There's one simple question that arises as news of HBO's Harry Potter series is all the rage: what's the big point? Chris Columbus, director of the first two Harry Potter films, weighs in. He's not just nostalgic; his comments are sharp but honest. From the sense of déjà vu of seeing a new Hagrid, to the hope that this series truly delivers on what was previously missing on the big screen, Columbus challenges the core question: what does this version of the series hope to achieve?
Brief Background About the Serial Project
The Harry Potter series is being produced by a new team with Francesca Gardiner as showrunner and Mark Mylod as director, two strong names in the prestigious drama world, targeted for a 2027 broadcast on HBO with the hope of a more mature production; the cast is also fresh and bold, Dominic McLaughlin as Harry, Arabella Stanton as Hermione, Alastair Stout as Ron, John Lithgow as Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Snape, and Lox Pratt as Draco, so on paper the project looks promising thanks to new talent, an experienced creative team, and a longer series duration, but this enthusiasm is met with comments from Chris Columbus which raise a big question: what newness does this version of the series really promise, besides nostalgia?
What Did Chris Columbus Comment On?
- On the “new” Hagrid feeling old: Columbus was shocked to see a photo of Nick Frost as Hagrid. He found the costume and appearance too similar to the old designs created for Robbie Coltrane. He asked, “What’s the point?” a subtle way of questioning the added value.
- It was a mixed bag: On the one hand, he was flattered that his team's design was still in use; on the other, he felt like it was déjà vu. The mixture of admiration and trepidation was real, and understandable.
- Involvement status: Columbus insists he has “graduated” from the Potter universe on film; he is not involved in the series and feels his version is finished.
This comment isn't unwarranted cynicism. It's encouragement for series to not just "copy" old settings, but to boldly offer new interpretations that are relevant to today's audiences.
So, What's the Main Point of the Serial Version?
Restoring the previously cut parts of the book
Films have limited runtime; many subplots and characters are forced to disappear. Series allow for elements that are ephemeral on the big screen, and Peeves the Poltergeist is an example of what Columbus is most looking forward to finally seeing in the books.
Building the world deeper
The episodic format allows Hogwarts, the wizarding classes, the politics of the wizarding world, and the dynamics of the house to be explored without rushing. This is a strength of the series that the films lack. Columbus saw this as a "golden opportunity."
Reinterpretation, not reproduction
The key point isn't simply "same story, new faces," but rather a fresh perspective: the narrative rhythm, character focus, and emphasis on themes (e.g., institutional bias, the burden of fame, generational trauma) that are more relevant today. Columbus's comment about Hagrid's resemblance is an early warning to prevent the production from becoming a costume museum.
The bottom line: if a series simply transfers old visuals to a new format, it loses its reason for existence. But if a series dares to restore the essence of the book while modernizing the storytelling, then its "point" becomes stronger.
What Does It Mean for the Audience?
View this post on Instagram
