Harry Potter Director Questions TV Remake Amid Set Photo Concerns

Chris Columbus, director of the first two Harry Potter films, has shared his thoughts on recently leaked set photos from the upcoming HBO TV reboot – particularly images showing new Hagrid actor Nick Frost wearing an identical costume to the original films.

"Part of me questioned, 'Why recreate what we already did?'" Columbus revealed on The Rest is Entertainment podcast. "Another part thought, 'Well, this is interesting.'"

The filmmaker, who launched the franchise with 2001's Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (titled Sorcerer's Stone in the U.S.), established many iconic visual elements that HBO's remake now appears to be reviving. The original film's success paved the way for all seven Potter books to reach the big screen.

Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid & Anthony Wallyn as Hagridʼs stunt double on set of the upcoming "Harry Potter" HBO Max Original series in London. pic.twitter.com/YmVxd5nNCc
— Harry Potter Media (@PotterHBOMedia) August 19, 2025

"Yesterday's photos showed Nick Frost as Hagrid alongside the new Harry Potter," Columbus continued, "wearing the identical costume we originally designed. I expected everything would look different, but they're maintaining continuity."

"It's incredibly flattering – that's our exact Hagrid design," he admitted. "While part of me finds this exciting, another part feels like déjà vu."

While certain elements remain faithful to the films, the HBO series will forge its own path through expanded storytelling. The show plans to adapt the books more comprehensively than the films could within their runtime limitations, featuring an entirely new cast as Hogwarts students and faculty.

Columbus expressed particular interest in seeing Peeves the Poltergeist finally appear after the films cut the character, despite Rik Mayall having filmed scenes for the first movie. When asked if he envied the show's creative opportunities, Columbus responded decisively.

"Jealous? Absolutely not," he stated. "I've moved beyond that chapter. I've always been hesitant about franchises."

"After working on Gremlins and The Goonies, I deliberately avoided sequels," Columbus explained. "The same applies to Potter – I'm proud of my three Potter films, but it was time to explore new projects. That creative restlessness defines me."

The Harry Potter television adaptation is scheduled for an early 2027 premiere on HBO, with its first season consisting of eight episodes.