Although the iconic Harry Potter film franchise made various changes from the original books, some of these differences actually benefitted the on-screen adaptations and should return in HBO's Harry Potter television show. The Harry Potter franchise began as a series of seven books telling the story of Harry, a young boy who discovers he is a wizard and begins attending Hogwarts, a magical boarding school. The books were adapted into a film franchise from 2001 to 2011 and are now being rebooted as television series by HBO.
Despite being a thoroughly well-loved film franchise, the Harry Potter films often dropped the ball when it came to book accuracy. Many storylines and details were cut from the movies which led to disappointment from fans who had read and loved the books. However, in the midst of taking certain scenes away, the films did add new moments to the films as well and some of these additions made the story even better. Therefore, as HBO's Harry Potter show finally brings missing parts of the book on-screen, they should also keep these small changes from the films that made Harry Potter better.
6 Neville's Crush On Luna
In the Harry Potter books, Neville almost entirely lacks any romantic prospects. Because of his awkward and shy nature, he lacks the social life and relationships that his peers have, though he eventually gains more friends over the years. According to J.K. Rowling, Neville ends up marrying his schoolmate Hannah Abbott after the series ends, though audiences don't get to see this relationship at all. Meanwhile, in the Harry Potter films, Neville has a sweet crush on his friend Luna Lovegood.
Although nothing comes of Neville's feelings for Luna, the films' inclusion of this detail is beneficial because it adds new dynamics to a preexisting relationship. It makes sense that Neville and Luna would get along because they are both outcasts, and it's natural for them to pair up as their other friends do the same. Though it wouldn't be necessary for Neville and Luna to enter a romantic relationship, the HBO show should include Neville's crush because it is sweet and expands his character in a way the movies didn't always get to do.
5 Hermione's Parents
A major change that occurred in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 was the inclusion of Hermione's parents. In the books, Hermione's parents are never seen but are described as Muggle dentists. When the war on Voldemort begins to heat up, Hermione simply sends her parents away from danger and the topic is never broached again. However, the films give her parents a darker twist, showing Hermione erasing herself from her parents' memory. The scene is heartbreaking and a respected change from the books to the movies.
Though HBO's Harry Potter doesn't need to repeat this scene exactly, it would certainly be interesting for the show to include more of Hermione's parents whether it's through erasing their memories, sending them off to Australia, or having them pick her up at King's Cross Station. Adding Hermione's parents could only help improve her character and expand on the preexisting story. In the same way that audiences love the Weasleys and despise the Malfoys, the Grangers could give a new perspective on the Harry Potter world.
4 Hedwig Sacrifices Himself
Although this is a subtle change from the Harry Potter books to movies, it is one that has a massive emotional toll and must remain the same in HBO's show. During the final book, Harry and his friends must escape to London on brooms and are tailed by Voldemort and his men. In a tragic twist, Hedwig, Harry's owl, is killed. This moment is upsetting both on the page and on-screen, but develops more meaning in the films when Hedwig is killed not in his cage but flying towards Harry to protect him.
While this change from Hedwig being in his cage to out of it seems small, it has significant symbolic value. By having him outside, Hedwig's death isn't just a sad twist but a moment for Harry's beloved pet to protect him in a way he never could before. This change is beneficial because it adds more depth to Hedwig's death and makes the scene even sadder. In this way, it must appear in the HBO Harry Potter series.
3 Harry And Hermione's Talk
A scene that first appears in the Harry Potter films and which should remain in the television series is when Harry and Hermione talk about their respective crushes in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. While the books only include Hermione quietly noticing Harry's crush on Ginny, the end of the film shows Hermione openly acknowledging Harry's feelings and relating to him because of her heartbreak over Ron. Hermione asks, "How does it feel, Harry, when you see Ginny with Dean?"
This moment of honesty between the friends is very refreshing and almost more realistic to the characters. Hermione is perceptive but also brutally honest, and it makes sense that she would confront Harry about his feelings. Furthermore, as best friends, it is likely that they would commiserate over their similar situations. This scene definitely should appear in HBO's Harry Potter because it further develops Harry and Hermione's relationship and makes their feelings more obvious and intense.
2 Amos Diggory's Grief
Because the Harry Potter books are written from Harry's perspective, many characters often don't get their full scope of emotions shown. Included in this group is Amos Diggory, the father of Cedric Diggory who is killed by Lord Voldemort in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. In the book, Harry returns from facing off with Voldemort and is mostly in his own head about what has happened to Cedric. However, in the films Amos Diggory is given a much bigger role as he cries out for his son in a scene that has now become iconic.
It is definitely necessary for the HBO show to include this moment from the films as it gives a wider look at how Cedric's death affected everyone at Hogwarts, not just Harry. Showing Amos Diggory's grief at losing his son makes the moment all the more upsetting and shocking as this scene is the turning point into a much darker part of the story. Including Amos' iconic lines and emotions would benefit the scene as a whole.
1 Harry Confronts Snape
A final changed Harry Potter movie moment that was a great addition to the films is when Harry confronts Snape in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2. Having returned to Hogwarts for the battle against Voldemort, Harry steps out from the crowd of students and calls out Snape for killing Dumbledore and taking his place. This scene is powerful because it shows Harry's pain from losing his mentor and his hatred toward Snape. HBO's Harry Potter should certainly keep this scene because it adds tension, drama, and is satisfying for both Harry and the audience.
Though the Harry Potter film franchise did not make all the right decisions in adapting the books, HBO has the chance to fix old mistakes. In this case, the series could also maintain good choices that keep the story new and dynamic. Although this latest version of Harry Potter is meant to be the most accurate to the books, it wouldn't hurt to add small details such as these to keep Harry Potter fresh.