What the Harry Potter reboot should learn from the movies and what it should improve upon.

As we look to the future of the Harry Potter series and the upcoming reboot, all of us must be wondering the same thing: can the reboot top the film series? This is the very film series which not only revolutionized literary adaptations, but whose characterizations and actors have arguably transcended the source material and become the de facto people we imagine when we think of the character.

As the reboot begins picking up steam, let's revisit each movie in the series and see what elements of it should be retained and what can it do better. Strap in and lets-a-go!

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

The very first book in the series has to do all the heavy-lifting and dirty work. It not only has to contend with how the movies handled its young cast and source material, but arguably try to do it better, which is a mighty feat. The movie's characterizations of the Golden Trio, Hogwarts, the Hogwarts professors and more are nigh unbeatable and thus, the production team should not try to do it differently.

What can be worked upon are the Quidditch scenes to make them more dynamic and adrenaline-pumping, like a race does. Quirrel's travels should have their own episode so we can see how Voldemort was still living, as explored in the Goblet of Fire. Quirrel's fall to the dark side should be something foreshadowed, making it seem natural when it happens. Dumbledore and Harry's visit to the Mirror of Erised is another crucial thing that MUST show Dumbledore's desire. It would be a payoff a long time in the making.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

The whole novel adaptation should be structured as a crime-thriller or murder mystery, We need the Golden Trio and the professors, each trying to solve the mystery and getting in the way of each other.

The darker aspects of what Lockhart did must be explored and discussed as well, as it can be an interesting view on the things people do for fame. Everything with Tom Riddle, Aragog and the Petrifications must be carried from the movies.

Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban

Sirius Black's arrest, time in Azkaban, and eventual escape should all be explored. They are vital to understanding his personality and why he does what he does in the Order of Phoenix. The Dementors were amazingly done in the movies and thus, they should remain the same.

A flashback to the Marauders and how they made the Map would also be welcome. Harry's guilt over wanting to hear his parents' voices again should be the emotional crux of the story, ending with him realizing that his parents would not have wanted him to remember them in their moments of death.

Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire

The rivalry between Viktor Krum and Ron Weasley should take center stage as one of the emotional backbones of the story. Ron's jealousy and insecurities, juxtaposed with his growing affection for Hermione, need to be explored in all their raw, messy imperfection. His frustrations with feeling overshadowed by Harry, his fear of losing Hermione's affection, and his struggle to express his feelings should be explored, with nuance and maturity.

Harry's subplot with Cho Chang should balance youthful awkwardness and the tension of impending trials. His first crush is clumsy and full of missteps and hesitations, and it serves as a counterpoint to the intensity of the Triwizard Tournament. Cedric Diggory, often relegated to the role of "the golden boy," should be fleshed out with complexity.

Ralph Fiennes as Voldemort left an indelible mark, so the new portrayal must strike a balance between respecting that legacy and offering a fresh take.

Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince

In the novel, Potions class serves as a crucible for pivotal moments, particularly with the introduction of the mysterious Half-Blood Prince’s textbook. Thus, we should spend as much time here as possible, with Harry's mastery, Hermione's frustration, and the fight for Felix Felices getting ample attention.

Potions class should also be a space where Hermione deals with her feelings about Ron’s budding relationship with Lavender Brown. These moments can make her arc in the series as emotionally relatable as Ron’s was in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

The Pensieve sequences are the heart of the novel, providing Voldemort's backstory and laying the groundwork for the final confrontation. These scenes should be adapted with fidelity and attention to detail, making us feel for Tom and see his descent to the dark side.

Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows

Splitting Deathly Hallows into two parts was a brilliant move and should guide the adaptation of the series. Part 1 should cover the trio's harrowing journey through hopelessness and constant failures, culminating in Ron's departure and eventual return, which serves as a turning point for the group. The first half must be as bleak and messy as the book, with dead-ends, close calls, and emotional breakdowns, capturing the trio's weariness, the locket's corrupting influence, and the cracks in their relationships. Harry's discovery of the silver doe, a literal light in the darkness, offers a glimmer of hope as Ron redeems himself by destroying the locket.

Part 2 should shift into action, with the trio returning to the wizarding world, completing the Horcrux hunt, and culminating in a multi-part Battle of Hogwarts. Each character must shine in this final confrontation: Neville stepping into leadership, Luna's courage inspiring others, Aberforth defending Hogwarts, and McGonagall's fierce duel with Snape. The chaotic battle should weave seamlessly into the resolution of Harry’s journey, Voldemort's defeat, and the bittersweet aftermath, while The Life and Lies of Albus Dumbledore looms over both parts. It casts doubt and shapes Harry’s understanding of his mentor. The finale must be emotionally charged and deliberate, honoring the story's themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the cost of war.

This is just a humble writer's opinion. If you have any different ways on how to adapt the books, please comment about it. Until then, Excelsior!