How Harry Potter Director Chris Columbus Really Feels About HBO Series

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No, the Gemino curse wasn’t cast on Nick Frost.

Upon viewing the costume images of actor from Hot Fuzz portraying Hagrid for the upcoming HBO series, director Chris Columbus, who is known for Harry Potter, found himself questioning if he was looking at a twin.

Chris, who directed the first three Harry Potter movies, commented on a podcast called The Rest is Entertainment (according to Deadline), “I’m observing these photos online, and he’s donning the same costume we designed for Hagrid. A part of me wondered, ‘Why bother?’

The 66-year-old remarked, “I had expected everything, including the costumes, to be distinctly different, but it seems like we’re back to the familiar.” In essence, he was expressing that nothing much has changed.

To put it simply, when we first see Nick dressed up for the film, his long, shaggy hair and beard, along with his green coat and red sweater, look remarkably similar to the outfit that Robbie Coltrane wore in the initial movie series.

Chris, however, isn’t offended by the similarities.

He mentioned that it’s a great compliment for him since the Hagrid costume they designed seems to be the one he’s wearing. He expressed excitement about seeing how they will use it, also feeling a sense of familiarity, as if he’s experiencing it all over again.

The Home Alone director also affirmed his feelings about the remake don’t stem from envy.

In the final version, some elements were removed, such as the cherished ghost character Peeves, along with a sequence where Harry and Hermione confront a riddle and drink strange concoctions while pursuing the Sorcerer’s Stone (also known as the Philosopher’s Stone). The location you find yourself in doesn’t change which name is used for this magical artifact.

Chris expressed, “That remarkable scene didn’t make it into our movie, but I believe it will feature in the HBO series. For me, this presents a chance to breathe life into all those unrealized scenes.

For a closer look at the cast of HBO’s Harry Potter series, keep reading.

He replied, ‘Not jealous at all.’ He emphasized that it’s time to look forward. He’s had reservations about the concept of franchising, feeling that he has already accomplished his part. He is incredibly proud of the first three films he was a part of and is now ready to focus on new projects.

Previously, Chris acknowledged the TV series’ skill at incorporating additional details from the book series that were omitted in the movies.

In an interview with Variety on August 25, he mentioned that one of the fantastic aspects of the series is that they aimed to include everything from the first, second, and third books. Their intention was to translate all of it onto the screen, but unfortunately, they didn’t get the chance to do so fully.

In the revised version, some elements were unfortunately omitted, including the much-adored character Peeves, the poltergeist, and a sequence where Harry and Hermione encounter a riddle, drink enigmatic potions, and journey towards acquiring the Sorcerer’s Stone (or the Philosopher’s Stone, depending on your location).

In our movie, we couldn’t quite capture that breathtaking moment as I envisioned. But rest assured, I believe it will grace the screens of the HBO series. For myself, this new venture offers a chance to breathe life into every scene, just as I’ve always imagined.

For a closer look at the cast of HBO’s Harry Potter series, keep reading.

In July 2025, it was revealed that Anton Lesser, famously known for his role in “Game of Thrones,” would be assuming the position of wandmaker at Ollivanders, stepping into the shoes previously occupied by the late and esteemed John Hurt.

The young thespian Rory Wilmot is poised to take on the role of the beloved character Neville Longbottom from Gryffindor House, a part that was previously brought to life by Matthew Lewis.

Actress Louise Brealey will step into the shoes of Zoe Wanamaker, assuming the role of Madam Rolanda Hooch, the instructor for Quidditch flying. Brealey is most recognized for her performances in Sherlock, A Discovery of Witches, and Hulu’s Such Brave Girls.

In the upcoming films, a fresh talent named Amos Kitson will take on the role that Harry’s cousin Dudley previously held. Interestingly, it was Harry Melling who brought the younger Dursley character to life in the initial film adaptations.

In a new turn of events, Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton, and Alastair Stout will don the Gryffindor robes, embodying characters similar to Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley. They are replacing Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint who portrayed these roles in the movie series from 2000 to 2010.

As a lifestyle expert, I’m thrilled to express my admiration for the extraordinary talents of our three distinctive actors. Their unique charm is something truly special that I can hardly wait for the world to experience together on screen. Mark Mylod and I, as executive producers of this TV adaptation, are genuinely grateful for every child who auditioned. Discovering the abundance of young talent out there has been an absolute pleasure.

