HBO has provided a first-look image of Dominic McLaughlin asHarry Potter, and while he looks great, I’m a bit disappointed that a specific aspect of this character wasn’t changed. Overall, it will be no easy task for McLaughlin to step into Daniel Radcliffe’s shoes, but, in full costume, he’s off to a great start. The look is rather similar, but I sort of wish this weren’t the case.
With the round glasses, messy hair, and Hogwarts uniform,McLaughlin is unmistakable as a first-year Harry Potter. This is, naturally, comforting. HBO’s remake is already making changes in other regards, so it shouldn’t stray too far from the mold with Harry’s character. However, there are some ways thatadjustments could have ultimately enhanced the overarching story.
HBO’s Harry Potter Remake Didn’t Change The Design Of Harry’s Scar
The Position & Angle Were Adjusted, But The Scar Is Mostly The Same
Harry’s scar is iconic. It’s how the people of the Wizarding world recognize the Boy Who Lived, and it turned out to be at the center ofHarry Potter’sbig ending Horcrux twist. InHarry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, the scar is described as a lightning-bolt shape across Harry’s forehead, whereas the cover art depicts it as a simple zigzag. This was, of course, adopted by theHarry Pottermovies.
The first-look images of McLaughlin’s Harry Potter reveal thatHBO has taken a similar route with the character’s scar. Although it’s a more slender zigzag, it remains a standard zigzag nonetheless. This is fine, but it would have been neat to see theHarry Potterremaketake influence from a popular fan-reimagining of the Boy Who Lived’s scar.
Over the years, someHarry Potterfans have entertained the idea that, rather than the notched scar we see in the movies, Harry’s iconic mark resembled a more realistic lightning shape.
Over the years, someHarry Potterfans have entertained the idea that, rather than the notched scar we see in the movies, Harry’s iconic mark resembled a more realistic lightning shape. This has been popularized in fan art, which often depicts Harry as havinga more web-like scar that stretches across his forehead (called a Lichtenberg figure scar).
ThisInstagrampost from Mugglenet provides a great example of Harry Potter with a Lichtenberg figure scar.
This shape of scar has always fascinated me. Not only would it look cool, but it makes more sense that Harry’s wound would stand out to people. Anyone can have a zigzag scar, buta Lichtenberg figure scar is rare and far more magically looking. It would be a striking change. Unfortunately, it appears as if HBO’sHarry Potterremake hasn’t taken this angle.
A Lichtenberg Figure Scar Would Have Contributed To A Darker Feel For Harry Potter
HBO Could Have Made Harry’s Cursed Scar Far More Magical
HBO has teased a slightly darkerHarry Potterfor its TV show, and this initially gave me hope that the series would embrace fans' lightning bolt scar idea. The zigzag we have become familiar with is a tad more childish, while a realistic web of lightning across Harry’s face would have been more jolting. Such a simple change could have really shifted the tone of the series.
The zigzag we have become familiar with is a tad more childish, while a realistic web of lightning across Harry’s face would have been more jolting.
Of course, it’s still possible that we will see a different scar on screen in theHarry Potterremake than the one on McLaughlin in the first-look image. HBO might want to keep such a shift secret until season 1 premieres in 2027. However,it may just be that such extensive makeup or CGI work is too much to do episode after episode. For now, I will hold on to a little bit of hope.
