This Harry Potter Character Is Completely Unrecognizable Compared to the Books
Kendall Myers is a Senior Author with Collider. As part of the TV and Movies Features team, she writes about some of the most popular releases before, during, and after they premiere. In three years, she has written over 900 articles with topics ranging from classic sitcoms to fantasy epics.
Despite the controversy surrounding it, Harry Potter remains a beloved story for good reason. The unforgettable adventure and lovable characters are impossible to ignore even after so many years. And it's not only one of the most well-known book series, but the films are equally beloved. Though many book-to-movie adaptations fall short, the Harry Potter series is regarded as one of the good ones, yet they still fail one important character. Ginny Weasley (Bonnie Wright) may not have been cut entirely, as others are, but the films make her a drastically different character, and the change is not for the better.
The youngest Weasley is confident, spirited, and independent in the books, but in the films she is much less remarkable. While she remains a love interest for Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), at least at the end of the story, the films never understand who she is. Recognizing how the films failed Ginny is more important than ever as the series gets a new adaptation. As skeptical as fans may be about the HBO series, getting Ginny right is one way the series can surpass the films, but realistically no adaptation can improve on the spunky character the books introduce.
'Harry Potter's Adaptation Changes Ginny's Personality
Fans have long recognized problems with Ginny in the films, but it wasn't as obvious early on. Ginny plays a small role in the first story and, though more significant in the second installment, she's supposed to be isolated from the heroes. The films do this well enough, but over time, book Ginny grows in the books in ways the films ignore. She is recognized for her Quidditch skill, fiery temper, and mischievous nature. She shows a talent for charms, specifically the challenging Bat-Bogey Hex, as she proves by attacking Draco in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Additionally, stands up to bullies, whether by intentionally crashing her broom into an obnoxious Quidditch commentator or responding with sarcasm to her opinionated Great-Aunt Muriel. She even takes on the mantle of Dumbledore's Army in the final book, leading the student resistance at Hogwarts, proving herself a fierce fighter. Throughout the books, Ginny is bold, witty, and fearless, making her easy for fans to like.
Yet, the films don't show her the same way. Yes, she is included, and she is seen on the Quidditch team in Dumbledore's Army and with her family, but her personality doesn't shine through. Ginny remains quiet, shy, and awkward throughout all eight films, which is not how she is supposed to be, and she is largely sidelined. As such, the character is barely more than a background student even though she is supposed to be much more. With so few memorable traits, the audience never cared about her the way they do in the books, ultimately failing the character.
The 'Harry Potter' Books Make Ginny and Harry's Relationship Better
One significant part of Ginny's role in both the films and the books is her relationship with Harry, but the two versions show that relationship differently. In both cases, it begins as a childhood crush, but in the books, she eventually moves on and becomes his friend. Ginny stops being so awkward around Harry, teasing him like she does her brothers instead of being so shy toward him. Though she is popular and dates other people for a while, this dynamic with Harry eventually develops into a natural relationship. In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, when they kiss while celebrating a Quidditch victory, the relationship fits. Ginny, with her easy banter and understanding of his trauma, is the kind of person Harry needs.
However, the films do not do justice to their romance. They kiss in the sixth film and end up married with three children in the final moments of the saga, but their connection is absent. Ginny spends much of the films pining after Harry, leading to awkward moments like her tying his shoe or feeding him for no particular reason, in an attempt to create some connection. But it doesn't work and ends up feeling like they shoved her and Harry together simply because of proximity at the end of the series. The Harry Potter films do a huge disservice to one of the book's most interesting characters. Ginny Weasley's book arc is about her growth from a shy little girl into a confident leader and powerful witch, and that is how fans should remember her.
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