting event, complete with competitive matches and international wizardry, would captivate fans and expand the universe’s lore.

6. Including Harry and Dudley’s Goodbye

One poignant moment cut from the films is the farewell between Harry and Dudley, which showcases a rare moment of growth for Dudley. This emotional scene could serve as a significant character moment, highlighting themes of redemption and reconciliation within fractured relationships.

7. Including Neville’s Past

Neville Longbottom’s backstory offers rich narrative potential, including his struggles with familial expectations and connection to the Chosen One prophecy. The series could present his upbringing and the impact of his parents’ tragic fate, showcasing his evolution from an insecure boy to a brave hero.

8. Better Romance Between Harry and Ginny

The portrayal of Harry and Ginny’s romance in the films was criticized for lacking depth. The series could explore their relationship more thoughtfully, developing their chemistry and the nuances of teenage love, capturing the magic of their bond over multiple seasons.

9. Showing Snape’s Memories of Hogwarts as Full Scenes

Snape’s memories are crucial to understanding his character and motivations. The series could depict these memories in full, allowing viewers to engage with not only Snape but also the Marauders, their friendships, and rivalries, providing context to the complex lore that drives the narrative.

10. Showing More of the Voldemort Memories/Backstory

In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Harry’s lessons with Dumbledore reveal key insights into Voldemort’s past. A deeper exploration of Voldemort’s family history, formation of Horcruxes, and the circumstances that shaped him into one of literature’s most infamous villains would enhance the series dramatically, creating a more compelling antagonist.

The upcoming reboot of the Harry Potter franchise presents an exciting opportunity to explore untapped storylines and deepen character arcs. Fans will be watching closely to see how HBO honors the cherished source material while introducing new elements that keep the magic alive.

Source
movieweb.com