Original Harry Potter Director Calls HBO Reboot a 'Spectacular Idea'

Chris Columbus, director of the original Harry Potter films, has lauded HBO's upcoming reboot series as a "spectacular idea," believing its episodic format will allow for a more faithful adaptation of the books.

In an interview with People, Columbus explained the limitations faced while directing Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. The relatively short runtimes of feature films meant the team had to make difficult choices, striving "to get as much of the book in as possible," but ultimately constrained by time.

"I think it's a spectacular idea because there’s a certain restriction when you’re making a film," Columbus stated. "Our film was two hours and 40 minutes, and the second one was almost as long. The fact that they have the leisure of multiple episodes for each book, I think that's fantastic. You can get all the stuff in the series that we didn't have an opportunity to do... All these great scenes that we just couldn't put in the films."

Announced in April 2023, the HBO Harry Potter series promises a "faithful adaptation" of the novels, aiming for a more in-depth narrative than what was possible in a two-hour film. Succession producers Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod are attached to direct and write, with Mylod also having worked on Game of Thrones.

Casting is currently underway for Harry, Hermione, and Ron. Regarding the role of Dumbledore, Gary Oldman, who played Sirius Black in the original films, humorously suggested he's now the right age, two decades after his Prisoner of Azkaban debut.

Mark Rylance is reportedly a top contender for Dumbledore, maintaining the original films' focus on British actors. This aligns with J.K. Rowling's reported "fairly involved" participation in the casting process.

Production on the Harry Potter TV series is expected to commence in Spring 2025, with HBO aiming for a 2026 release.