Chris Columbus, the director who launched the Harry Potter film franchise, has voiced doubts about HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter series after seeing leaked photos of Hagrid on set.
The new show, currently in production in the UK, has faced comparisons to the original films, and Columbus believes it may be too similar.
Speaking on The Rest Is Entertainment podcast, Columbus said he was surprised to see Hagrid’s costume in the HBO remake closely mirror the one designed for Robbie Coltrane in the original films. Hagrid will be played by actor Nick Frost in the new adaptation.
“I’m seeing these photographs … and he’s wearing the exact same costume that we designed for Hagrid. Part of me was like: What’s the point?” Columbus remarked. While he admitted it was flattering to see his work referenced, he added that the HBO version feels more like “déjà vu” than a fresh take.
Columbus, who directed Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, emphasized that he is not envious of HBO’s larger canvas but questioned the need for a near-identical retelling. He said, “It’s time to move on. I’m really proud of those films … and I’m moving on.”
The veteran filmmaker is currently promoting his latest project, Netflix’s The Thursday Murder Club, based on Richard Osman’s bestselling novels.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