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Summary

  • HBO’s Harry Potter reboot TV series could enhance character arcs left unfulfilled in the films.
  • Dudley Dursley’s potential redemption arc from bully to ally deserves a spotlight in the TV series.
  • The deleted scene between Harry and Dudley holds significant meaning and should be included in the reboot.

Many people think that the Harry Potter books would have made a great TV series instead, even though the eight-film franchise from Warner Bros. has left a lasting impression on fans. However, HBO’s potential reboot of the Harry Potter TV series could still receive an ‘Exceeds Expectations’ grade by delving deeper into certain characters and themes.

In simpler terms, J.K. Rowling’s famous Harry Potter series, featuring the Boy Who Lived and the magical world he inhabited, have characters that didn’t receive as satisfying a screen adaptation as they deserved. For instance, Professor Albus Dumbledore, who sadly passed away in the story, didn’t get a funeral scene in the movies, and Ginny Weasley, post-Chamber of Secrets, was not fully developed. However, there was a character who started off as a bully and had a chance at redemption, but that scene was cut for reasons of pace and continuity. Now, it seems that this character’s time for a more substantial storyline might be on the horizon.

The Harry Potter Film Series Deleted Dudley Dursley’s Redemption Scene

The Dursleys, specifically Mr. and Mrs. Dursley living at 4 Privet Drive, were downright awful towards their nephew Harry Potter, and this harshness was mirrored in their son Dudley’s behavior as well. As Harry Potter’s age-mate, Dudley evolved into quite a bully, often picking on his cousin with the help of his friends. Whether it’s through his mischievous acts in the books or Harry Melling’s captivating portrayal in the Warner Bros. film series, Dudley Dursley was rather simple to dislike (although never more so than Dolores Umbridge). However, unlike his parents Vernon and Petunia, Dudley had a fleeting chance at redemption in the books, albeit this moment wasn’t fully realized in the movies, officially or otherwise.

In the book “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows”, as Harry turned seventeen, the strong protective charm invoked by Dumbledor to safeguard Harry, so long as he considered his aunt’s house as home, ceased. With Lord Voldemort and his band of Death Eaters preparing for an attack on Harry, there was a strategy in place not only to ensure Harry’s safety but also the safety of the Dursleys, to prevent their capture and subsequent torment for information. Two scenes from this pivotal instance, when the Dursleys departed from their home, were omitted from the film adaptation. One of these scenes involved Aunt Petunia expressing her grief over losing her sister to Harry. Another scene depicted a touching, albeit awkward, interaction between Harry and his cousin Dudley.

As Harry observes the Dursleys preparing to depart in their car, Dudley questions, “I’m puzzled. Aren’t we taking him with us?” Vernon firmly replies, “Definitely not,” and inquires if Harry wishes to join them. Harry refuses, stating his lack of worthiness, implying Vernon’s agreement. Despite his father’s displeasure, Dudley approaches Harry, creating an uncomfortable atmosphere, and extends his hand for a shake. Assuming it’s a trick, Harry shakes Dudley’s hand warily, but is taken aback when his cousin makes an unexpected statement.

I don’t think you’re a waste of space, Harry.

In the deleted scene, there’s a substantial following among fans, bringing together book readers and those who haven’t, as they share their dismay that it wasn’t included in the movie. The flawless delivery of Dudley’s awkwardness, as portrayed by Harry Melling, in expressing emotion for the first time before his cousin while defying his father’s orders, serves as a fitting conclusion to Dudley’s character arc. A warm smile from Daniel Radcliffe’s Harry and the affectionate use of “Big D” as a nickname, which he had previously mocked but now uses endearingly, adds emotional depth to this scene. Could it be that a potential TV series might offer more such poignant moments for Dudley?

HBO’s Harry Potter TV Series Could Give Dudley Dursley A Proper Arc

The upcoming HBO’s “Harry Potter” series is assembling an impressive cast and has received a massive financial boost, given its challenge to follow in the footsteps of its predecessors and allot one season for each book. Moreover, there could be scope for a multi-layered narrative focusing on Dudley Dursley’s transformation, beginning with the summer prior to his fifth year as depicted in “The Order of the Phoenix.” This is when Harry rescues Dudley from a Dementor, marking a significant turning point in Dudley’s life.

The book reveals that Dudley has recently become a junior heavyweight champion in boxing. However, the encounter with the Dementor is the first time he has ever felt powerless. He comes to understand that Harry might have abandoned him, but he didn’t; instead, Harry proved himself a potent wizard. Although they were aware of the Potters’ deaths and the potential threat to Harry’s life posed by a dark wizard, it wasn’t until the Dementor attack in Little Whinging that the Dursleys truly grasped the severity of the situation. For the first time, Dudley and his family understand the real danger they are facing, and as a result, Dudley starts to change.

In the sixth film, Dudley isn’t present, but in “Will and Won’t,” the third chapter of “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince,” Dumbledore visits Privet Drive. He scolds Vernon and Petunia for their mistreatment of Harry, referring to Dudley as an “unfortunate boy” due to the severe harm inflicted upon him by his parents. Since Harry wasn’t spoiled or indulged, he was spared from this abuse. Initially perplexed, Dudley eventually seems to understand something significant, and he ceases bullying Harry after that encounter.

In “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” Harry accidentally breaks a cup of cold tea sitting near his bedroom door. Thinking it’s another prank by his cousin Dudley, he doesn’t give it much thought. However, during their goodbye, Dudley surprises Harry by acknowledging that he’s not a waste of space and even thanks him for saving his life. It strikes Harry then that the tea might have been a friendly gesture from his cousin. The farewell scene in the book is more detailed, with Harry playfully asking Dudley if the Dementors gave him a different personality, to which Dudley nonchalantly shakes Harry’s hand.

The HBO Harry Potter reboot, thus, needs to give Dudley Dursley a chance to show his good side.

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2025-05-27 23:05