Severus Snape’s skin colour
In the books
Snape is introduced at the start-of-term feast as “a teacher with greasy black hair, a hooked nose and sallow skin.”
Philosopher’s Stone, ch. 7, “The Sorting Hat”
A Register of Adaptation
A factual record of differences between J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter novels and the HBO television series.
“Each season will be authentic to the original books.”
“Max’s commitment to preserving the integrity of my books is important to me, and I’m looking forward to being part of this new adaptation which will allow for a degree of depth and detail only afforded by a long-form television series.”
“The series will be a faithful adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter books.”
“She feels very strongly that she needs to honor the books.”
The series premieres on 25 December 2026. Until then, entries are based on official casting, trailers and promotional material, and are marked accordingly. Book references are to the UK editions.
Snape is introduced at the start-of-term feast as “a teacher with greasy black hair, a hooked nose and sallow skin.”
Philosopher’s Stone, ch. 7, “The Sorting Hat”
“Harry had a thin face, knobbly knees, black hair and bright green eyes.” The green eyes are repeatedly described as inherited from his mother, Lily.
Philosopher’s Stone, ch. 2, “The Vanishing Glass”
In HBO’s first-look image of Dominic McLaughlin (July 2025) his eyes appear blue rather than green. HBO has not stated whether coloured lenses are used.
Source: GB News
Wands are described by wood, core, length and flexibility — Harry’s is “holly and phoenix feather, eleven inches, nice and supple.” No handles, grips or carved decoration are described.
Philosopher’s Stone, ch. 5, “Diagon Alley”
Promotional images show distinct wand designs: Ron’s has a handle with markings and indentations; Hermione’s has twisting, vine-like detailing; Neville’s resembles a thin, unworked branch.
Source: Inside the Magic, 22 Sep 2026
Lucius Malfoy does not appear in Philosopher’s Stone. He is first seen in Chamber of Secrets, at Borgin and Burkes.
Chamber of Secrets, ch. 4, “At Flourish and Blotts”
The Flamels never appear. Nicolas Flamel is known only through a Chocolate Frog card, a library book and Dumbledore’s account to Harry in the hospital wing.
Philosopher’s Stone, chs. 13 and 17
Lambert Wilson plays Nicolas Flamel and Marthe Keller plays Perenelle Flamel.
Source: Wikipedia, cast list
After the first chapter, the novel follows Harry throughout. Readers see nothing Harry does not witness or hear about.
Philosopher’s Stone, chs. 2–17
Trailers include scenes Harry is not present for, such as Ron receiving his letter at the Burrow and a private conversation involving Dumbledore. Actor Lox Pratt has said the series will show scenes such as the teachers in their rooms.
Sources: ComicBook.com, Collider
Harry’s primary school is only mentioned in passing, including that Dudley’s gang targeted him there. No scene takes place at the school.
Philosopher’s Stone, chs. 2–3
The first teaser opens at a Muggle school, where Dudley and other children bully Harry on screen.
Sources: SlashFilm, ComicBook.com