HBO is beginning a project that will span an entire decade, bringing the Harry Potter story to life as a series instead of movies. The makers will revisit J.K. Rowling's original seven books and delve deeper into the magical realm.
They have gone through over 30,000 young actors to find their Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley. The winners of the opportunity are Dominic McLaughlin as Harry, Arabella Stanton as Hermione, and Alastair Stout as Ron.
The supporting cast members are John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, and Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid. The casting has ignited mixed views from fans.
This is exciting news for any fans of the Harry Potter franchise, as the series is planned to be released in 2026. Each season will focus on one book at a time, promising a better understanding of the wizarding world.
While the promise of a more faithful adaptation excites many, there's a pressing issue that needs addressing: the portrayal of Hogwarts Houses. In the movies, we saw a predominance of Gryffindor and Slytherin front-and-center within the narrative, and with Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw as merely minor background characters.
Keep reading to explore the change that the HBO Harry Potter TV series must consider.
The HBO Harry Potter TV series can embrace the full spectrum of Hogwarts Houses
The HBO Harry Potter series is on its way to our screens, but I'll only watch it if they give equal importance to all Hogwarts houses. As seen in the original films, there was a lot of emphasis on the rivalry between Gryffindor and Slytherin.
Gryffindor students were courageous and noble, while Slytherin students were cunning and, at times, represented evil in the face of goodness. This binary perspective ignored the reality of shades of grey for each house.
Peter Pettigrew was a Gryffindor who betrayed his friends, and Severus Snape was a Slytherin who sacrificed everything for the good of humanity. Additionally, the films overlooked Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw. Hufflepuff, which epitomizes loyalty, patience, and fairness, had little representation except for Cedric Diggory, who was only a character for a minute.
Ravenclaw, which is known for intelligence and creativity, only included Luna Lovegood, whose oddness did not speak to the depth of the house. This skewed representation not only diminished the richness of the Hogwarts community but also influenced fans' perceptions of the houses.
Not only this, I've noticed that merchandise and fan discussions online (social media platforms mostly) often revolve around Gryffindor and Slytherin. This results in Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw enthusiasts feeling overlooked.
So HBO's Harry Potter TV series can embrace this opportunity to finally give each house the significance it deserves. This change would also work well for new fans, as they can explore which house they love the most.
Why I want the HBO Harry Potter series to show all Hogwarts Houses more fairly

I want the HBO series to show more depth and fairness in how it tells the story, especially compared to the original films, which felt a bit one-sided when it came to the Hogwarts houses. Highlighting characters like Andromeda Tonks, a Slytherin who defied her family's dark affiliations.
It can also showcase the contributions of Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw students during pivotal events to enrich the narrative. Furthermore, exploring the Sorting Hat's decision-making process can help in better character development in the HBO TV series.
By recognizing the different strengths and worth of each of the four houses, HBO has the opportunity to create an inclusive and authentic student experience at Hogwarts. This approach not only honors the source material but also resonates with a diverse fanbase eager to see themselves represented in the magical world they've cherished for years.
Also Read: 5 challenges that HBO's upcoming Harry Potter show might face
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