HBO gave Ravenclaw its eagle back. Here are 9 other ways the show differs from the films

HBO's Harry Potter adaptation diverges significantly from the film series in various ways, primarily to better adhere to the original novels. The new series features an entirely fresh cast, with no returning actors from the films. Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton, and Alastair Stout portray Harry, Hermione, and Ron, respectively, chosen from a pool of over 30,000 child actors who auditioned. Additionally, Peeves the Poltergeist finally graces the screen, having been cut from the eight films due to time constraints.

A notable change is the division of the Patil twins into separate houses, with Parvati in Gryffindor and Padma in Ravenclaw, a departure from the films where both were placed in Gryffindor to avoid confusion. The house crests have been redesigned, adopting a minimalist style with mascots set within circles, a stark contrast to the elaborate heraldic shields used in the films. This redesign has sparked criticism, with fans deeming them "corporate" and comparing them to app icons.

Perhaps the most significant correction is the restoration of Ravenclaw's eagle, replacing the raven and blue-and-silver colours used in the films. The books depict an eagle and blue-and-bronze colours, a discrepancy the show rectifies. The four Hogwarts houses now sport new crests, a change met with a largely unimpressed online response.

In terms of characters, several new students have been cast, including Susan Bones, Ernie Macmillan, Justin Finch-Fletchley, Terry Boot, Lisa Turpin, Penelope Clearwater, and a full Slytherin Quidditch team, some of whom barely appear in the books. Ernie Macmillan, who doesn't exist in the first novel, is part of the series' Season 1.

There are also potential scenes that haven't been included in either the films or the books, such as content at the Burrow and a private conversation between Dumbledore. However, these remain unconfirmed. Showrunner Casey Bloys has promised that each season remains true to the original books, but some fan wishlist items, including Dobby's Room of Requirement idea, Hermione's S.P.E.W. campaign, the proper explanation of the Marauders, and Harry's Triwizard winnings for Cedric's family, have not been confirmed.

HBO's Harry Potter, set to premiere in 2027, connects with the popular Hogwarts Legacy games, a move distinct from the film series. Filming began at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, exactly 14 years after the final film, Deathly Hallows Part 2, left cinemas.