Harry Potter TV Series: How An Anthology Series Could Work (& What Stories It Would Explore)
Rumor has it that HBO Max is eyeing a Harry Potter series - and given the massive popularity of the franchise and the expansiveness of this universe, it's easy to see why this could be a popular choice (even if fans have turned on J K Rowling). However, with the series being in the earliest stages of development (if it is at all), there is no detail on what the show would actually be about.
The wizarding world is so complex, with such a detailed history, that a new series could really take on any story - or create an entirely new one. And while some fans are rooting to see The Cursed Child come to life, a prequel series (maybe about the original Order of the Phoenix), or a look at the Golden Trio's future, it may not even stick to just one story. Instead, this series could go the anthology route, leaving lots of space to tell multiple stories - but could that really work, and which stories should definitely be included?
10 Why It Works: Allows For Multiple Creative Visions
One of the great things about an anthology series is that it would allow for multiple different writing teams and directors to play in the Harry Potter sandbox, without having to worry about one consistent creative vision throughout. Instead, directors could take on an episode or two, and give them a totally unique spin. This would be a great way to create something that appeals to all kinds of fans, too - and those who grew up with the original fantasy adventure, but now want something different.
9 Possible Story: The Mauraders
Otherwise known as Messrs. Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs - or Remus Lupin, Peter Pettigrew, Sirius Black, and James Potter - the Mauraders are one of the top picks as the subject of a new Harry Potter series. They are already familiar to fans, of course, but seeing their adventure at Hogwarts and the creation of the Marauder's Map would be an incredible (and lighthearted) series with all the magic of the original.
8 Why It Works: Can Tell Simpler Stories
While shared universes often love to create huge, complex stories, it's not always necessary. In many ways, shows and movies can fall apart when trying to expand a concept or tale too far from the original subject matter - and this is where an anthology shines. Especially for stories where the characters are already familiar, a shorter arc can make for a more interesting take, without having to create any unnecessary filler.
7 Possible Story: Original Order Of The Pheonix
Another story that could center on the young Mauraders would be the original Order of the Pheonix. This has the added benefit of including a younger Dumbledore (perhaps one with the same dapper dress sense as the Dumbledore of Fantastic Beasts), and connecting to the First Wizarding War.
But rather than going for a full series, a simple story could be told of the day 'that' photo was taken (the one given to Harry, and displayed in the Room of Requirement during DA meetings).
6 Why It Works: Higher Likelihood Of Returning Original Cast
While Tom Felton has already said that he doesn't think the original cast would reunite, this is a much more likely possibility if it is just for a single episode or scene. The original cast members are now far too busy with other projects to return for a full series - and probably wouldn't want to devote themselves to a return to this world - but appearing for a single episode seems doable... which would make fans incredibly happy.
5 Possible Story: The Golden Trio Returns
While it may not be the best choice to focus an entire series on the original Golden Trio, seeing them return for an episode could be a fantastic choice - whether with the original cast or not. This wouldn't have to be a sequel, either. Of course, a story about their adult adventures post-wizarding-war could be fantastic, but it would also be amazing to see Hermione and Ron's childhoods - Hermione's, in part, because it would give an insight into how Hogwarts admissions are handled for muggle-borns, and Ron's because a magical childhood would be incredible to see on screen!
4 Why It Works: More Time/Location Possibilities
There are incredible stories to tell in the world of Harry Potter from all kinds of different time periods - from the founding of Hogwarts (and even the story of Merlin in the Wizarding World) to Nicholas Flamel as a young man, to the First and Second Wizarding Wars, and even into the future!
A series would have to settle in one time period (or involve Time Turners, yet again), but an anthology has the option of letting fans see how the Wizarding World has developed through the ages - and all over the world.
3 Possible Story: The Deathly Hallows
The story of the Deathly Hallows has been briefly told in the original movies, in a beautifully animated sequence - however, it would also make a great story for a single episode of an anthology. In a perfect world, Tim Burton could come aboard to add his iconic style to an animated story, upgrading the magic of the original.
2 Why It Works: Less Pressure On Each Story
One of the biggest advantages of an anthology series is that it takes the pressure off - because not every episode has to be 'perfect', or to resonate with every viewer - and that creates more space to play. Rather than leaving the fans who wanted an Order of the Phoenix story disappointed to please those who want a Draco prequel, an anthology creates a little for everyone, and allows those stories to be self-contained. It also means that fans don't have to watch every episode - or, should the series continue for many seasons, allows viewers to jump in anywhere, pressure-free. At a time where watching a Marvel or DC movie sometimes means watching a dozen others to 'catch up', this would be a refreshing change.
1 Possible Story: The Creation Of Hogwarts
One of the best stories that would benefit from a little more exploration is that of the creation of Hogwarts. Every fan knows that the four founders joined up to form a school, and that each wanted to teach those whose personality traits suited them best, but there is clearly much more to it than that! How was the castle actually built? (And how did Salazar sneak in a whole Basilisk?) What was the first ever year like? There's so much to know!
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