Chris Columbus, director of the first two Harry Potter movies, is sharing his thoughts about HBO's upcoming series.
HBO’s Harry Potter show has been met with divisive reactions since it was announced. Aside from the controversy surrounding author J.K. Rowling, there’s also been the key question from many: Why? As in, why do we need a new retelling when many fans feel the big-screen movies were already near-perfect?
On the other hand, others are excited to see this new adaptation, considering a TV show will allow for a more fleshed-out story. Devoting a season to each book provides the opportunity to touch on plotlines that the movies didn’t have time for. Plus, the cast does look promising.
Chris Columbus both "excited" and confused by new Harry Potter show
Appearing on The Rest Is Entertainment podcast, Columbus, as reported by Deadline, discussed seeing photos from the set of Nick Frost, who plays Hagrid, on set.
“So, I’m seeing these photographs … and he’s wearing the exact same costume that we designed for Hagrid. Part of me was like: 'What’s the point?' I thought everything was going to be different, but it’s more of the same. It’s all going to be the same,” Columbus shared. “It’s very flattering for me, because I’m like, that’s exactly the Hagrid costume that we designed. So, part of it is really exciting, so I’m excited to see what they’re going to do with it. Part of it is sort of deja vu all over again.”
While cinematographer Adriano Goldman has teased a new look for the series, particularly "vibrant" colors, it should be remembered that many costumes will be coming from the original novels and illustrations. That includes Hagrid, as his costume was straight from the books, so it’s natural that the costuming department sticks with that.
Columbus was asked if he was jealous that the HBO series writers would have more time to develop the story, and he made his stance clear: “Jealous? No. It’s time to move on. I’ve always had issues with [the] idea of franchise. I feel like I’ve done it … I’m really proud of those films, the first three that I was involved with, and I’m moving on.”
Columbus is currently keeping busy promoting his new mystery film, Thursday Night Murder Club, coming to Netflix on Thursday.
The new Harry Potter series is expected to premiere in 2027.