A Deleted Harry Potter Movie Scene Proves Another Way HBO’s TV Remake Will Struggle To Match The Books

HBO’s Harry Potter TV remake has promised a book faithful adaptation, but a deleted scene from Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone proves why this won’t be an easy task. As beloved as the original Warner Bros films are, they have been heavily criticized for leaving out critical details from J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter books. However, when looking at some of the scenes that didn’t make it into the movies, it’s clear that the various directors tried to include some book moments. Unfortunately, with the limits of young actors, some just didn’t work.

HBO and Warner Bros are working together to remake the Harry Potter movies, this time in a TV show format that will stream on Max. This will eliminate the time constraint issues the films faced, allowing for a more book-faithful adaption—which is precisely what HBO has promised. However, this is a tall order to fill, and limited time isn’t the only reason the Harry Potter movies failed to live up to the books. Show business comes with many obstacles, and when it comes to nuanced character details, the Harry Potter remake will stall and have an uphill climb.

A Deleted Scene Proves Why Harry Was Less Sassy In The Harry Potter Movies

The Harry Potter & The Philosopher’s Stone Movie Originally Tried To Include Harry’s Sassy Moments

A common complaint regarding Harry’s character in the Harry Potter movies is that he lacked the quippy sassiness of his book counterpart. The version of the Boy Who Lived from the page always had a clapback when Vernon Dursley, Severus Snape, or Draco Malfoy gave him a hard time. His insults and comebacks were highly clever and a highlight of the Harry Potter books. Unfortunately, this was largely absent from the films, leaving Harry’s character to feel watered down. However, a deleted Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone scene reveals why.

In the extended version of the first Harry Potter movie, the scene in which Harry attends his first Potions lesson with Professor Snape is nearly identical to the book. The petty teacher gives his famous new student an unfair hard time, but rather than sit back and take it when Snape says, “Clearly, fame isn’t everything, is it, Mr. Potter?” a young Daniel Radcliffe responds, “Clearly Hermione knows. Seems a pity not to ask her.“ This was a cheeky and comical moment in the Philosopher’s Stone book. However, in the movie, it’s clear why this version of the scene was cut.

Radcliffe did an excellent job playing Harry Potter when he was only about 11, but it’s evident in the first movie that he and his fellow cast mates lacked experience. In the Potions lesson deleted scene, Radcliffe’s delivery of Harry’s snarky line wasn’t entirely believable. It turned the scene into a clumsy moment between Harry and Snape rather than the beginning of a years-long rivalry filled with clever insults and retorts. In all, this demonstrates how these early Harry Potter movies were limited by their young cast.

The extended versions of the
Harry Potter
movies are available to watch on Peacock.

HBO’s Harry Potter Remake Will Face The Same Struggle With Harry’s Character

The Young & Inexperienced Actors Of The Harry Potter Remake Will Again Be A Struggle

Harry’s character eventually became a little more outspoken in the Harry Potter movies as Radcliffe grew and his acting grew stronger. However, since he hadn’t been established as the sassy boy we know and love from the books, this quality was never quite as prevalent in the films. Instead, Harry’s angry retorts, especially in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, were about all that ever made it to the screen. HBO’s Harry Potter remake finally has the opportunity to remedy this by including the nuances of Harry’s personality, but this will still be a struggle.

The quick wit that was common in the books requires a level of comedic timing that will be challenging for any young performer.

Though a TV format will undoubtedly make it easier to dive into Harry’s personality, HBO’s remake will still be limited by the capabilities of a young actor. The quick wit that was common in the books requires a level of comedic timing that will be challenging for any young performer. Casting directors will need to find a new young star who looks the part, can capture that magical quality that made Radcliffe such a great fit, and who is a sufficiently talented actor. Comedic delivery may need to be taught or put to the wayside, which could mean another Harry Potter adaptation lacking Harry’s sassiness.

TV Shows Like Stranger Things Prove We Expect More From Child Actors Today

The Pressure On The New Cast Of The Harry Potter Remake Will Be Alarmingly High

There is a marked difference between the early Harry Potter movies and the later ones, which has much to do with the stars’ performances. The line delivery in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets isn’t to the same standard, but these movies are given some leeway considering the ages of the stars. Today, the bar has been raised significantly compared to the early 2000s. Shows like Stranger Things have proven what child actors are capable of, so the pressure is turned up for the Harry Potter remake.

Of course, much of this pressure falls on the young actors themselves, which is concerning. The now adult cast of the Harry Potter movies has praised how the films were handled back in the day, with the directors allowing them to be kids still, respecting boundaries, and ensuring they had as healthy an experience as possible. HBO and Warner Bros may have difficulty continuing these same virtues while getting top-tier performances out of their stars. Ultimately, this is another struggle that the Harry Potter remake will face in adapting the beloved books.