Daijiworld Media Network- New Delhi
New Delhi, Aug 28: The highly-anticipated Harry Potter reboot series, which officially went on floors at Warner Bros Studios Leavesden in the UK, has already stirred up controversy after leaked pictures from the sets surfaced online.
Chris Columbus, the acclaimed filmmaker who launched the Harry Potter franchise on the big screen with Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, has strongly reacted to the leaked images of Nick Frost as Hagrid, questioning the creative direction of the series.
Speaking on The Rest Is Entertainment podcast, Columbus said, “I’m seeing these photographs... and Nick Frost is wearing the exact same costume that we designed for Hagrid. Part of me was like: What’s the point? I thought the costumes and everything were going to be different, but it is more of the same.”
While he admitted the sight of the new Hagrid felt “very flattering” since it mirrored the original design, Columbus also described the experience as “weird and surreal,” recalling his close friendship with the late Robbie Coltrane, who originally portrayed the iconic half-giant.
Though critical of the creative overlap, Columbus acknowledged the series format could explore “more sides of Hagrid’s nature,” calling the character “a lovely, lost, violent, funny, warm child.”
The filmmaker also clarified why he has distanced himself from the reboot. “I’ve done it, you saw my version. There’s nothing left for me to do in the world of Potter. I’m really proud of the first three films I was involved with, but it’s time to move on,” he said.
Meanwhile, the much-talked-about casting for the reboot has been revealed: Dominic McLaughlin will play Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton takes on the role of Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout will portray Ron Weasley. Supporting cast includes Rory Wilmot as Neville Longbottom, Amos Kitson as Dudley Dursley, Louise Brealey as Madam Hooch, and Anton Lesser as Garrick Olivander.
The Harry Potter reboot series is slated for release in 2027 on HBO and HBO Max, Variety reported.