HBO’s Harry Potter Reboot Can Fix 2 Forgotten Storylines Missing From the Movies

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The Harry Potter series is incredibly detailed, and the movies understandably couldn’t include every story from the seven books. Characters like Dean Thomas, in particular, had storylines that didn’t make it to the screen. J.K. Rowling created a rich and complex Wizarding World, and even decades after the last book, fans continue to discover new details and discuss its intricacies. With so many characters, magical locations, and events, it’s natural that some elements were left out of the film adaptations.

With HBO beginning work on a new *Harry Potter* series, things are likely to change significantly. The streaming service has promised to stay very close to the books, even more so than the films did. Early images suggest the show will debut around 2027, and it looks like that timeline is solidifying. Planned to span seven seasons—one for each year at Hogwarts—the series will have more time to tell the complete story and explore more of the details than the movies could. This gives them the opportunity to include storylines that were left out before, such as those involving Dean Thomas.

Who Is Dean Thomas In the Harry Potter Franchise?

Dean Thomas is a Gryffindor student who attends Hogwarts at the same time as Harry Potter, first appearing in *Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone* (known as *Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone* in some countries). He shares classes and a dorm with Harry until Harry leaves school to search for Horcruxes in *Deathly Hallows*. Although Harry becomes very close with Ron, Dean develops a strong friendship with Seamus Finnegan, and the two are often shown together in the *Harry Potter* films.

Dean Thomas is a strong asset to Gryffindor house at Hogwarts and a capable wizard. He participates in the Dueling Club during *Chamber of Secrets* and joins the DA in *Order of the Phoenix*. When Katie Bell is cursed in *Half-Blood Prince*, Dean temporarily takes her place as a Chaser on the Gryffindor Quidditch team. He fights in the Battle of Hogwarts during *Deathly Hallows Part II* and survives the Second Wizarding War. After Voldemort’s defeat, Dean joins Seamus and Aberforth Dumbledore in celebrating.

While not a central character in the Harry Potter series, Dean Thomas consistently shows admirable qualities in both the books and movies. He embodies Gryffindor values by being dependable, loyal, and understanding. Unlike some of Harry’s other friends, Dean remains supportive of Harry after Voldemort’s return in Goblet of Fire, even while still being close to Seamus. Dean is also shown to be artistic, as he creates the banners for Gryffindor’s Quidditch games in Sorcerer’s Stone.

As a big *Harry Potter* fan, I’ve always found Dean Thomas a compelling character, even though we don’t get to know him super well personally. What *is* fascinating is his family background. He grew up in a Muggle household with his mum, step-dad, and step-siblings, and for a long time, he believed he was Muggle-born because of it. He never knew his biological father, who left his mum before Dean was born. It’s a really moving reveal later on that his biological father wasn’t Muggle at all, but a wizard who went into hiding to keep his family safe from Voldemort and the Death Eaters during the First Wizarding War. It adds a whole new layer to Dean’s story!

The Harry Potter Films Cut Dean’s Relationship With Ginny

I always felt bad for Ginny Weasley! Before she finally got together with Harry, she really tried to move on with other guys. First, she went out with Michael Corner from Ravenclaw after they went to the Yule Ball together. That didn’t last quite a year, though. Then she dated Dean Thomas for about nine months during their sixth year. But ultimately, she realized neither of them were right for her. She broke up with Michael after Gryffindor beat Ravenclaw in Quidditch, and then ended things with Dean because he was way too overprotective and, honestly, she still had feelings for Harry. It was clear where her heart really was!

Throughout the sixth Harry Potter book, the relationship between Ginny and Dean is a recurring topic. Ginny’s brother, Ron, was already upset when she dated Michael in the previous book, *Order of the Phoenix*. So, it’s not surprising that he and Ginny argue when she starts dating his friend Dean a year later. The book *Half-Blood Prince* includes several scenes showing Ginny and Dean being affectionate at Hogwarts, often trying to sneak kisses and cuddles where no one will see them.

The movie adaptation of *Half-Blood Prince* left out several key plot points, most notably the romance between Dean and Ginny. While their relationship is acknowledged, it isn’t developed on screen. Dean and Ginny only share about 30 seconds of screen time across two scenes, and these moments don’t reflect the passionate connection described in the book. Viewers briefly see them together on the Hogwarts Express and later at a table in Hogsmeade, which seems like a date, though their interaction appears merely friendly.

Okay, as a huge *Harry Potter* fan, if HBO ever does a reboot, they *absolutely* have to show Dean and Ginny’s relationship – when the time is right in the story, of course. It’s not just about them; their romance is what actually makes Harry realize *he* has feelings for Ginny! Seriously, every time Harry sees them together, he gets all jealous and frustrated. It’s Dean and Ginny breaking up that *finally* gives Harry the opening to make a move on Ginny. If they skip over that whole part, and Dean’s role, Harry and Ginny just getting together feels…forced and a little weird. It needs that build-up!

Dean’s Biggest Storyline Was Axed From Deathly Hallows

People who’ve only seen the *Harry Potter* movies might be surprised to learn that Dean Thomas has a significant role in the final book, *Deathly Hallows*. When the book was adapted into two films, *Deathly Hallows – Part 1* and *Deathly Hallows – Part 2*, director David Yates had to cut a lot of content to keep the movies from being overly long. Dean’s storyline was one of many important parts that didn’t make the final cut, even though a six-hour *Harry Potter* movie might have been worth seeing.

During Voldemort’s rise to power in *Deathly Hallows*, witches and wizards born to non-magical parents are forced to hide to avoid being questioned about their magical heritage and potentially imprisoned in Azkaban. Those who support them, or simply oppose Voldemort, must also go into hiding, though a few, like Neville and Ginny, stay at Hogwarts. Dean, mistakenly believed to be Muggle-born and unable to prove his lineage because he doesn’t know his father, flees with Ted Tonks, Dirk Cresswell, Griphook, and the Goblin Gornuk. They are eventually found by Snatchers – groups who hunt down Muggle-borns for rewards – and by the war’s end, Dean is the only survivor of the group.

Surprisingly, the films *Deathly Hallows – Part 1* and *Deathly Hallows – Part 2* completely left out a significant plotline from the book. In the novel, Harry, Ron, and Hermione are captured by a group called Snatchers and taken to Malfoy Manor, where they are questioned harshly. When the Sword of Gryffindor is found with them, Harry and Ron are thrown in the dungeon, and Hermione is tortured. They eventually manage to escape with the help of Dobby the house-elf, along with Luna Lovegood and Ollivander, and spend about a month hiding at Bill and Fleur Weasley’s cottage.

Dean Thomas appears briefly in the second *Deathly Hallows* film, fighting in the battle for Hogwarts and celebrating afterward, but he’s completely absent from the first film. It’s unclear why a significant part of his story was left out of the movies, and the upcoming HBO reboot should include it to stay true to the books and give this underused character the recognition he deserves.

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2025-10-18 17:10