‘Harry Potter’ Director Chris Columbus Gives Verdict on HBO Series Remake

Director Chris Columbus, who directed the first two Harry Potter films for Warner Bros., has voiced his opinions on the upcoming HBO Harry Potter series remake. On a recent podcast, Columbus remarked on the show’s wardrobe choices, invoking a sense of déjà vu and questioned the need for a remake. Despite these doubts, he expressed intrigue for the new series, showing no jealousy but rather a sense of pride from his previous work on the franchise.

– Director Chris Columbus, who directed the first two films of the Harry Potter series, has shared his opinion on the upcoming HBO multi-season remake of the franchise. He expressed mixed feelings about the similarities between the original and the remake, particularly pointing out the unchanged costume design for the character Hagrid.
– Columbus mentioned he is not jealous of the new remake but is excited to see the new interpretation, despite his initial thought that everything would be different. He likened the experience to feeling “déjà vu all over again”.
– The director also showed interest in seeing how the remake handles the character Peeves the Poltergeist, whose scenes were cut from the first film due to CGI-related issues. He shared his disapproval of J.K. Rowling’s controversial views on trans issues but spoke about the importance of separating the artist from the art.
– HBO’s Harry Potter remake promises a “faithful” reimagining of the seven-book series and is set to launch in 2027. The network claims the new version will be able to include more material from the novels than what was previously shown in the films.

Chris Columbus, famous for directing the first two films under Warner Bros.’ banner that kickstarted the highly successful Harry Potter film franchise, recently gained attention for expressing his lack of interest towards HBO’s remake of J.K. Rowling’s novels, which will span multiple seasons.

However, during a recent podcast, Columbus shared more specific comments about the project, responding to circulating pictures of Nick Frost as Hagrid, leading a young Harry (portrayed by Dominic McLaughlin) around London.

He said, “I saw some photos online of Nick Frost as Hagrid with the new Harry Potter, dressed in the exact costume we had designed for Hagrid. Part of me wondered, why? I was under the impression that everything, including the costumes, would be different on the HBO show, but it seems to be more of the same.”

Continuing, Columbus found flattery in this imitation, stating, “I look at it and think: That’s exactly the Hagrid costume that we designed. So, part of it is really exciting. I’m curious to see their take on the character. Some of it, however, seems like a repetition.”

Columbus also stressed that he does not harbor any jealousy towards the remake. “I’m over it,” he said. “I’ve been there, I’ve done that, it’s time for me to move on. I’ve always struggled with the idea of franchises. Take Gremlins and Goonies for instance – that’s why I didn’t return for the second Gremlins film. I believe once I’ve done something, it’s time to move on, and that rings true with Potter too. I’m very proud of the first three films I was associated with, but now it’s time for me to explore new adventures.”

In addition to directing the first two Harry Potter films, Columbus was also involved in shooting scenes with Peeves the Poltergeist (Rik Mayall) for the first film, 2001’s Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. Unfortunately these scenes, featuring a CGI character, were cut from the final film. “We just couldn’t capture Peeves the way we envisioned. Nevertheless, that’s something I’m excited to see in the HBO series – their portrayal of Peeves,” Columbus confessed, praising Mayall’s performance as “fantastic.”

Addressing the controversy around J.K. Rowling’s stance on transgender issues, Columbus told Variety, “Sometimes, it’s important to differentiate the artist from their art. It’s regrettable, what’s transpired. I definitely don’t agree with her point of view. It’s quite disheartening to see.”

HBO plans to usher in its Harry Potter series in 2027, adopting a “faithful” approach to re-imagining Rowling’s seven novels as separate television seasons. Makers of the upcoming series have indicated that it will have a more comprehensive depiction of Rowling’s novels than what was possible in the earlier films.

According to HBO’s announcement about the project, “The series will stay true to the original Harry Potter books by author and executive producer J.K. Rowling and introduce the beloved characters to a new generation of fans with great details and a talented cast. Fans can continue to adore and celebrate the original, classic films that will remain core to the franchise and available for global viewers.”