Chris Columbus helmed the first two films in the Harry Potter franchise, helping popularize the beloved Wizarding World. His work on Harry Potter and the the Sorcerer's Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets was masterful, setting the foundation for one of the world's biggest ever movie franchises.
As someone who's been there and done it, people listened when Columbus recently weighed in on HBO's upcoming Harry Potter TV series. Long story short: he's totally behind the team working on the new series. "I wish them luck," he told Empire Magazine.
He talked about the benefits of adapting the books into a serialized television show, which he explained allows the writers to further develop characters and not be restricted by the restraints of film. "With the TV series, you have the opportunity to basically film the entire book. So that's exciting," he said. "They can get into things that we could never get into - [like] the character of Peeves, who we tried to put in the first film. They've got a bit of a challenge, I think."
So the show will be different from the movies, but how different? Where do you draw the line so the story feels familiar but different enough that it justifies its existence? "There's a certain stylistic quality to those films you either have to depart [from] or you have to embrace," Columbus said. "Do they completely rethink the look of Hogwarts? Do they use the John Williams theme? I don't know how you do that. But I look forward to seeing it."
Myriad fans of the original movies aren't happy with the idea of a reboot, for various reasons. But as for those who worked on the films, from Columbus to Daniel Radcliffe, are very supportive of Harry Potter's future.
HBO's Harry Potter series will enter production in 2025 under showrunner Francesca Gardiner. The series is still casting its main roles, which is a crazy big process. A reported 30,000+ children sent in audition tapes to play the roles of Harry, Ron, and Hermione. With HBO committed to making a series that lasts for as many as 10 seasons, this is no small undertaking!
As for Chris Columbus, he's currently enjoying the response to the new movie Nosferatu, which he worked on as a producer.
To stay up to date on everything fantasy, science fiction, and WiC, follow our all-encompassing Facebook page and Twitter account, sign up for our exclusive newsletter and check out our YouTube channel.