Chris Columbus, the filmmaker who brought the magic of Harry Potter to the big screen with the first two films, has sparked a lively debate with his candid remarks about HBO’s upcoming television reboot of J.K. Rowling’s beloved series. Speaking on The Rest Is Entertainment podcast while promoting his Netflix film The Thursday Murder Club, Columbus expressed a mix of nostalgia and skepticism after seeing set photos of the new series, particularly one showing Nick Frost as Hagrid wearing a costume nearly identical to the one designed for Robbie Coltrane in 2001. “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 mused, capturing the curiosity and concern of fans wondering if the reboot will offer anything new or simply retread familiar ground.

Columbus, who directed Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001) and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002), and produced the third film, played a pivotal role in establishing the Wizarding World’s cinematic aesthetic. His films, starring Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson, grossed over $1.8 billion combined and set a high bar for visual fidelity to Rowling’s novels.

Yet, the constraints of film runtimes forced cuts, such as the mischievous poltergeist Peeves and a tense potion-drinking scene involving Harry and Hermione. Columbus sees the HBO series, set to premiere in 2027 with a $2 billion budget, as a chance to include these omitted moments. “We could never get that incredible scene into the film, and I’m sure it’ll be in the HBO series,” he told Variety, acknowledging the series’ potential to delve deeper into the books’ rich details over its planned seven-season arc.

Despite his enthusiasm for the series’ expanded canvas, Columbus’ reaction to set photos—particularly of Frost’s Hagrid and newcomer Dominic McLaughlin as Harry—reveals a sense of déjà vu. Filming in London, the reboot recreates scenes in locations Columbus used over 20 years ago, down to Hagrid’s iconic moleskin coat. “It’s very flattering for me, because that’s exactly the Hagrid costume we designed,” he said, but added, “I thought the costumes and everything were going to be different, but it’s more of the same.” This similarity has fueled discussions on X, where fans like @Vespertil1o have called the reboot a “recreation of all the movies,” questioning its purpose. Columbus, however, isn’t bitter, emphasizing he’s “so beyond” returning to Hogwarts, having moved on to projects like The Thursday Murder Club.

The HBO series, led by showrunner Francesca Gardiner, promises a faithful adaptation, with each season tackling one of Rowling’s seven novels. High-profile casting, including John Lithgow as Dumbledore and Paapa Essiedu as Snape, has generated buzz, though not without controversy. Jason Isaacs, the original Lucius Malfoy, defended Essiedu against racist backlash, praising his talent. Meanwhile, J.K. Rowling’s involvement as an executive producer has divided fans due to her controversial views on transgender issues. Columbus addressed this delicately, telling Variety, “I like to sometimes separate the artist from the art. It’s unfortunate, what’s happened. I certainly don’t agree with what she’s talking about.” His stance reflects a broader sentiment among the original cast and crew, many of whom, like Radcliffe, have distanced themselves from Rowling’s views while cherishing the series’ legacy.

Columbus’ pride in the original films is evident, particularly in his reflections on casting Radcliffe, Grint, and Watson. Drawing from lessons learned on Home Alone, he ensured the young actors’ parents were prepared for the global spotlight, a decision that helped them navigate fame. “There’s a sense of pride to see Daniel Radcliffe win a Tony Award,” he said, moved by Radcliffe’s evolution into a versatile performer. As the HBO reboot progresses, with principal photography underway and a 10-year plan, Columbus’ question—“What’s the point?”—lingers. Will the series carve a distinct identity, or will it lean too heavily on nostalgia? Fans on X, like @HPMoviesNews, report excitement from McLaughlin, a lifelong Potter fan, but the challenge remains: can HBO’s vision justify revisiting a world Columbus so vividly brought to life?