HBO Harry Potter series
Harry Potter movies vs the HBO series
The films had about two and a half hours for the first book. The series has eight episodes. Here is what that changes, and how the two compare on cast and approach.
At a glance
| Films | HBO series | |
|---|---|---|
| Format | One film per book (eight films; the last book split in two) | One season per book |
| First instalment | Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001) | Season 1, 8 episodes (2026) |
| Running time for book one | About 2½ hours | 8 episodes |
| Director of book one | Chris Columbus | Mark Mylod (with Benjamin Caron and Lucy Forbes) |
| Music | John Williams | Hans Zimmer |
| Studio | Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden | Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden |
| Peeves | Cut | Included (Peter Serafinowicz) |
| How long the whole story took | Ten years (2001–2011) | Expected to run for around a decade |
Time: the biggest difference
Every Harry Potter film had to cut. The later books are hundreds of pages long, and even the first had to lose scenes to fit into one film. A full season per book changes that. Subplots, minor characters and quieter moments at Hogwarts can stay in rather than being trimmed for pace.
That's why the series is described as a more faithful adaptation. Whether it lives up to that will be clear once it airs, but the structure gives it a far better chance.
What the films left out of the first book
- Peeves the poltergeist, cut from every film. He is confirmed for the series.
- Snape's logic puzzle guarding the Philosopher's Stone, which Hermione solves.
- More of Harry's life with the Dursleys, including more of Dudley.
- Norbert's departure: in the book, Harry and Hermione smuggle the dragon to Charlie Weasley's friends at the top of the Astronomy Tower and are caught.
- Smaller characters such as more of the other Gryffindor first-years and the Hogwarts ghosts.
None of these are confirmed for the series except Peeves, but they're the scenes fans most often hope to see.
The cast
| Character | Films | HBO series |
|---|---|---|
| Harry Potter | Daniel Radcliffe | Dominic McLaughlin |
| Hermione Granger | Emma Watson | Arabella Stanton |
| Ron Weasley | Rupert Grint | Alastair Stout |
| Albus Dumbledore | Richard Harris (later Michael Gambon) | John Lithgow |
| Minerva McGonagall | Maggie Smith | Janet McTeer |
| Severus Snape | Alan Rickman | Paapa Essiedu |
| Rubeus Hagrid | Robbie Coltrane | Nick Frost |
The films' young stars were between 10 and 12 when the first film was shot. The new trio were cast at a similar age, so they'll grow up with their characters in the same way. See the full cast comparison.
Music
John Williams's score for the first three films, especially "Hedwig's Theme", is one of the most recognisable pieces of film music ever written. The series is scored by Hans Zimmer with Bleeding Fingers Music. It isn't known yet whether Williams's theme will appear.
Look and feel
The series is made at the same studio as the films, Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, but with a new production designer, costume designer and sets. The trailers show a world that's recognisably Harry Potter without recreating the films shot for shot.
Which is better?
It's too early to say. The films are a finished, much-loved series with a cast many fans can't imagine replacing. The series has the advantage of time and the chance to tell the full story. Many fans will happily enjoy both.
Whichever you prefer, the houses haven't changed. Find out where you'd be sorted with our house quiz.
Frequently asked questions
Is the HBO series a remake of the films?
No. It is a new adaptation of the books, not of the films, with a new cast, sets and scripts.
Is the HBO series more faithful to the books?
That is the aim. Each book gets a full season, so there is far more time for scenes the films cut. How faithful it is will be clear once it airs.
Will the series use the film music?
The score is by Hans Zimmer. HBO has not said whether John Williams's famous theme will appear.
Does anyone from the films return?
Warwick Davis returns as Professor Flitwick.
Should I watch the films before the series?
You do not need to. The series tells the story from the start.
Unofficial fan project. Not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to Warner Bros., J.K. Rowling or Wizarding World Digital. Not affiliated with HBO or HBO Max.