10 Harry Potter Characters Botched by the Movies – Colin Creevey’s Overlooked

by

In the 2000s, Harry Potter became a global phenomenon primarily through its movies. However, certain characters didn’t receive as much attention as they deserved in the spotlight. J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter books, published from 1997 and starting with Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, significantly shaped the childhood experiences of many millennials by introducing hundreds of beloved characters. When Warner Bros. began adapting these books into movies, fans raised concerns, and one such character who received significant attention was Colin Creevey. Unfortunately, many other characters were either underused or omitted entirely, contributing to the anticipation for the upcoming TV series.

The Harry Potter films were widely praised for their exceptional casting, acting, and special effects, but still fell short in some aspects for several viewers. With Warner Bros. Discovery now owning Home Box Office (HBO) and Max (formerly HBO Max), the streaming platform that will broadcast the upcoming Harry Potter series, they recognized an opportunity following their successful movies. Taking fan feedback into consideration, they are currently developing a television show which might delve further into characters not fully explored in the films.

10. The Prime Minister Of The United Kingdom

Featured In Book Six

In the popular novel “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince,” the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom made a captivating appearance, but unfortunately, he didn’t make it to the movies at all. Since his role wasn’t significant in the books, it’s logical that they trimmed him out to allocate more screen time for crucial sequences. Interestingly, the Prime Minister offered an engaging aspect of the book, as he hinted that not every ordinary human (muggle) was completely unaware of the existence of witches and wizards.

In the Harry Potter series, the Prime Minister, who happened to be John Major in 1996, had regular updates from Cornelius Fudge, the Minister for Magic. It would be engaging if the TV show incorporated this aspect of the story, as it could lead to a humorous scene. After all, imagining a real-life Prime Minister dealing with magical events is quite an intriguing concept!

9. Marietta Edgecombe

Featured In Books Five And Seven

Marietta Edgecombe was a close friend of Cho Chang in the “Harry Potter” series, but regrettably, she didn’t make an appearance in the movies. Despite not being a primary character in the story, Marietta played a crucial role that led to other important events. Harry’s developing feelings for Cho, who was his love interest, were complicated by his suspicion that she might have betrayed Dumbledore’s Army.

In the books, it’s revealed that Cho Chang’s friend Marietta was the one who betrayed Harry and his group activities, a detail not extensively covered in the movies. The TV show could delve deeper into this, highlighting that Marietta’s mother held a significant role at the Ministry of Magic as a Floo Network Regulator. Fearing for her mother’s job, Edgecombe was wary of Umbridge, one of Hogwarts’ notorious headmasters in the Harry Potter series, discovering her involvement with Dumbledore’s Army.

8. Phineas Nigellus Black

Featured In Books Five To Seven

In challenging periods, Phineas Nigellus Black, a member of the influential Black family, was depicted in a portrait and significantly contributed to Dumbledore’s storyline. Regrettably, this character’s importance was not fully recognized by the Harry Potter films. In the grand scheme of the narrative, Phineas was a crucial player, given that his family connections included Sirius Black, who became Harry’s Godfather, and Bellatrix Lestrange, who bore Voldemort’s child. While not as central to the plot as Sirius or Bellatrix, Phineas still made an impact in his role.

Phineas, an ancestor of Sirius and Bellatrix living many generations prior, was depicted in portraits within the Harry Potter universe but didn’t actually take part in the series. One of these portraits was placed in Dumbledore’s office, and another graced the walls of the Black family home. In accordance with the magical world’s painting conventions, Phineas could function as a secret agent, discreetly relaying vital information during the Second Wizarding War by moving between these portraits.

7. Rodolphus Lestrange

Featured In Books Four, Five, And Seven

In the Harry Potter series, Rodolphus Lestrange, who was Bellatrix’s husband, wasn’t heavily featured in the movies. However, his role during the Second Wizarding War demonstrated that Bellatrix wasn’t the only one who remained fiercely loyal to Voldemort. This loyalty proved crucial for Voldemort, as it was his unwavering Death Eaters like Rodolphus who contributed significantly to Voldemort’s rise to power, making him a potentially valuable asset among the faithful. Despite Voldemort’s reliance on Horcruxes in Harry Potter, it was these loyal Death Eaters that played an essential part in his resurgence.

Rodolphus significantly contributed to the sinister image of Lord Voldemort by standing firmly with him, not out of fear, but out of conviction. This commitment from Rodolphus made Voldemort appear more authentic in his evil intentions. It was Rodolphus who aided in the torment of Neville Longbottom’s parents, an act that ultimately set Neville on the path towards personal tragedy and eventual heroism. However, it is essential to remember that Rodolphus played a significant role in amplifying Lord Voldemort’s villainy.

