We’ve had our first look at HBO’sHarry PotterTV show, and it seems my greatest fear for the remake has been confirmed. Production has officially begun for the HBO series, and this news was accompanied by a couple of behind-the-scenes images featuring Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter and Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid. Overall, they look spectacular. However, that’s precisely the problem.
HBO’sHarry Potterremakeis meant to be a book-faithful adaptation, differing from Warner Bros. existing films in that the longer TV format allows for a more complete look at the Wizarding world. This is, of course, exciting.As much as theHarry Pottermovieshold a special place in my heart, I have always felt that the story they present is superficial compared to the books.
Of course, theHarry PotterTV show can’t be entirely different from the movies people know and love. HBO’s real challenge will be determining what needs to be changed and what doesn’t. A great opportunity here would be the artistic designs of the characters and sets.I was afraid that the series would depend too heavily on Warner Bros.' original designs. So far, unfortunately, my fear has been confirmed.
Harry & Hagrid Look Almost Exactly The Same As In The Movies In HBO’s BTS Images
HBO Didn’t Stray Far From The Movies' Design
Thebehind-the-scenes images that we have seen so far show McLaughlinand Frost in full costume, andthey look nearly identical to their movie counterparts. In some ways, this is great. Harry’s dark, untidy hair and Hagrid’s bushy mane and beard are precisely how theHarry Potterbooks describe them, just as they should be. However, other creative aspects could have been changed.
McLaughlin’s Harry is a particularly good example. TheHarry Potterbooks only ever described the Hogwarts uniform as black robes. It was the movies that gave the students sweaters with colored ties that correlate with their house colors. HBO’s remake could have easily made a change here, butit appears that theHarry PotterTV show will carry on with a similar design.
TheHarry Pottermovies interpreted this as a simple zigzag painted on Daniel Radcliffe
Similarly, the books indicate that Harry has a lightning-shaped scar on his forehead. TheHarry Pottermovies interpreted this as a simple zigzag painted on Daniel Radcliffe. However,a more magical Lichtenberg figure scar could have been used instead, appearing as a more realistic web of lightning across the top of McLaughlin’s face.
These design changes would have made theHarry PotterTV show unique while keeping with the promise to remain book-accurate. I had hoped we would see this reflected in images released leading up to the show’s premiere. Instead, I have been left disappointed.
Will The Harry Potter Show Take Any Risks Artistically?
HBO Might Be TOO Careful
There is still a lot left to see regarding theHarry PotterTV show, so have hope that some artistic liberties can still be taken. Though we all want a Wizarding world that fits with what we already know and love, HBO’s TV show has a chance to make this version so much more magical. Unfortunately, for fear of causing further controversy,theHarry Potterremake may choose to keep within the artistic parameters of the movies. Only time will tell.
