The Harry Potter reboot announced last year, now from HBO, sparked both enthusiastic reactions and many doubts — which, in fact, were soon confirmed by some odd casting choices. One advantage of the new series, however, is that each of J.K. Rowling’s novels will get its own season — meaning there should be far fewer missed plot details this time.
In this selection, we highlight what the upcoming show should pay attention to (and what the Harry Potter film franchise completely ignored).
Sorting Hat Songs
For those who know Harry Potter only through the movies, this might come as a shock — but book fans surely remember: the Sorting Hat in Hogwarts is known not only for its sharp judgment in sorting students but also for the different songs it composes itself. The themes vary widely, and the songs are never repeated. Such a performance by the Sorting Hat can only be heard during the Sorting Ceremony on September 1st.
Vernon Dursley’s Knowledge of the Magical World
In the film franchise, the Dursleys are outright villains who stubbornly resist anything connected to Hogwarts and the magical world that their nephew becomes part of. However, in the books, Uncle Vernon proves to have a surprisingly good understanding of how the magical world works, and part of the narrative in the first novel is even told from his perspective. Though the films completely ignore this small but important detail, the new Harry Potter series will have the chance to set things right by showing Vernon in a slightly more favorable light.
Harry’s Dream-Prediction
In Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, the protagonist battles Professor Quirrell, who wears a turban concealing Voldemort’s presence. In the films, Harry learns this directly from Quirrell himself, but in J.K. Rowling’s novel, the hero actually finds a prediction of this twist in a nightmare he has on his first night at Hogwarts. In this dream, Harry wears the very same turban, which can talk to him and whisper secrets.
All the Obstacles on the Way to the Philosopher’s Stone
The quest for the Philosopher’s Stone takes Harry, Ron, and Hermione quite some time because they must pass seven challenges, only one of which received significant attention in the film adaptation. These tasks are key elements of the story’s climax — each challenge focuses on developing a specific skill, and many help the trio get to know each other better and strengthen their bond.
Harry’s First Meeting with Draco Malfoy
In the film, Harry meets his future enemy for the first time at Hogwarts, but according to J.K. Rowling’s novel, their first encounter actually takes place in Diagon Alley — although at that moment Harry and Draco are not yet acquainted. Nevertheless, Harry overhears Draco complaining and realizes who he will have to face. In his fiery speech, the young Draco talks about mudbloods and how the magical world should only include “pure” families.
