Filmmaker Chris Columbus has expressed reservations about HBO’s forthcoming Harry Potter television series. Speaking on The Rest Is Entertainment podcast, the director admitted to feeling uncertain about the project, which is based on J.K. Rowling’s fantasy novels and is currently being filmed in the UK.
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Columbus noted paparazzi photographs of actor Nick Frost in costume as Rubeus Hagrid, accompanied by a body double, during filming in London. He pointed out that the design appeared identical to the outfit originally created for the character in the films. While he acknowledged this was flattering, he questioned the purpose of reproducing what had already been established, describing the production as “more of the same”.
The director, who helmed Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001) and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002), and later produced The Prisoner of Azkaban (2004), emphasised that he is not “jealous” of the remake. Instead, he said he is “proud” of his contributions to the franchise but has chosen to move on. Columbus admitted, however, that he is curious to see whether the poltergeist Peeves, omitted from the original films, will be included in the series.
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Reflecting on earlier attempts, Columbus recalled filming scenes with Rik Mayall as Peeves, later cut due to technical difficulties with computer-generated imagery. Despite this, he praised Mayall’s performance and expressed interest in how HBO might approach the character. Described as a “faithful” adaptation of the books, the first eight-episode season of the Harry Potter television series is due to premiere in early 2027.
