Thoughts on HBO’s Harry Potter TV Adaptation

With seven books, eleven movies and a staged theatre production, J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter franchise has defined almost every child's childhood and adolescence for the last twenty-five years. HBO Max rebranded as Max, will revive the series with a seven-season adaptation commissioned.

The live-action series, based on all seven books in the series published between 1997 and 2007, will become a “decade-long series produced with the same epic craft, love and care this global franchise is known for”, according to a statement from the newly branded Max. “The series will feature a new cast to lead a new generation of fandom, full of the fantastic detail, much-loved characters and dramatic locations that Harry Potter fans have loved for over 25 years.”

Rowling will executive-produce the series alongside Neil Blair and Ruth Kenley-Letts. David Heyman, who executive-produced all eight Harry Potter feature films (released between 2001 and 2011), is also in talks to executive-produce.

When I heard this announcement last week, I had a gut reaction of "nope" and was adamantly against the idea. We have the movies and the play; why do we need to reboot when we could have prequels and sequels? I was one of those fans that would love a Marauders prequel or a series that focused on other characters within the Harry Potter universe. Star Wars has produced a vast cinematic universe. Why can't the Boy Who Lived get the same treatment?

The more I thought about it and discussed this with family and friends, my opinion started to change a bit. The Fantastic Beast series struggled at the box office due to lockdown restrictions lifting around its release, and the series has thus far been left on a pretty safe ending as a trilogy for now - despite five films being slated initially.

The original Harry Potter film series saw the rise of Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, among some of the greats in the British acting industry. It also had brilliant creatives working behind the scenes to bring the magical world to life. Four directors brought their own unique style and vision throughout the series: Chris Columbus, Alfonso Cuarón, Mike Newell, and David Yates. Michael Goldenberg wrote the screenplay for Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007), while Steve Kloves wrote the remaining films' screenplays.

As a child, I was thoroughly enthused by the movie magic and trickery. As I've revisited the series throughout the years, I can't help but respect the work and talent that went into every shot and scene. From a screenwriting perspective, Kloves and Goldenberg did a superb job crafting a human story with heart within the dark fantasy universe. Not a year has passed since I haven't rewatched these films during the holidays or with the family; these films have a sentimentality with the books they are based on.

However, with a runtime of over two hours, much of the story must be cut to fit into a screenplay narrative. People who hadn't read the books or preferred to watch the movies were often confused by certain events. There was a moment during the screening of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 where Harry is shown Snape's memories and what has ultimately led to the final battle. My brother turned to me in the cinema and asked, "Is Snape Harry's real dad?"

I stared at him in confusion as I told him, "No, of course not. He was best friends with Harry's mum and had an unrequited love for her." Then as the montage continued, I realised that the Snape and Lilly friendship was rushed over, and a scene that foreshadowed it was cut from the Order of the Phoenix - as a kid, I was a sticker collector. Each year, I'd get a Harry Potter-themed sticker book I'd spent most of the year filling up. There was one photo of the Snape flashback where a younger version of Lily Evans had been cast, but her appearance was cut from the film. This brief insight into these characters would have given moviegoers a bit more of an understanding of why Professor Snape, James and Lily turned out the way they did.

There are seven books where Harry, Hermione and Ron go through very relatable heartache and hardships as the reader follows these characters from childhood into adulthood. There were always character beats that I feel were missed out on in the film series: Harry and Ginny's romance, Ron's multifaceted character outside of being the comedic relief, Hermione's social awareness and experiences of discrimination as a muggle-born witch - many moments that readers are familiar with had to be omitted from the film. And that's just the kids. There's so much to unpack and develop with the older characters.

This is why I believe this series will allow the screenwriters to take their time with the story and not rush like the films had to. HBO Max said this would be a decade-long project and I have decided to remain cautiously optimistic. With the right cast and crew, I think the Harry Potter TV series has the potential to be just as good as the TV series - if not better.

As this has only been newly announced, no announcements of actors, writers or directors are attached to this production yet. I will keep an eye on any new developments, but hopefully, HBO will do these books justice.