Chris Columbus, the director of the initial two Harry Potter movies, has been doubtful of HBO's new Harry Potter reboot. While appearing on The Rest Is Entertainment podcast, Columbus commented after a set photo of Nick Frost as Hagrid was revealed, saying that the costume seemed to be exactly the same as the one for Robbie Coltrane's classic portrayal. So, I'm looking at these pictures… and Nick Frost is dressed in the same costume that we created for Hagrid. One part of me was thinking: Why bother? " Columbus explained. "I believed the costumes and so on were going to be different, but it's more of the same.".
It's all going to be the same." Although the vision was complimentary, Columbus acknowledged it also felt disquieting, considering his strong relationship with the deceased Coltrane, who realized Hagrid in The Sorcerer's Stone (2001) and The Chamber of Secrets (2002).
Columbus has explicitly stated in past interviews that he has no intention of returning to the world of wizards. I've done it, you've seen my take… There's nothing else for me to do in the world of Potter," he said to Variety. On the podcast, he reiterates his eagerness to look towards the future: "Jealous? No. Time to move on. I've always had problems with the concept of franchise.". I think I've done it… I'm very proud of those films, the first three that I worked on, and I'm out of it. He also said that seeing Frost last week was an emotional moment. "This is very surreal for me - you have to understand, Robbie Coltrane and I were so close. So it's just weird, bizarre," he said.
In spite of his conflicted sentiments, Columbus admitted the merits of HBO's long-form presentation. Having an entire season to dedicate to each book, the series can accommodate elements that could not be included in the movies, like Peeves the poltergeist, to treat viewers to a more comprehensive presentation. Nick Frost, taking over the role of Hagrid, said in an interview with Collider that he will honor the original character but will also be venturing into new aspects within the television format.
"Hagrid is a sweet, lost, violent, funny, warm kid," Frost said, adding that the longer format lets him tap into more of the character's complexity.
HBO's Harry Potter show is currently in development and set to premiere in 2027, providing fans with a new take on the iconic series while remaining firmly planted within the magical universe Columbus helped bring to life.
