Harry Potter Remake’s Divisive Dursley Change Is Secretly Perfect

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In the upcoming HBO’s remake of Harry Potter, the portrayal of the Dursleys is stirring up conversation – and this isn’t necessarily a negative aspect. Filming for the TV series has commenced, offering a sneak peek at the revamped Harry Potter, played by Dominic McLaughlin, alongside Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid. At this early stage, Vernon, Petunia, and Dudley Dursley – portrayed by Daniel Rigby, Bel Powley, and Amos Kitson respectively – are also in focus.

Despite no official images being made public yet, behind-the-scenes photos from the Harry Potter set have shown that the new Dursleys are filming the London Zoo scene from the book. This part of Harry’s journey is significant as it marks his first display of his ability to communicate with snakes. However, these images hold more importance for the changes they reveal in the Dursley characters. Compared to their portrayal in the Harry Potter films, this new version of the family looks quite different and has sparked a mix of opinions, some viewing it as a departure from the original characters. Yet, instead of being a drawback, this change could actually work well for the TV show, as it seems to fit the Dursley family quite appropriately.

How The Dursleys Are Already Different In The Harry Potter TV Show

In the Harry Potter TV series, the Dursleys present with some distinct variations in their appearances compared to the films. Uncle Vernon is typically seen donning a plain gray polo shirt, Aunt Petunia has blonde hair, and Dudley is depicted in a shell suit. This differs significantly from their usual formal attire as portrayed in the movies. The choice of clothing for these characters in the remake has sparked debate since pictures from the set emerged, but it aligns with the original character depictions.

To put it simply, some of the Dursleys’ outfits in the films seemed a bit off-kilter for the 1990s setting, even though they weren’t always very formal to begin with. While the movies didn’t typically give many hints about the era, these clothes felt more like a caricature of an over-the-top British upper class family, rather than what a real one would wear. For instance, it’s doubtful that Vernon Dursley, who was shown in a particular suit for work, would have actually chosen that style and color.

As a cinema enthusiast, I find myself reflecting on the London Zoo scene in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, and I can’t help but notice how some elements seem quite outdated compared to contemporary attire. For instance, Vernon Dursley’s casual outfit resembles a polo shirt, which feels more fitting for a day at the zoo than the shirt, tie, and flatcap combination we see in the movie. Petunia’s coat also strikes me as a bit too formal, while Dudley’s argyle sweater, though appropriate for the era, isn’t exactly the style I imagine a ’90s kid would have chosen (and remember, Dudley always gets what he wants).

Vernon and Petunia are middle-class individuals who aspire to be more affluent and sophisticated, displaying a certain air of snobbery. Their home is comfortable, enabling them to send their son to an exclusive school. However, they exhibit elitist tendencies more so than wealth. On the other hand, Dudley is excessively pampered, and both he and his mother are fashion-conscious characters who mirror the trends of the time. In 1991, when Season 1 is set, Dudley’s shell jacket, Petunia’s hairstyle, sunglasses (her attire remains to be fully revealed), would all fit well with their family’s social status and aesthetic preferences.

Harry Potter’s TV Remake Needs To Be Different From The Movies

The modifications in the Dursleys are an enticing indication for the remake of Harry Potter, as they serve multiple purposes. Primarily, these adjustments provide the series with a significantly improved sense of temporal context and setting that was never fully achieved in the films. While Hogwarts has a timeless appeal, the Muggle world needs to be more closely tied to the specific time period, making it feel like a genuine period piece.

The idea of being unique complements another reason for its merit: there’s no value in merely replicating what the movies have done before. This dilemma concerning remakes has persisted over time, even with characters like the Dursleys. A significant portion of Harry Potter‘s visual identity is shaped by the films, and HBO appears to be sticking close to that in its marketing and what it’s revealed so far about Harry and Hagrid.

The TV adaptation of the books shouldn’t alter things randomly, and it’s natural for there to be similarities with the films. However, when given an opportunity to refresh things, they should definitely seize it. The depiction of the Dursleys aligns perfectly with this approach. Petunia’s blonde hair is consistent with the books; the actors portraying her and Vernon are about a decade younger than their film counterparts, which seems more authentic too (and makes the fashion changes more sensible as well). Furthermore, their costumes better reflect the era and their social standing.

A greater degree of variation from the original Harry Potter movies in the TV remake could result in a more impactful production over time. This flexibility will enable it to align more closely with the books in certain instances, while offering a unique, separate identity in others, carving its own path instead of simply mirroring previous works. In both scenarios, the allure lies in the creation of something fresh and original.

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2025-08-04 23:46