Harry Potter Director Questions TV Remake After Set Photo Leak

Chris Columbus, the director of the first two Harry Potter films, has reacted to recent on-set photos from the upcoming HBO TV series remake—particularly images showing new Hagrid actor Nick Frost in what he calls "the exact same costume."

"Part of me thought, 'What's the objective here?'" Columbus shared on a recent episode of The Rest is Entertainment podcast. "Another part of me thought, 'Alright, that’s actually great.'"

Columbus directed Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (released as Sorcerer's Stone in some markets) in 2001. Its success paved the way for all seven Harry Potter books to be adapted for cinema. The film also established the visual identity for many iconic elements of the franchise, some of which are now being revived for HBO's television reboot.

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

"What’s interesting now is that, as of yesterday, there are photos of Nick Frost as Hagrid walking alongside the new Harry Potter," Columbus continued. "And he’s wearing the same outfit originally designed for Hagrid!

"I assumed the costumes and aesthetics would be entirely refreshed, but it feels quite familiar," he admitted. "It’s flattering for me personally, because it’s the exact Hagrid costume we created. So part of it is genuinely thrilling—I’m eager to see their take on the story. Another part feels like déjà vu."

While some aspects will likely echo the films, HBO's version will undoubtedly introduce changes. Alongside a new lineup of actors playing students and professors, the series format enables a more faithful adaptation of the books, free from time constraints that affected the films.

Columbus expressed particular interest in seeing how the TV series portrays Peeves the Poltergeist—a character cut from the films despite British comedian Rik Mayall having filmed scenes for the first movie. When asked if he felt envious of the series' expanded creative opportunities, Columbus responded plainly.

"Jealous? Not at all—I’ve moved past that," he said. "I feel like I’ve accomplished what I set out to do, and it's time to explore new projects. I've always been hesitant about franchise repetition.

"After making Gremlins, The Goonies, and those kinds of movies, that’s why I didn’t return for the second Gremlins film. My philosophy was: I’ve done it, now let’s try something new. It’s the same with Potter. I’m proud of the films I worked on—the first three—and I’m ready for what’s next."

The Harry Potter TV series is scheduled to premiere on HBO in early 2027, with its first season consisting of eight episodes.