No. 001
Snape’s skin colour
Different from the booksIn the books, Snape has “sallow skin” (PS, ch. 7). In the series, he is played by Paapa Essiedu, a Black British actor.
Differences between the Harry Potter novels and the HBO series.
What was said before production:
“Each season will be authentic to the original books.”
— Max, series announcement, 12 April 2023 [source]“Max’s commitment to preserving the integrity of my books is important to me, and I’m looking forward to being part of this new adaptation which will allow for a degree of depth and detail only afforded by a long-form television series.”
— J.K. Rowling, 12 April 2023 [source]“The series will be a faithful adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter books.”
— HBO, 26 June 2024 [source]“She feels very strongly that she needs to honor the books. I don’t think she’s going to be a shaker-upper, a provocateur.”
— Producer Sally Woodward Gentle on showrunner Francesca Gardiner, December 2024 [source]
Contents: Whole series | Season 1
Applies to every season.
In the books, Snape has “sallow skin” (PS, ch. 7). In the series, he is played by Paapa Essiedu, a Black British actor.
In the books, Harry has “bright green eyes,” inherited from his mother (PS, ch. 2). In the series, Dominic McLaughlin’s eyes appear blue in promotional images.
In the books, wands are described only by wood, core and length, with no handles or carving (PS, ch. 5). In the series, wands have distinct handles and decorative designs.
In the books, Lucius Malfoy first appears in the second book (CoS, ch. 4). In the series, he already appears in season 1.
In the books, Nicolas and Perenelle Flamel are only mentioned (PS, chs. 13, 17). In the series, both appear as characters.
In the books, after chapter one, the story only shows what Harry sees, so Ron is not seen at home. In the series, there is a scene of Ron receiving his Hogwarts letter at the Burrow.
In the books, after chapter one, Dumbledore is only seen when Harry is present. In the series, there are scenes of Dumbledore without Harry.
In the books, Harry’s primary school is only mentioned in passing (PS, chs. 2–3). In the series, the first trailer opens with Dudley bullying Harry at school.
PS = Philosopher’s Stone, CoS = Chamber of Secrets, DH = Deathly Hallows. The series premieres 25 December 2026; episode-specific differences will be added after it airs.
Unofficial. Not affiliated with HBO, Warner Bros. Discovery or J.K. Rowling.