Or, in a more conversational tone:

I’m just bursting with excitement about our three amazing actors! Their talents are something to behold, and I can hardly wait for everyone to see their magic on screen. Mark Mylod and I, as executive producers of this TV adaptation, want to send out a big thank you to all the thousands of kids who auditioned. It’s been an absolute joy to witness so much young talent!

In this new adaptation, the legendary character of Slytherin is being brought to life by budding actor Lox Pratt. He steps into the role previously held by Tom Felton, who has just revealed his plans to move to Broadway for portraying the adult Draco in “Harry Potter: The Cursed Child.

In June 2025, it was revealed that Johnny Flynn, known for playing Ripley, would be assuming the character of Lucius Malfoy, Draco’s father, in an upcoming production by HBO. Previously, Jason Isaacs, star of The White Lotus, portrayed Lucius Malfoy in the movie series. To congratulate his successor, Isaacs posted on Instagram, expressing his excitement: “Delighted to be handing over the keys to Malfoy Manor to @johnnyflynnmusic, a multitalented individual of extraordinary caliber.

Katherine Parkinson, renowned for her BAFTA-winning performance in the British sitcom “The IT Crowd,” is set to take on the role of the Weasley matriarch in an upcoming TV adaptation. Originally played by Julie Walters, best known from “Mamma Mia!”, this role will now be portrayed by Parkinson.

By March 2025, it was nearly confirmed that comedian Nick Frost would portray the half-giant character Hagrid, according to Variety’s report. Known for his collaborations with Simon Pegg in films like “Shaun of the Dead” and “Hot Fuzz,” Frost is stepping into the shoes once filled by Robbie Coltrane, who sadly passed away in 2022 while playing Hagrid in the original movies.

In December 2024, it emerged that Paapa Essiedu was being considered to take on the role of Professor Snape, famously played by the late Alan Rickman in the films. Essiedu, a rapidly rising talent both on stage and screen, is best known for his performance in the HBO series “I May Destroy You.

venerable performer John Lithgow is set to take on the role of Professor Dumbledore as headmaster in the HBO television series. With a wealth of experience in the industry, his resumé includes titles such as “Conclave,” “Dexter,” “3rd Rock from the Sun,” and “The Crown.” Additionally, Lithgow has earned an impressive collection of accolades, including six Emmy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, two Tony Awards, and two Academy Award nominations.

Lithgow shared with ScreenRant during his confirmation in February 2025 that the decision wasn’t an easy one since this role will likely shape the final part of his career. However, he expressed great excitement about it as he approaches his eighties.

Dumbledore was previously played by the late Richard Harris and then by Michael Gambon.

Award-winning actor Daniel Rigby will take on the role of Harry’s uncle in the HBO Max series, a character he described as “the world’s worst muggle” on Instagram. This part was originally played by Richard Griffiths, who passed away in 2013.

British actress Bel Powley is set to follow in Fiona Shaw’s footsteps by assuming the role of Aunt Petunia. Notable appearances on screen for Powley include parts in “The Morning Show”, “A Small Light”, and “Masters of the Air”.

In simpler terms, the acclaimed British actress Janet McTeer is stepping into the shoes of Professor McGonagall, who serves as the Head of Gryffindor and the Deputy Headmistress at Hogwarts. Over the years, McTeer has appeared in various shows such as Ozark, Jessica Jones, and Sorry for Your Loss. Notably, Dame Maggie Smith previously played this role in the Harry Potter film series.

In April 2025, it was revealed that five-time BAFTA winner Paul Whitehouse would be assuming the role of Hogwarts caretaker Filch, a part previously played by David Bradley in the films. Notably, Whitehouse is recognized for his humorous work in Britain, and an interesting tidbit about him is that he also made an appearance as Sir Cadogan, one of the moving portraits, in “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban”.

A group of three youths will step into the shoes of Harry’s classmates Seamus Finnigan, Parvati Patil, and Lavender Brown in the upcoming performance. These characters were earlier portrayed by Devon Murray, Shefali Chowdhury, and Jessie Cave respectively.

In June 2025, news emerged that award-winning actor Bertie Carvel was set to play the role of the Minister of Magic, a part that the late Robert Hardy, who passed away in 2017, had previously portrayed as Cornelius Fudge in the Harry Potter films.

It seems that Luke Thallon, not so widely recognized from his previous roles, is set to play Harry’s initial Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher. Previously, Ian Hart portrayed Quirrell, a character who left an impact in “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

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2025-08-27 19:19