One of the biggest advantages of HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter series is time. While the original films had to condense hundreds of pages into a few hours, a television adaptation can explore the rich cast of characters who never received the attention they deserved on screen. Some of the most beloved figures from the books were reduced to brief appearances—or left out entirely.
Here are the underrated Harry Potter characters who could finally get their moment in the spotlight.
1. Peeves the Poltergeist
Perhaps the most famous omission from the Harry Potter films, Peeves was a constant source of chaos throughout the books. His pranks, songs, and rebellious antics made Hogwarts feel alive.
A faithful television adaptation could finally introduce viewers to the castle’s most mischievous resident and showcase his role in supporting students during key moments of the story.
2. Charlie Weasley
Most movie-only fans barely know Charlie Weasley exists. Yet in the books, Ron’s older brother works with dragons and lives an adventurous life in Romania.
The TV series has an opportunity to expand Charlie’s appearances, offering viewers a deeper look into the wider wizarding world beyond Hogwarts.
3. Nymphadora Tonks
Tonks was one of the most unique witches in the series. A skilled Auror and Metamorphmagus, she could change her appearance at will and brought humor and energy to every scene.
The films touched on her character but never fully explored her personality, abilities, or relationship with Remus Lupin. HBO could give her the depth she deserves.
4. Dean Thomas
Dean spent years as one of Harry’s closest classmates, yet much of his backstory never made it to the screen.
The books reveal fascinating details about his family history and experiences during Voldemort’s rise to power. A longer-form adaptation could turn Dean into one of the series’ breakout supporting characters.
5. Fleur Delacour
Many fans remember Fleur primarily from the Triwizard Tournament, but her story extends far beyond Goblet of Fire.
Her courage during the Second Wizarding War, loyalty to Bill Weasley, and willingness to fight for Hogwarts make her a far more compelling character than the films portrayed.
6. Kreacher
At first glance, Kreacher seems like an unpleasant house-elf. However, his character arc becomes one of the most emotional and surprising in the entire series.
A faithful adaptation could fully explore his connection to the Black family and show how kindness and understanding transformed him into an unlikely ally.
7. Neville Longbottom
Neville ultimately became a hero, but many of his most powerful moments were shortened or removed from the films.
The TV series could spend more time exploring his family tragedy, growing confidence, and transformation from shy student to leader of the resistance at Hogwarts.
8. Ginny Weasley
Book readers have long argued that Ginny was one of the films’ biggest missed opportunities.
In the novels, she is witty, confident, talented, and fiercely independent. A television adaptation could finally present the version of Ginny that readers fell in love with.
9. Percy Weasley
Percy’s complicated relationship with his family is one of the most realistic storylines in the books.
His ambition, mistakes, and eventual reconciliation with the Weasleys offer a nuanced character journey that deserves far more attention than it received in the movies.
10. Winky the House-Elf
Another major omission from the films, Winky played an important role in Goblet of Fire and helped introduce deeper themes about house-elf rights and wizarding society.
Her inclusion would add complexity to the story and enrich the world-building that fans expect from a television adaptation.
Final Thoughts
The Harry Potter films created unforgettable versions of many characters, but the constraints of cinema meant that dozens of fascinating personalities never received their full due. HBO’s television adaptation has a unique opportunity to revisit the wizarding world with fresh eyes, giving overlooked characters the depth, development, and screen time they always deserved.
If the series stays true to the books, some of Hogwarts’ biggest stars may not be Harry, Ron, or Hermione—they could be the characters who have been waiting decades for their chance to shine.
