10 Ways HBO's TV Remake of Harry Potter Could Embrace the Sassy Book Harry

HBO's Harry Potter TV remake aims to be a more faithful adaptation to the books, which means Harry's character will be portrayed differently from the movies. While the Warner Bros' film series is beloved, it took liberties with Harry's story, making a remake highly anticipated. The TV format will allow for a more detailed depiction of the books, including character traits and additional plotlines. However, this may come as a surprise to those who are only familiar with the movies.

Daniel Radcliffe portrayed an excellent Harry Potter, but his character differed from J.K. Rowling's original vision. Screen adaptations often struggle to capture a character's inner thoughts, a strength of books. The upcoming Harry Potter remake will face this challenge as well, but with a clean slate and seven seasons to explore, it should be easier to stay true to Harry's character. If HBO stays faithful to the books, viewers can expect a different portrayal of the hero.

Harry Should Have A Lot More Lines In the Harry Potter Remake

The Harry Potter movie gave away a lot of Harry's book lines.

Harry, Ron, and Hermione shocked with a Halloween background from the Great Hall in Harry Potter - The Harry Potter movie gave away a lot of Harry's book lines. - Harry Should Have A Lot More Lines In the Harry Potter Remake

In the Harry Potter books, Harry was portrayed as a character with much to say. However, in the movies, Hermione was the intelligent one, and Ron was the mischievous one, leaving Harry with less depth. Clever lines from Harry in the books were often given to Hermione in the movies, while Ron got the more humorous ones. As a result, the on-screen version of Harry lacked substance. When HBO remakes Harry Potter, they will need to ensure that Harry's character is given more depth and complexity.

The Harry Potter Remake Should Make Harry Much More Assertive

Harry was far more passive in the Harry Potter movies.

Harry and Ginny playing Quidditch in Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince - Harry was far more passive in the Harry Potter movies. - The Harry Potter Remake Should Make Harry Much More Assertive

In the movies, Harry's character seemed passive and just going with the flow, unlike in the books where he was more assertive. An example of this is during Quidditch tryouts in the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince movie, where Harry struggled to speak up and maintain order. In contrast, in the book version, Harry confidently told everyone to quiet down and fall in line.

Harry Should Be Sassier & Snarkier In the Harry Potter Remake

Book Harry was known for his sarcasm and wit.

Harry Potter in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban - Book Harry was known for his sarcasm and wit. - Harry Should Be Sassier & Snarkier In the Harry Potter Remake

The biggest injustice done to Harry in the Harry Potter movies was the removal of his witty remarks. In the books, Harry was quick-witted and sarcastic, always ready with a clever comeback. Whether it was dealing with the Dursleys, Umbridge, Draco, or Snape, his sassy comments added humor to the story. Even though his sarcasm often landed him in trouble, it was part of what made him endearing. Movie Harry, on the other hand, seemed too passive. Therefore, any future Harry Potter remake should bring back the Boy Who Clapped Back.

The Harry Potter Remake Should Make Harry More Like A Typical Teenager

There wasn't enough time for the Harry Potter movies to show everyday life at Hogwarts.

Harry, Ron, Hermione Laughing After Snowball Fight With Draco - There wasn't enough time for the Harry Potter movies to show everyday life at Hogwarts. - The Harry Potter Remake Should Make Harry More Like A Typical Teenager

Harry tried his best to navigate being a teenager in the Harry Potter books, despite not always having the typical experience. Like any other teenager, he struggled with tests, missed homework, goofed off, and made mistakes, even though he was known as the "Chosen One." The movies did show glimpses of Harry's teenage struggles, but the focus on action scenes left out much of his everyday life at Hogwarts. A remake of Harry Potter could provide a deeper look into Harry's teenage years and give more insight into his character.

Harry Should Get Better & More Comfortable With Magic As The Series Goes On

Harry didn't do much magic in the Harry Potter movies.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Wand Spell - Harry didn't do much magic in the Harry Potter movies. - Harry Should Get Better & More Comfortable With Magic As The Series Goes On

Many fans have pointed out that Harry Potter doesn't showcase a lot of his magical abilities in the movies, despite being the chosen hero in the wizarding world. This is especially noticeable in the first movie, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, where he doesn't cast any spells himself. Even in the later movies, Harry's go-to spells are mainly "Expecto Patronum" and "Expeliarmus." However, in the books, Harry proves to be a skilled wizard when facing Voldemort, a crucial aspect that the Harry Potter remake should highlight.

The Harry Potter Remake Should Make Harry's Temper Much Worse

The Harry Potter movies downplayed Harry's angstiest year.

