As exciting as HBO’s upcoming small-screen take on Harry Potter may seem, its future already seems concerning after one major Malfoy change.
Like most book-to-screen adaptations, HBO’s Harry Potter remake is bound to introduce many changes to the original books. However, unlike the movies, the show is not limited by shorter runtimes if it only adapts one book per season. This allows it to remain faithful to the source material and deliver a more accurate small-screen iteration.
Interestingly, though, reports reveal the show is introducing a major Malfoy change in season 1 itself, which could harm it in more ways than one.
Lucius & Draco Malfoy Will Have Bigger Roles In Harry Potter Season 1
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Lucius Malfoy barely has a role in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, and he does not even appear in the first movie. The first season of HBO’s Harry Potter, however, will reportedly (via THQ) feature him in a much bigger role. Similarly, Draco Malfoy will also have a significantly bigger part, where season 1 will also give several glimpses of his life at home (via 1883 Magazine).
By shedding more light on the perspectives of other characters instead of primarily focusing on Harry, the show intends to expand the books’ lore and make good use of its long runtime.
Not all book changes are welcome, but it is hard to complain about these because of how they could benefit the entire franchise. A look at Lucius and Draco’s perspectives could potentially make Draco seem more conflicted and tragically human rather than simply arrogant and antagonistic.
The show could even pay off these developments in future arcs by showing how Draco was weighed down by familial expectations instead of inherently being a dark character. However, these new additions to the overarching story could compound into a bigger problem in the series.
Expansion Of Books’ Lore Could Increase The HBO Show’s Runtime
Most TV shows in the streaming era barely get to last longer than three seasons. Even some of the best fantasy shows barely end up making it to five seasons. A seven-season runtime is now seemingly reserved only for a rare few that keep delivering impressive viewership numbers and critical ratings.
Even if HBO’s Harry Potter picks up one book per season, it will have to last for at least seven seasons to complete its run.
If the show keeps adding new lore to the franchise and focusing on new character perspectives, it could potentially further bloat its runtime. As a result, it would require even more seasons to naturally end its run. Considering how quickly shows get canceled these days, it runs the very real risk of being axed before it ever reaches its intended conclusion.
While it is still hard not to be hyped about HBO’s take on Harry Potter, the sheer length of its source material could prove to be a major issue. Hopefully, HBO will continue treating it as a long-term investment and not end its run midway.
