Restoring The Cut Dursley Family Scene

August 15, 2025

6

HBO’s Harry Potter series can begin with a scene that was left out of the movies, pertaining to the Dursley family. HBO’s adaptation of the beloved Harry Potter book series is filming, and while we know most of the main cast and details about the production, it’s still too early to tell the

With a fresh start in a new medium, HBO’s Harry Potter TV adaptation has an opportunity to explore scenes that were left out of the film franchise. Despite having eight films for seven novels, there are still numerous moments that were left out of the movies for one reason or another.

Making changes from a book series is often the most controversial aspect of adaptation, particularly among fans who are passionate about the material. With several TV episodes to adapt a book that isn’t particularly large, there’s no excuse to skimp on any details.

HBO’s Harry Potter Show Needs To Finally Adapt Vernon Meeting The Wizards Before Harry’s First Arrival

The first chapter of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone sees a day in the life of Vernon Dursley, the man who would soon become Harry’s adoptive father. The day starts out normally, but as Mr. Dursley heads out from home, he begins to notice strange things, such as a cat reading a map and people walking around in bright cloaks.

This is the day that Voldemort was defeated, and that the Potters sacrificed themselves for their son. Later that evening, Albus Dumbledore arrives to leave Harry with the Dursleys, which is shown as the starting sequence of the Harry Potter films. However, the preceding scene was cut from the story.

Sure, this isn’t the most crucial scene, but it contributes important elements to the world-building. It demonstrates the vibrant world of wizards in the eyes of an unknowing Muggle (who can be used as an audience stand-in, specifically in this introductory moment) and demonstrates just how critical Voldemort’s death was to the entire world.

It’s a fascinating, somewhat bizarre scene that could be executed in a compelling way on screen. Watching a man progress through his day, constantly seeing peculiar things, and building him up for the shock of suddenly becoming a parent to his unwanted nephew. It’s priceless.

Why The Harry Potter Movies Cut Vernon Encountering & Being Watched By Hogwarts’ Wizards

Dumbledore holding baby Harry next to McGonagall in Harry Potter & the Sorcerer's Stone

At the time when The Sorcerer’s Stone was made, there was likely less freedom to dive into the details and capture every moment from the books. This scene is great, but like I said, it’s not crucial. The movie was forced to focus on the most instrumental beats within its limited time.

Instead, the movie accomplishes two things: it demonstrates uses of magic, such as McGonagall’s transformation from a cat, and it shows Harry being left on the Dursleys’ doorstep, initiating the plot. The Harry Potter TV series can offer what the films left out.