HBO’s Harry Potter Series May Finally Reveal Voldemort’s Terrifying Real Form

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Summary

  • HBO’s Harry Potter series should revive an older Voldemort design for accuracy and scariness.
  • The original unused design looked more monstrous, closely aligning with the book’s description.
  • The reboot offers a chance to correct long-standing issues with Voldemort’s appearance.

As a dedicated movie critic, I firmly believe that HBO’s Harry Potter series could significantly enhance its impact by resurrecting an antiquated design for Lord Voldemort, one that aligns more closely with the chilling portrayal in the original books. By doing so, this reboot wouldn’t merely capitalize on nostalgia; it would address and rectify long-standing concerns among fans regarding the previous film adaptations, thereby elevating itself to a new level of authenticity and terror.

As a devoted admirer, I can’t help but acknowledge that Voldemort, the formidable antagonist from the magical world of Harry Potter, has left an indelible mark on literature and screen. However, some fellow enthusiasts argue that he didn’t quite live up to his terrifying potential, despite Ralph Fiennes’ exceptional portrayal. With HBO’s upcoming reboot of J.K. Rowling’s legendary series, we now have a golden opportunity to rectify this. Remarkably, the answer isn’t elusive; all the creators need to do is dust off their old design blueprints once more.

Harry Potter Almost Had A Much Scarier Voldemort

The HBO Reboot Can Use This Early Design

Character Voldemort
Full Name Tom Marvolo Riddle
Aliases
  • Lord Voldemort
  • He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named
  • The Dark Lord
Hogwarts House Slytherin
Wand Yew with phoenix feather core (13 ½ inches)

Fourteen years have passed since Harry Potter vanquished Voldemort in Deathly Hallows: Part 2, the concluding film in the series. However, the enthusiasm among fans continues unabated as they debate his potential appearance and the contrasting design he nearly had. The make-up and props team had a distinct vision for the character during his possession of Professor Quirrell in Sorcerer’s Stone, an idea that resurfaces frequently on social media, particularly with Voldemort’s anticipated return in HBO Max’s reboot.

In the initial draft of the first Harry Potter film, a concept for Voldemort’s appearance on Professor Quirrell’s head – which didn’t make it to the final version – was truly chilling. This early design showcased jagged teeth, piercing eyes, and an unsettlingly beast-like form. It gave him a creature-like essence rather than human, mirroring the intention behind Voldemort’s ominous portrayal in the books. Interestingly, this design was more faithful to the book’s description compared to the final movie version.

What Is Voldemort’s Appearance In The Books?

Um, Well, He’s Not Exactly Pretty

a startled reaction, to say the least.

Instead of Quirrell’s head, there appeared the most frightening face Harry had ever encountered. Its complexion was ashen, its eyes blazed fiery red, and its nostrils were narrow slits reminiscent of a serpent.

In this adaptation of Voldemort, there were some noticeable differences. For one, Richard Bremmer portrayed Voldemort instead of Ralph Fiennes, altering his appearance. More significantly, the movie deviated from the book in several key aspects. Unlike in the novel where Voldemort had piercing red eyes, this version had a different eye color and less prominent redness. The book describes him with slits for nostrils, but the film showed him with a typical nose complete with regular nostrils. Additionally, while his face was pale, it wasn’t as eerily white as described in the novel.

Why Did They Change Voldemort’s Design?

Hint: It Involves Children And Nightmares

In the film, Voldemort’s appearance was convincing for its time, although the CGI could have been improved. However, one might wonder if “the face Harry had never seen more terrible” should have been more frightening. It seems that the filmmakers may have toned down the terrifying design to make it less intense for a family-oriented movie, potentially sparing young viewers from potential trauma. If they had opted for the extreme version, the series might have taken on a much darker tone. A blend of the final version and the original monstrous concept could have struck a better balance in this case.

The Harry Potter Movies Made Voldemort Too Human

The Fandom Wants A Monstrosity To Revile

In later films, Voldemort’s appearance became less terrifying and more human-like, which many viewers felt was a misstep. Instead, they believe he should have retained a more grotesque, reptilian form throughout the series. Additionally, his power seemed to ebb and flow based on the fate of his Horcruxes, but some argue it would have been more consistent to maintain a consistently monstrous image, even when his power was at its lowest.

The books portray him as towering and gaunt, with a face resembling a skull, elongated limbs, and fiery red eyes shaped like those of a cat. The upcoming HBO revival of Harry Potter could potentially incorporate these traits effectively. Modern viewers have become more accustomed, and the streaming industry now tends to be more receptive to aspects that may previously have been deemed too eerie or intense.

Who Will Play Voldemort In HBO’s Harry Potter Reboot?

Sorry, They Probably Cannot Afford Cillian Murphy Long-Term

As I pen this critique, no definitive actor has been publicly announced to embody the enigmatic Lord Voldemort in the forthcoming series. Names such as Cillian Murphy have swirled in the rumor mill for the role, with even the acclaimed Ralph Fiennes lending his seal of approval to these whispers. Yet, HBO has remained tight-lipped about confirmations, and murmurs hint that the actor from “Oppenheimer” may be tapped for Quirrell instead. During a December 2024 appearance on “Watch What Happens Live,” Fiennes himself commented:

Cillian is an outstanding performer, absolutely! I wholeheartedly endorse him. Definitely, he’s the right choice.

To date, only a handful of potential castings appear plausible – John Lithgow as Dumbledore and Paapa Essiedu for Snape. Given that any changes will be under close scrutiny by Potter fans, it’s essential for the series to win them over. One effective method is by enhancing existing characters, not just through new actors, but by rectifying details lost during the transition from book to screen. While making Voldemort more fearsome doesn’t guarantee a superior villain, his design should remain a key focus in the upcoming Harry Potter remake.

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2025-03-25 17:55