UNITED KINGDOM: Chris Columbus, the visionary director behind the first two Harry Potter blockbusters, has openly expressed surprise over the striking similarities between the original film designs and HBO’s much-anticipated TV reboot of the wizarding world.
Speaking on The Rest Is Entertainment podcast, Columbus revealed that seeing actor Nick Frost as Hagrid—dressed in what appeared to be an exact replica of the original costume—left him wondering if the series was offering anything new. “Part of me was like, ‘What’s the point?’” Columbus admitted, adding that the familiarity was “very flattering, but also like déjà vu.”
The director, who helped bring J.K. Rowling’s magical universe to life in the early 2000s, said he had expected the reboot to take a more creative and fresh approach. “I thought we’d see something bold, something different,” he noted, hinting that the visuals so far feel more like a mirror image than a reimagination.
Despite his candid comments, Columbus clarified that he harbors no resentment towards the new production. Instead, he views the franchise as a significant part of his career that he has now moved past. Still, his remarks have stirred discussions among fans who were hoping for a more innovative take while preserving the nostalgic charm that made the original films iconic.
With filming underway, viewers worldwide are waiting to see whether the upcoming series will manage to strike the delicate balance between honoring the beloved original and introducing a refreshing vision to captivate a new generation of fans.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.