"Harry Potter" Director Questions TV Remake After Set Photos

Chris Columbus, the director of the first two Harry Potter films, has shared his mixed feelings about seeing set photos from HBO's upcoming TV adaptation—particularly the sight of new Hagrid actor Nick Frost wearing the identical costume from the original films.

A Case of Déjà Vu?

"Part of me was like, what's the point?" Columbus admitted during an appearance on The Rest is Entertainment podcast. "Another part thought, okay, great." The filmmaker, who launched the Wizarding World franchise with 2001's Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (titled Sorcerer's Stone in the U.S.), established much of the visual blueprint now being revisited for Warner Bros.' streaming revival.

Recent set photos reveal Frost's Hagrid wearing the distinctive brown overcoat designed for Robbie Coltrane's original portrayal, complete with the character's signature bushy beard and wild hair.

Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid & Anthony Wallyn as Hagridʼs stunt double on set of the upcoming "Harry Potter" HBO Max Original series in London. pic.twitter.com/YmVxd5nNCc

— Harry Potter Media (@PotterHBOMedia) August 19, 2025

Conflicted Reactions

"It's very flattering to see our original Hagrid costume reproduced," Columbus reflected. "But part of me expected everything to look completely different. Instead, it's like stepping back in time." The director expressed curiosity about how the new creative team will reinterpret J.K. Rowling's novels with the benefit of expanded screentime.

One character Columbus especially wants to see realized is Peeves the Poltergeist—a fan favorite omitted from the films despite Rik Mayall's casting in the original production. When asked if he envies the series' ability to include more book details, Columbus responded: "Jealous? No, I'm past that. I'm proud of our films, but I've always believed in moving forward rather than revisiting past successes."

New Medium, New Possibilities

The HBO series promises a more comprehensive adaptation of Rowling's novels across multiple seasons, beginning with an eight-episode first installment scheduled for 2027. While certain visual elements remain unchanged from the films, the television format will allow for deeper exploration of supporting characters and subplots that were condensed or excluded from the movie adaptations.

Columbus, who chose not to return for the franchise's later installments, maintains his philosophy about creative evolution: "Whether it's Gremlins or Potter, I believe in telling a complete story and making room for new voices to interpret the material."