With the new Harry Potter TV show on the horizon as Christmas gets closer, fans like me can't help but think back on book scenes that would have changed the game if they'd been included in the movies. While we all love the Harry Potter film series, a decent amount was left out for timing.
These scenes change characters, alter the story, and provide context for things we might have seen in the movies but didn’t understand. Now, with the HBO show, the story can really dive into these moments and offer more than ever before.
The full Marauders’ backstory
Harry’s father, James, was part of a group of wizards called the Marauders. The group also included Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, and Peter Pettigrew, who went by the codenames Padfoot, Mooney, Wormtail, and Prongs (Potter).
We know they basically created the famous map that fans know (which I have it framed in my childhood bedroom). But we really don’t know their history, why they were invented, or what the entire point of this group was. The books give a lot more detail about who they are. In fact, so many people know enough about the Marauders that book fans wanted a spinoff, not a new adaptation. But here we are.
All we can really hope for is to see more of them in this new series.
The visit to St. Mungo’s
The St. Mungo’s visit in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is a major scene that the movies omitted. While it’s a great moment for the Weasleys, getting to know Arthur, it also gives much more background on Neville.
We find out from this visit that Neville’s parents are essentially permanent residents of the hospital because of the torture they went through thanks to Bellatrix Lestrange. It not only adds lore to Neville but also explains why he despises her so much, yet is terrified — because this is what she did to his parents. It’s horrifying in the worst way possible.
The potion riddle
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone includes a puzzle the movies didn't depict. Snape uses a logic puzzle made of potions as a riddle to keep people from getting the stone. Only because Hermione can solve it are they able to move past.
It’s basically dedication to figure out which potion would let Harry pass through fire. It’s a moment that isn’t covered at all in the movies, and it makes me wonder why, because I know it would have given Hermione more praise for her smarts. It’s not a magical moment, just one that requires a lot of thinking, and I personally love it.
Neville’s connection to the prophecy
Fans have long speculated that the prophecy Harry goes through (given to him in the third novel) could be for Neville, too. While it’s just a theory if you’ve only seen the films, the books explore it in much more detail.
The books show many more parallels between the two and make it clear that Neville could have been the one chosen to kill Voldemort. The films really skip over a lot of this. The important part is that Neville, at the very least, still kills Nagini, as he does in the final book. Still, I want his character explored much more.
Percy Weasley’s alienation
Granted, Percy Weasley was never a major character, but as part of the Weasleys, he showed up for much of the first few films before he kind of… faded into the background. The Harry Potter movies never really explain that, but in the books, there’s a reason.
Percy essentially turns his back on his family because he's devoted to the Ministry and feels that most people don’t appreciate him. When the Weasleys support Harry and Dumbledore during Voldemort’s return, he chooses to stay with the Ministry, which insists he doesn’t return. However, later in the series, he stands with his family against Voldemort, which makes his story at least more interesting than what we got in the films.
Dudley’s departure
The films had a deleted scene of this, but I’ll never forgive the filmmakers for cutting it. In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Dudley and Harry actually part on good terms when they leave Privet Drive as things heat up in the Wizarding World.
It’s not some mushy goodbye, but at the very least, Dudley thanks Harry for saving his life when dementors attacked him in Order of the Phoenix. We don’t get that in the films. That needs to be in the show.
Peeves. All of Peeves
I will keep screaming this from the rooftops because we need to see a lot more Peeves in this new series. I can’t pick just one moment from him because his scenes in the books are so good and so much fun. If they include him more in the TV show, I’ll be happy. And since he's been cast, I can at least guarantee I’ll see more than the movie showed — which was none.
You can watch all eight Harry Potter films on HBO Max. The new Harry Potter series premieres on HBO and HBO Max on Dec. 25, 2026.
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