Book adaptations are considered risky, especially because films often fail to capture the complexity, development and details of the books. Considering that no book adaptation has ever escaped public scrutiny, Harry Potter The franchise was no exception. The films were often criticized for not doing justice to the fan-favorite character Emma Watson and became the subject of heated debate.

Although many believe that JK Rowling’s legendary story has received one of the best adaptations, others think that the films ruined some key characters like Emma Watson’s Hermione Granger. Potterheads discussed that Hermione was treated unfairly in the films when talking about how the film adaptation turned Watson’s character into a flawless Mary Sue.

The Harry Potter The films left out characteristics that made Hermione a tough character

Even decades after the end of the Harry Potter The Warner Bros. film adaptation was released in 2011 and is often considered the epitome of success, with billions in box office revenue. After that, the franchise reached the level of the most famous lore, which remains a source of debate and inspiration for fan theories to this day.

But despite the popularity and appreciation for the Harry Potter Movies, it’s safe to say that even JK Rowling’s epic wizarding fantasy couldn’t escape intense scrutiny due to some of the major changes made to the characters. While the films shaped the story to fit the screen, fans believe the studio boldly made the main characters very different from how Rowling intended them.

One such title character who has undergone a controversial transformation is undoubtedly Emma Watson’s Hermione Granger. Introduced as a Muggle-born witch and close friend of Harry’s, Hermione was tragically transformed into this Mary Sue prototype in the films. While JK Rowling had phenomenally created Hermione as Harry’s equal and the unofficial leader of the trio, tasked with consistently saving the boys from disaster, the films did her role a massive injustice.

While JK Rowling literally adapted Hermione Granger from William Wordsworth’s poem “a perfect woman, nobly planned to warn, comfort and command“, the films have omitted most of Hermione’s qualities that made her a strong personality. Starting with omitting Hermione’s crazy side when she locked Rita Skeeter in an unbreakable jar and then hexing the parchment to protect it from traitors in Dumbledore’s Army, the films have taken away the essence of Emma Watson’s character.

Potterheads are angry about the injustice towards Emma Watson’s role

Therefore, u/EphemeralMemory on Reddit expressed frustration that the movies limit Emma Watson’s Hermione Granger to the same old flawless female character often shown in films. People noted that the movies typically portray Hermione as a brave and brilliant witch, without showing her bookish neurotic side that drives her classmates crazy.

In addition, u/PenguinZombie321 highlighted that the franchise initially started with fairly faithful adaptations of Hermione, but then gradually moved away from her book characterization The Prisoner of Azkaban. From then on, Emma Watson’s character rarely made mistakes and was always this righteous lady who followed the rules. While Hermione in the books was undoubtedly intelligent, brave and resourceful, she was also mischievous, prone to jealousy and had difficulty socializing.

While in the book Hermione was a complex character who made mistakes and learned from them, in the films Emma Watson had that developmental arc taken away and she became a flat character who was so perfect that she couldn’t learn anything. JK Rowling made Hermione a three-dimensional character who experienced human emotions like jealousy and vengeance. But unfortunately in the films she became a saintly figure with no insecurities, flaws and personality traits to overcome.

People could relate more to the book version because Rowling made Hermione grow as a character. When they read about Hermione overcoming difficulties, people wanted her to succeed, whereas Watson’s character in the films was portrayed as a symbol rather than a person who wants to succeed despite difficult circumstances. Fans therefore ended the debate by saying that JK Rowling’s portrayal of Hermione Granger seemed like a real person, whereas Emma Watson’s character in the films seemed like an archetype.

Harry Potter Movies are available on Max.