As we get set for a new Harry Potter TV show based on J.K. Rowling's original book series, the question is: Is HBO missing the boat doing a remake when there are so many Potter spinoffs that could be made?
Right now, the build is continuing for HBO's new adaptation of the Harry Potter series. It's a big challenge, not just because it's set to be a multi-season take on the acclaimed hit novels. It also has to live and thrive in the shadow of the smash-hit movie adaptations.
The show has officially cast the main trio of Harry, Hermione, and Ron, along with big names like John Lithgow as Professor Dumbledore. However, it seems off to many to remake the original saga when there's so much more of the Wizarding World to explore. These are 10 possible spinoffs that HBO might want to look into rather than retelling a story the movies already adapted very well.
1. Marauders prequel
While prequels can be tricky, one focusing on the Marauders could be fun. Seeing James, Remus, Sirius and Peter in their days attending Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry would be notable as we've heard the stories of this group being wild but have rarely seen it up close. This would be a good way to delve into their camaraderie, as well as get a look at the romance between a young James Potter and Lily Evans.
We can see how Lily and James met and watch the sparks fly, as well as how the trio's callous treatment of Snape helped turn the guy into the sleazeball we know. Seeing the friendship between the group grow would make their final fates more dramatic.
2. The First Wizarding War
Much like the Marauders, this is a key period in the Harry Potter saga that needs to be explored. We can see just what Voldermort did during the First Wizarding War that made his name so feared. That leads to Dumbledore creating the Order of the Phoenix, and seeing the older "parent" characters as younger heroes would be wonderful.
There are great character arcs to explore, such as Snape being a double agent and what drove Pettigrew to betray the Potters. The 1970s setting would also lend the show a unique retro feel. This is another top prequel idea that Potter fans would love to see brought to the screen.
3. Fantastic Beasts
The Fantastic Beasts films never worked as the big franchise Warner Bros wanted. Yet there were good ideas in the concept that might be better for a TV series. It wouldn't have to cram so much into a short two hours, but rather could expand on Newt Scamander's journeys around the world, meeting these creatures and fun new supporting characters in a 1920s setting.
We could also see far more of Grindelwald, a terrific villain who deserved a lot more screen time. If they could find a way to get Jude Law back as a younger Dumbledore, it'd be even better, as he was a bright spot in the movies. If HBO wants to reboot a Harry Potter series as a TV show, Fantastic Beasts is the better choice.
4. The Ministry of Magic
The Ministry of Magic gets a bad rap in the books and movies. It's often shown as too much of a bureaucracy trying to make things look good, which includes ignoring Voldemort's return for far too long. The fact it's seen some horrible leaders doesn't help. A TV show exploring the inner workings of the Ministry would be wonderful to show that there are good people working to change it, only to run into interference from the higher-ups.
It could be a magical take on shows like The West Wing or House of Cards, with political intrigue mixed with comedy. The focus could be on the lower-ranking workers rather than the elected leaders, as we see how everyone runs the magic government.
5. The Hogwarts Founders
If you're making a prequel, why not start at the very beginning? Every Potter fan knows the names of Godric Gryffindor, Helga Hufflepuff, Rowena Ravenclaw, and Salazar Slytherin. What we don't know is just how these four came together to found Hogwarts.
The rivalry between Godric and Salazar would be a big highlight. We would see how each Founder's spirit inspired their house. It'd also be a good look back at the Middle Ages of the Wizarding World.
6. Magic schools in other nations
One of the best parts of the fourth book in the series, Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire, was getting glimpses of other Wizarding schools from around the world, like Beauxbatons and Durmstrang. That's scraping the surface of how other nations approach teaching magic. How is it done in older countries such as India or China versus a nation like the United States or even Canada?
This can be a multi-season series, with each season working as an anthology focused on a different school. There can also be a version of the Triwizard Tournament bringing these schools together for a competition. Expanding the Potter universe beyond the shores of England can give the entire franchise a whole new life.
7. An Auror's mystery
This just writes itself: A police procedural where the "cops" use magic. There are so many great directions you can take for a show about Aurors. The most obvious would be a veteran Auror taking on a new, younger partner, showing them the ropes on how to handle magical incidents while investigating a broader mystery.
You can also go the comedy route like Brooklyn Nine-Nine with the Aurors in the middle of wacky hijinks in a show that pokes fun at the entire Potter franchise. Heck, there's even a chance at a Cops-style documentary showing their jobs. Either way, "magical cops" is just perfect for a TV show.
8. The Rise of Voldemort
We know how Dumbledore found Tom Riddle as a child. We know his ultimate fate as Lord Voldemort. What happened in between is a story that needs to be explored. Just how did this young boy become the greatest monster the Wizarding World had ever known? What shaped him, what drove him on and was there a chance he could have been a good person only to fall into darkness?
The series could delve into Riddle's time in Hogwarts and then his journeys abroad. That includes how he crafted the Horcruxes, how he started the Death Eaters, and maybe even events of the books from his point of view. HBO loves shows about the bad guys and no one in Potter lore is as bad as Voldemort.
9. Before Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
It does seem inevitable that there will be a live-action adaptation of the stage playHarry Potter and the Cursed Child, with the original cast playing the older versions of themselves. That's an obvious idea that would likely be better for a movie. Yet a show exploring the in-between years could be just as interesting.
A show that looks at how the Wizarding World rebuilds following this new war has a lot of potential. Leaders would have to regain public trust and realize they have to change and evolve to survive. We would also see the various relationships between our heroes grow as they raise their own children.
Goblins and House Elves
While minor side characters in the books and movies, the goblins and house elves have the potential to lead their own series. We know of a great Goblin Rebellion that rocked the Wizarding World in the 17th and 18th centuries. Seeing it in full could show how these seemingly quiet creatures are far more layered than they seem, and explore their culture.
There's also the house elves. Rather than just be comedic characters like Dobby, we can see divisions in their culture, some wanting freedom while others are happy with the way things are. Both species have barely been looked at in the books and a series can help both shine.
The Harry Potter movies are streaming on HBO Max.
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