Harry Potter angry in Prisoner of Azkaban - The Harry Potter movies downplayed Harry's angstiest year. - The Harry Potter Remake Should Make Harry's Temper Much Worse

In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Harry struggled to control his temper. This was evident in the movies, like when he shouted at Dumbledore following Nagini's attack on Mr. Weasley. However, the extent of his anger was more pronounced in the book. Harry's dialogue was often written in capslock, emphasizing his heightened emotions. At one point, he even wrecked Dumbledore's office in a fit of rage after Sirius' death—a pivotal moment that will surely be included in any future Harry Potter adaptations.

Harry Should Be Less Awkward Romantically In The Harry Potter Remake

Movie Harry never got comfortable with romance.

Ginny Weasley (Bonnie Wright) wiping Harry's (Daniel Radcliffe) face in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince - Movie Harry never got comfortable with romance. - Harry Should Be Less Awkward Romantically In The Harry Potter Remake

Harry's love life in the Harry Potter movies was hard to watch. He was awkwardly charming with Cho in Goblet of Fire, but his romance with Ginny in Half-Blood Prince and Deathly Hallows felt forced. It wasn't the actors' fault, but rather how quickly these relationships developed. In the books, Harry wasn't a smooth ladies' man, but his crushes and relationships felt more authentic. Hopefully, in the HBO remake, they'll get it right.

The Harry Potter Remake Must Give Harry Better Character Development Than the Movies

Harry and Ginny had multiple book scenes together that portrayed them as a more convincing couple compared to the movies.

The Harry Potter movies didn't have time for the nuances of Harry's personal journey.

Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter looking concerned in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 - The Harry Potter movies didn't have time for the nuances of Harry's personal journey. - The Harry Potter Remake Must Give Harry Better Character Development Than the Movies

The Chosen One Prophecy Will Mean Something Different For Harry In The Remake

In the Harry Potter movies, Harry's character remained mostly unchanged from start to finish. He didn't undergo much growth, except for a brief moment of doubt in Deathly Hallows about Dumbledore's past. Unlike the books, where Harry relied on his instincts, he learned to be more cautious after Sirius' tragic death in Order of the Phoenix. The ultimate test came in Deathly Hallows when he had to resist the temptation of the Hallows. This crucial development was left out in the movies, but it is essential for the Harry Potter remake.

The Chosen One prophecy had a greater impact on Book Harry.

Harry holding the prophecy in Harry Potter and The Order of The Phoenix - The Chosen One prophecy had a greater impact on Book Harry. - The Chosen One Prophecy Will Mean Something Different For Harry In The Remake

The Chosen One prophecy in the Harry Potter series had more depth in the books compared to the movies. It played a significant role in shaping Harry's journey and his ultimate confrontation with Voldemort. As events unfolded, it became evident that Voldemort's actions were instrumental in fulfilling the prophecy, and Harry also had the power to make it a reality. Over the years, Harry gradually unraveled the various layers of the prophecy until he emerged as the wise hero who faced the Dark Lord.

Harry Must Actually Have Lily's Eyes In The Harry Potter Remake

Harry and Lily's eyes didn't match in the Harry Potter movies (even though they say they do).

Blue eyes Cropped (1) - Harry and Lily's eyes didn't match in the Harry Potter movies (even though they say they do). - Harry Must Actually Have Lily's Eyes In The Harry Potter Remake

Many fans believe that Radcliffe did a great job portraying Harry, making it tough for a new actor to step into his shoes. However, the Harry Potter remake aims to stay true to the books, so there are areas for improvement. While finding someone who matches Rowling's exact description of Harry may be challenging, one essential feature is his green eyes. Whether achieved through contacts, editing, or natural traits, it's crucial for the remake to have Harry with eyes matching his mother's, giving him a distinct look from the original movie version.

Editor's P/S:

The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the upcoming Harry Potter TV remake, highlighting the ways in which it can improve upon the original film series by staying faithful to the books. The author explores various aspects of Harry's character, arguing that the remake should portray him as more assertive, witty, and relatable. The article also emphasizes the importance of showcasing Harry's magical abilities, exploring his personal journey, and capturing the nuances of his relationships. Overall, the article presents a compelling case for the remake to deliver a more accurate and satisfying adaptation of the beloved Harry Potter books.

As a fan of the Harry Potter series, I am excited about the prospect of a TV remake that promises to stay true to the source material. The author's suggestions for improving Harry's characterization are spot-on, as they address some of the shortcomings of the film adaptations. I particularly appreciate the emphasis on Harry's assertiveness and wit, as these traits are essential to his character in the books. Additionally, I believe that the remake has the potential to delve deeper into Harry's emotional journey and relationships, providing a more nuanced and emotionally resonant portrayal of the character.