Even though Hogwarts Legacy takes place during a different time period than the Harry Potter films, the game still has the opportunity to correct one of the movies' biggest mistakes regarding its ghosts. Slated to take place during the 1890s, Hogwarts Legacy will provide a whole new take on the universe while still containing some of the well-known elements fans know and love. Although there's still a lot left to learn about what the title has in store, it's clear there's good potential for it to expand on existing characters in interesting ways alongside the new ones it introduces.
Although there's been a lot of focus on how Hogwarts Legacy's characters best those in the books, that's not to say there's no place for already-established characters to shine in the title. This is especially true for players who are more familiar with the Harry Potter movies than the books, as the films had to cut out some elements due to things like time constraints or budgetary limitations. This is how Hogwarts Legacy can correct one of the movie's biggest failings when it comes to the ghosts of Hogwarts.
Hogwarts Legacy Can Give Vindication For The Movies' Ghosts
Out of all the characters that didn't get enough screen time in the Harry Potter movies, the ghosts that walk the halls of Hogwarts are one of the saddest omissions. Brilliant characters like Nearly Headless Nick got featured very little in the films, and others like Peeves weren't included at all. Nearly Headless Nick is a confirmed returning character in Hogwarts Legacy, and his inclusion in a trailer for the game bodes well for better ghost representation in the title.
Ghosts Can Add A New Dimension To Hogwarts Legacy
Although the new characters in Hogwarts Legacy come with their own depth, the unique nature of the school's ghosts means the undead characters can serve purposes regular wizards cannot. For one, the years in which these ghosts come from vary greatly, with some being around for hundreds of years before Hogwarts Legacy takes place. This means they can contribute to the game's lore in ways others can't, simply due to all the things they've witnessed over the years. Ghosts' ability to travel silently and through walls also gives them great knowledge through observation of scenarios others just aren't privy to.
If the game is well-received, Hogwarts Legacy canon could best Harry Potter's in of importance and relevance to fans, and this is great news for the previously established characters who deserve to be a bigger part of the world's story. A great example of this is Peeves, a delightful character who was initially cut entirely from the cinematic universe but has been featured in multiple teaser clips for Hogwarts Legacy. While it's unknown just how important the character will be, his role has already been greatly expanded.
As more is revealed about Hogwarts Legacy, the more it becomes clear how the game is a mashup of already-existing Harry Potter lore alongside new additions and expansions on existing canon. While characters did get to experience more of the ghosts in the books, this is still a way to see them in a whole different time period, and a great opportunity for more movie-based fans to get to know them. While Hogwarts Legacy will be keeping fans busy in a myriad of ways, these ghosts playing a role in that is a great evolution for the universe.
Source: Hogwarts Legacy/YouTube
Editor’s Note: Harry Potter creator J.K. Rowling has been accused of transphobia by those in the LGBTQ+ community. Although not directly involved in the development of Hogwarts Legacy, Rowling does stand to earn royalties from the game. We would like to reiterate our for trans rights and that trans identities are valid. services are listed below for trans people impacted by discussions of transphobia.
In the USA:
- Trans Lifeline: (877) 565-8860
- The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386
In Canada:
- Trans Lifeline: (877) 330-6366
- Youth Line: 1-800-268-9688
In the UK:
- Switchboard: 01273 204050
- Mermaids: 0808 801 0400