Summary:
- The Harry Potter TV remake could fix issues like the Polyjuice Potion’s voice alteration inconsistency in the Chamber of Secrets movie.
- HBO’s adaptation must meticulously handle such details to avoid criticism.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets made a mistake that lingered over the series until Deathly Hallows. Although the Warner Bros films are beloved by millions, they are not without flaws.
Various changes throughout the movies created inconsistencies, some of which could have been avoided. The upcoming HBO TV remake has the chance to correct these issues and provide a more faithful adaptation.
Early mistakes in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets were easier to make since J.K. Rowling‘s books were not yet finished when the films were released.
This is where HBO’s TV remake has a significant advantage. With the entire series complete for nearly two decades, the remake can avoid continuity issues, especially concerning Polyjuice Potion.
The Chamber Of Secrets Movie Made Polyjuice Potion Users Keep Their Own Voices
In Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Harry, Ron, and Hermione use Polyjuice Potion to impersonate Draco Malfoy‘s friends to uncover the Heir of Slytherin.
After using hairs from Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle, Harry and Ron successfully transform but retain their original voices. Harry even notes, “We still sound like ourselves!”
This deviation from the books, where the potion also changes the user’s voice, created a significant inconsistency.
Director Christopher Columbus might have made this change to prevent audience confusion or to keep the actors’ voices recognizable. Regardless, this decision caused continuity problems later in the series.
The Goblet of Fire retconned the change to the Polyjuice Potion, but Deathly Hallows changed it back.
Polyjuice Potion didn’t reappear until Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, where Barty Crouch Jr. used it to impersonate Alastor “Mad-Eye” Moody.
The potion changed his voice, making his disguise convincing enough to fool even Dumbledore. This retcon corrected the earlier mistake from Chamber of Secrets.
However, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 reverted to the original error. When Harry, Ron, and Hermione use Polyjuice Potion to infiltrate the Ministry of Magic, they keep their own voices.
The same issue occurs when Hermione transforms into Bellatrix Lestrange. This inconsistency highlights the need for a consistent approach to Polyjuice Potion in adaptations.
It Doesn’t Make Sense That Polyjuice Potion WOULDN’T Change The Drinker’s Voice
The inconsistency regarding Polyjuice Potion in the films is frustrating and illogical. The potion is meant to be a nearly perfect disguise, changing the drinker’s body completely, including their vocal cords. Retaining the original voice would make the disguise ineffective and raise suspicions.
There has never been an explanation for why this change was made in the movies. It likely helped audiences keep track of multiple characters using the potion simultaneously.
However, dubbing David Tennant‘s voice over Brendan Gleeson’s for Goblet of Fire would have been challenging. HBO’s remake has the opportunity to avoid this confusion from the start.
HBO’s Upcoming Harry Potter Remake Needs to Correct the Movies’ Polyjuice Potion Error
HBO has promised a “book-faithful” adaptation of the Harry Potter series, which means addressing even small details correctly.
Each season will cover one book, so Chamber of Secrets should be adapted in season 2. Getting Polyjuice Potion right from the beginning is crucial to avoid future continuity issues.
HBO’s remake also needs to correct other significant mistakes from the films. For example, Dobby’s minimal screen time in the movies lessened the impact of his death in Deathly Hallows. Keeping such details consistent will help the audience feel fully immersed in the wizarding world.
Overall, HBO’s Harry Potter TV remake has the advantage of adapting a completed story, allowing the showrunners to avoid the mistakes made by the original films. By adhering to the books, they can ensure a more coherent and faithful adaptation that satisfies long-time fans and new viewers alike.