6. Ludovic Bagman

Featured In Book Four

In the book “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire,” Ludovic Bagman, commonly known as Ludo, played a significant role, unlike his portrayal in the movie. Directed by Mike Newell and written by Steve Kloves, this film brought to life Harry’s enigmatic participation in the Triwizard Tournament. As Head of the Department of Magical Games and Sports at the Ministry of Magic, Ludo played a major role in orchestrating the tournament.

Ludo could make an intriguing character in the Harry Potter TV series because of his constant urge to gamble. Ludo was using every means possible to ensure he won the tournament for illicit reasons, which would present a perfect chance to deliver a relevant message while still keeping things light-hearted. Known as a former Quidditch player, Ludo has a high profile, and his appearance in the series could result in portraying him either as a comical buffoon or an endearing character struggling with issues.

5. Winky

Featured In Book Four

In the Harry Potter storyline, Winky’s role is significantly impactful, alongside Dobby and Kreacher. Though Dobby serves as the main House-elf character, the other house elves, including Winky, were not utilized fully in the films. Winky’s tragic past under the Crouch family’s cruelty, paired with Kreacher’s mistreatment by Sirius Black, could have added a compelling and fresh perspective to the narrative if explored more deeply.

In the books, Sirius was more fully developed than in the movies due to his interactions with Kreacher. Similarly, the absence of Winky from the “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” movie left a significant gap. After being dismissed by the Crouch family, Winky became an integral source of information within the storyline surrounding the Triwizard Tournament, and the Crouch family’s involvement in it.

4. Percy Weasley

Featured In Books One To Seven

Percy Weasley was noticeably absent from the “Harry Potter” films, despite his distinct role within the Weasley clan and the intricate depth it added to both the family and the series as a whole. Unlike his brothers Fred and George who were known for their humor, Percy tended to be more formal and dedicated himself excessively to his duties as a prefect, which some found overbearing, but this commitment ultimately paved the way for his career at the Ministry of Magic.

Percy initially distanced himself from his family due to their lack of wealth following Hogwarts, but he ultimately reconciled with them and fought alongside them in the Battle of Hogwarts. Unfortunately, this significant transformation was overlooked by the movies, whereas the TV series had the opportunity to portray it more fully.

3. Regulus Black

Featured In Books Five To Seven

In addition to Phineas Nigellus, Regulus Black is another intriguing character from the Black family that the Harry Potter films could have delved deeper into. The enigmatic R.A.B., mentioned throughout the Harry Potter books, was briefly touched upon in print, but the impact of Regulus was far-reaching. Unsung and understated, Regulus Black emerged as a hero within Slytherin house, sharing the limelight with Snape among Slytherin legends in the world of Harry Potter.

Although raised with beliefs that supported Voldemort by the Black family, Regulus eventually broke free from these mental constraints and chose a path similar to his brother Sirius in defying Voldemort. Upon discovering the harmful nature of Voldemort’s rule, Regulus attempted to destroy Salazar Slytherin’s locket, ultimately giving his life for this mission. The suspenseful ending of book six left a lasting impression on readers, making Regulus a standout character, and it is important that these aspects are emphasized in the TV adaptation.

2. Peeves

Featured In Books One To Seven

Peeves the Poltergeist was an outstanding character in the “Harry Potter” series, and it’s bewildering that he didn’t appear in the films. Among the ghosts, Peeves might have been the most captivating. This irritating troublemaker constantly caused problems, but never posed a genuine threat. Interestingly, Peeves managed to win over Hogwarts’ good graces, offering one of the books’ most intriguing plot twists.

Ever prone to causing mischief, Peeves found himself egged on to torment the Death Eaters during the Battle of Hogwarts. Initially intended to appear in the films, Peeves was sadly left out. However, Robert Sheehan could be an ideal choice for portraying Peeves in the Harry Potter series on HBO. This well-considered casting suggestion might just be what’s needed to give Peeves the representation he deserves.

1. Charlie Weasley

Featured In Books Five And Seven

In the Harry Potter series, there were several Weasleys who weren’t heavily featured, with Bill not being an exception, but Charlie Weasley might have been the most underdeveloped character. Charlie was not present in the Harry Potter films, despite possessing intriguing dragon-handling skills. Introducing him in the upcoming TV series would be a great addition, particularly if the show aims to attract viewers who enjoyed Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon, given his significant role in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. It’s crucial to incorporate Charlie into the storyline, regardless.

Although Charlie was frequently referred to in the Harry Potter films, he never made an appearance. This was particularly disheartening considering the impressive portrayal of the rest of the Weasley family. Given that Charlie interacted with Harry prior to the Triwizard Tournament and provided dragons for it, as well as being a member of the Order of the Phoenix, his absence from the movies seemed puzzling.

Read More

2025-05-05 19:02