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

Chris Columbus, director of the original Harry Potter films, hails the upcoming HBO series as a "spectacular idea," citing its potential to more faithfully adapt the books. In an interview with People, Columbus explained the limitations imposed by the films' shorter runtimes. He noted that while the team "tried to get as much of the book in as possible," the constraints of a two-hour-plus film were significant.

"I think it's a spectacular idea because there’s a certain restriction when you’re making a film," Columbus stated. He pointed out that Sorcerer's Stone and Chamber of Secrets clocked in at around two hours and forty minutes each, leaving little room for expansive storytelling.

"The fact that they have the leisure of multiple episodes for each book is fantastic," he continued. "They can include all the material we couldn't fit into the films...All those great scenes we simply couldn't include."

Announced in April 2023, the HBO adaptation promises a "faithful" and "in-depth" exploration of the novels, exceeding the scope of a feature film. Succession producers Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod (who also worked on Game of Thrones) are attached to direct and write.

Casting is currently underway for Harry, Hermione, and Ron. Regarding the Dumbledore role, Gary Oldman, the original Sirius Black, humorously suggested his age might be suitable, two decades after his Prisoner of Azkaban debut. However, reports indicate that Mark Rylance is a frontrunner, aligning with the original films' preference for British actors—a choice perhaps influenced by J.K. Rowling's reported "fairly involved" participation in casting.

Production is slated to commence in Spring 2025, with HBO aiming for a 2026 release.