HBO is currently developing a Harry Potter reboot, reimagining the novels previously adapted into films between 2001 and 2011 as a television series. While some view this reboot as unnecessary or premature, a portion of the fandom is hopeful that the new series, developed with J.K. Rowling’s involvement, will provide a more complete picture and address continuity issues caused by condensing the storylines for the films. Additionally, some logical inconsistencies found in the books themselves might also be ironed out in this adaptation.
Recently, the Harry Potter subreddit, boasting nearly 3 million members, discussed the most frustrating logical flaws or poorly resolved details in the series. One example highlighted by the original poster involved the climax of The Prisoner of Azkaban. In the film, Harry and his friends capture Peter Pettigrew, disguised as Scabbers, and begin escorting him to Hogwarts to hand him over to the Ministry of Magic. However, they fail to immobilize him with a spell, allowing Pettigrew to escape by transforming back into a rat. This oversight ultimately results in Sirius Black remaining a fugitive, Pettigrew aiding Voldemort's resurrection, and Harry losing the chance to live with Sirius.
Another fan-favorite gripe involves the Weasleys’ magical clock at the Burrow, which shows the whereabouts of family members rather than the time. One of the clock’s labels reads "dentist," which becomes problematic later when Professor Slughorn reacts with confusion upon hearing about Hermione’s Muggle dentist parents. While Arthur Weasley’s obsession with Muggle culture could explain this, it still raises eyebrows.
A highly upvoted comment addressed a scene from The Philosopher’s Stone during the Halloween troll incident. When Professor Quirrell raises the alarm about a troll in the dungeons, Dumbledore orders all students to return to their dormitories. The issue? Slytherin’s common room is located in the dungeons, meaning these students were essentially sent straight into harm's way. Surely, Dumbledore didn’t dislike Slytherin House that much—although his end-of-year house cup antics suggest otherwise, as he awards just enough points to Gryffindor to overtake Slytherin’s lead.
Another continuity issue from the first film involves Hermione using the Alohomora spell to unlock the door hiding Fluffy, the three-headed dog guarding the Philosopher’s Stone. However, there are spells specifically designed to make doors Alohomora-proof, which raises the question of why Dumbledore didn’t use one of these protections. One fan theory suggests he wanted to ensure Hagrid, officially prohibited from performing magic, could still access Fluffy for feeding.
A popular complaint also revisits The Prisoner of Azkaban. Underage magic is strictly forbidden outside of Hogwarts, as demonstrated when Harry receives a warning after Dobby performs a Hover Charm at Privet Drive in The Chamber of Secrets. Yet in the third movie, Harry is shown illuminating his textbook with his wand while reading under the covers at night during summer vacation. This change from the books (where Harry uses a flashlight) breaks the consistency of established magical rules—but this time, it’s on the filmmakers, not Rowling.
These examples—and many more—highlight the challenges of adapting such a beloved series. Perhaps HBO’s reboot will address these long-standing issues and offer fans a more seamless and satisfying magical experience.
