TheHarry Pottermovies introduced a divisive book change to Hermione’s characterization, but the upcoming HBO series seems to have the perfect opportunity to course-correct and restore accuracy. Since most details about the show’s approach to adapting the source material remain unknown, only time will tell how it will portray Hermione.
Owing to their limited runtimes, theHarry Pottermovieswere forced to either delete segments from the books or significantly change them. Some of these retcons and erasures were well-accepted by audiences. However, several other changes were criticized by viewers who wished to see a more loyal adaptation.
Interestingly, the movies also introduced a seemingly unnecessary line of similar changes to Hermione Granger’s story. Since the show will likely borrow some elements from the movies as well, it is hard not to be curious about whether it will tread the same path as the movies with its portrayal of Hermione.
Harry Potter’s Movies Gave Hermione Several Key Lines From Other Characters In The Books
Many Of Her Quotes Did Not Originally Belong To Her
In hindsight, it is almost strange how many original lines from other characters were given to Hermione in the movies. The first time this seemingly happened was inHarry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, whereshe explained to Harry the meaning of “mudblood” in the movie, while Ron did the same in the book.
Given how Hermione was a wizard born to muggle parents, this book change still made sense. However, the stolen lines phenomenon became even weirder in the movies whenHermione Granger quoted, “If you want to kill Harry, you’ll have to kill us too,” to protect Harry fromSirius inHarry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.
The line was originally said by Ron in the books, highlighting how he was willing to put his life on the line for his friend. By giving it to Hermione, the movies made her seem far braver than Ron. The movies even went as far as giving Hermione one of Dumbledore’s most profound lines:
“Fear of a name only increases fear of the thing itself.”
When Hermione says this to Malfoy in theChamber of Secretsto highlight the importance of calling Voldemort by his name, it seems a little too off. The reason beingthe quote seems too wise for someone who is barely 12 years old. These are only a few examples ofHermione’s stolen lines in theHarry Pottermovies, highlighting an arguably unnecessary deviation from the books.
Harry Potter’s Show Has A Big Choice Between Keeping These Lines For Hermione Or Reverting Giving Them Back To Their Book Characters
Both Approaches Would Significantly Change Hermione’s Arc In The Series
The show can tread the same path as the movies and give Hermione several lines that originally belonged to other characters. This, however,would be a little risky since some quotes just do not feel right when they come out of Hermione’s mouth, while others diminish the roles of other key characters.
…If Ron ends up saying “if you want to kill Harry, you’ll have to kill us too” at the Whomping Willow, it would slightly alter the perception of Hermione’s bravery.
If the show ends up loyally following the books' dialogue by only giving Hermione her original lines, it would still risk changing several aspects of her established personality from the movies. For instance, if Ron ends up saying “if you want to kill Harry, you’ll have to kill us too” at the Whomping Willow, it would slightly alter the perception of Hermione’s bravery.
Regardless of how the show portrays her, though, it is hard not to hope that it will at least try to honor elements from both the books and the movies instead of trying to be too original. While theHarry Pottershow has to etch its own identity in the franchise, it must not try too hard to change characters audiences have grown to love.
Harry Potter
Harry Potter is HBO’s remake of the iconic Wizarding World film series that consisted of eight films between 2001 and 2011. Each season adapts a book from JK Rowling’s popular series and provides more book-accurate details than the movies did.
