Summary

  • The new Harry Potter TV series has the chance to explore aspects that were missed in the movies, like the fate of Dolores Umbridge.
  • By being more faithful to the original books, the show can provide fans with the details they truly care about, including key character arcs.
  • Including Umbridge's downfall on-screen would not only tie up loose ends but also add an important layer of satisfaction for fans of the franchise.

Now that the Harry Potter franchise is moving to television, this new series has the opportunity to expand on certain story elements that were cut out of the movies, including the treacherous fate of the worst Harry Potter villain. A year ago, HBO announced that it would be at the helm of a Harry Potter TV show. The series is starting entirely fresh, with a new cast and a new vision. Apparently, its focus is on being a more faithful adaptation of J.K. Rowling's books. Recently, it was revealed that the series would hit Max in 2026.

Although the Harry Potter movies are beloved, it is undeniable that they get several things wrong about the original books. Countless aspects of the novels were cut for time, while others were portrayed much differently than they appeared on the page. However, HBO's TV series changes everything. With a full seven seasons at its fingertips, the Harry Potter show can finally bring to life the parts of Harry Potter that never made it on screen. From the house elves to Peeves, the TV show can include the details that fans truly care about. This includes villains as well.

Related
The Harry Potter TV Show Can Do A Key Character Death Justice After The Original Movies Rushed Past It
The Harry Potter TV remake has the opportunity to give one character a proper send-off, even though the movie didn’t do his death justice.

The Harry Potter Books & Movies Don't Reveal What Happens To Dolores Umbridge

J.K. Rowling later confirmed Umbridge's fate

As it turns out, there is one character whose fate was never explored, not in the movies or the books. It was only later that Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling confirmed what happened to Dolores Umbridge after the Battle of Hogwarts. According to Rowling, the despicable Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher from the fifth book ended up being sent to Azkaban for her crimes. This came after the Battle of Hogwarts, which resulted in Lord Voldemort's death and saved the wizarding world. Though this answer never appeared in the Harry Potter books, this later-revealed fact definitely makes sense.

Umbridge is likely not the only character whose fate is never revealed on the page or on-screen. Harry Potter has such a vast world with quite a number of characters and storylines. Therefore, it isn't uncommon for certain details like Umbridge's fate to fall under the radar. In the case of Umbridge, Rowling later confirmed what happened to her, but other characters may not be so lucky. That is where the television adaptation comes in. HBO's Harry Potter can include these seemingly small details which will help tie up loose ends and satisfy audiences' most subtle questions.

HBO's Harry Potter Remake Can Finally Show Umbridge's Downfall On-Screen

Audiences will get a satisfying end to Umbridge's story

Dolores Umbridge looking smug in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.

Unlike the Harry Potter books or movies, the television series can finally depict Umbridge's downfall. Now that Rowling has revealed her fate, the show should include this detail so that it can finally join the story's canon. Furthermore, it would be incredibly satisfying to watch. While it is vital for the series to portray Lord Voldemort's defeat in great detail, it is just as important to see Harry Potter's other, smaller villains pay their consequences too.

Though Umbridge is often forgotten by the final book, it would be great to change the narrative and see her sent off to Azkaban.

It would also be great to portray Umbridge's downfall on-screen because it would join the long line of memorable Umbridge scenes from the original film franchise. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is an installment that is especially dark, but also filled with moments that are staples of the franchise. For example, the scene where Fred and George Weasley fly out of their OWLs on brooms and set off a series of fireworks, sending Umbridge into a tizzy, is a very iconic scene. If the TV series can ace Umbridge's punishment, then it could be another memorable moment.

Umbridge Going To Azkaban Could Be 1 Of TV Show's Most Satisfying Moments

Umbridge's fate is important to fans

Sad Umbridge

Another major reason why this detail should be included is because of Umbridge's reputation. If this reveal had concerned any other character, it may not have been as interesting, but because it is Dolores Umbridge, it feels important. Umbridge is notable in the Harry Potter series as the most evil villain after Lord Voldemort. Behind her pink exterior lies a sadistic and cruel woman who will do anything for power. In this way, finally learning about her downfall is incredibly relieving for Harry Potter fans who despised her in the fifth book, and want to see her pay the price.

Dolores Umbridge was played by Imelda Staunton in the Harry Potter film franchise.

Overall, the fate of Dolores Umbridge is a tiny part of the greater Harry Potter franchise, but it is still important in regard to the television series. In many respects, the TV show does not need to happen, therefore, its existence needs to be worth it. Focusing on accuracy and detail is the key to that. If the Harry Potter TV show is able to include these seemingly miniscule details, then it will ultimately prove that it is adding something important to the greater franchise.

HBO Harry Potter TV Show Poster
Harry Potter
Adventure
Family
Fantasy

Seasons
1
Streaming Service(s)
HBO Max
Franchise(s)
Harry Potter