Key Takeaways
- HBO’s Harry Potter series differentiates from movies by exploring past events and characters in detail.
- The show should focus on the Potter family, Snape’s relationships, and Voldemort’s backstory for a richer narrative.
- HBO’s TV series has more time to delve into the Harry Potter lore, enhancing character development and overall story intensity.
HBO’sHarry Potter television adaptation is eagerly anticipated, and not just because it will bring the Wizarding World back into mainstream media in a new way. One of the main reasons audiences are excited about the project is that it could, and should, have elements that differentiate it from the movies.
By now, everyone knows the story of Harry Potter, and the classic scenes from JK Rowling’s novels are sure to be part of the TV show. However, audiences want to see a deeper dive into the story, and focusing on elements from the past could be one way to achieve that.
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Why The Potter Family Should Be Explored In More Detail
The Harry Potter family is obviously at the center of this franchise, with the focal point being Potter and his journey from boy to man as he defeats Lord Voldemort. However, the wider Potter family is also a considerable part of the overall story, with his parents being essential figures in what makes Potter so unique to begin with.
James and Lily Potter are highly regarded in the magical community, but they’re only shown in small glimpses throughout the movies. Even though Lily’s decision to sacrifice herself ultimately protects Harry, much of their past is just mentioned or quickly referenced rather than focused on in great detail, which is a real shame. That’s something that HBO has the chance to change, and the television format is the ideal way to do that.
The novels do a great job of focusing on those characters and providing details from the past that enhance the readers’ understanding of the world and why it’s relevant to the story. However, the movies sometimes confused people because those moments weren’t given the right amount of attention.
The Past Plays A Key Role In Harry Potter
It isn’t just that the Potter family has significant moments from the past that link to the main storyline with Harry, either. Their relationships with Severus Snape are crucial to his character and one of the most emotional twists in the entire series, and that’s something that isn’t explained enough or given the right amount of time to provide the emotional reaction that it is capable of.
In addition, simply seeing Voldemort’s rise and the true terror that he originally provided would make him a more feared villain. Viewers are just left hearing stories throughout the movies, but being able to see them is a different matter. The same can be said for the entire storyline involving all of James’ friends.
Remus Lupin, Peter Pettigrew, and Sirius Black all have big roles in the main timeline of the Harry Potter movies. They will be key characters in the television show, too, but their younger selves should be shown more. The way they create the Marauders Map or how Pettigrew betrays Black and sets him up deserves to be shown because it’s an incredible story.
All of these moments help to make the novels what they are, rich in detail and character development. Unfortunately, the movies tended to gloss over the past in quick scenes that just hit the points without truly diving into the characters. Hardcore fans will be eager to see that change here, and it could lead to an even greater story.
HBO Has The Benefit Of Time To Explore
The main reason why HBO should look to take a deeper dive into the past of Harry Potter is because the show has the benefit of time in the way that the movies didn’t. While one of the films are short, the TV series is set to give each book its own season, and considering that’s likely going to be eight to 10 episodes for each, it will give HBO significantly more time to tell stories.
Of course, there are many scenes involving the main characters that weren’t part of the movies and should be included here, while there are also characters that weren’t even part of them who played big roles in the novels. However, exploring aspects from the past could truly separate the TV show from the movies. There is plenty of lore when it comes to the Harry Potter world, and it’s only showcased in glimpses in the movies.
Considering how important the past is, whether it be the original Order of the Phoenix, the relationships between Harry’s parents and Snape, or the initial rise of Lord Voldemort, many vital details impact the main timeline. Couple that with how entertaining it would be to see those moments played out and given extra details that make the characters feel important, and there’s a chance that HBO could elevate an already beloved story.
With the extra time, HBO could even dedicate an entire episode to moments from the past if it fits into the overall story or have consistent flashbacks throughout one episode that dives deep into what happened. It would give audiences a greater appreciation and understanding of the Harry Potter storyline and would only ramp up the intensity. When it becomes clear how long the Dark Lord has had a grip on that world, it will ensure people want to see him defeated even more while enhancing his sympathy for Harry.
Harry Potter
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