Chris Columbus, the director of the first two Harry Potter films, has expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming Harry Potter TV series. Columbus, who was instrumental in bringing the magical world to life on the big screen, described the TV adaptation as a “spectacular idea.” This new series marks the first time Harry, Ron, and Hermione will grace the small screen, captivating audiences with J.K. Rowling’s original vision.
The series, produced by HBO and Max, will once again dive into the enchanting world created by J.K. Rowling. Notably, Rowling herself is involved in the production, ensuring the series remains true to her beloved books. Mark Mylod and Francesca Gardiner will executive produce, bringing their expertise to this ambitious project. Columbus expressed his eagerness to see how the series unfolds, stating, "I look forward to seeing what they're trying to do with it."
Casting for the series has begun, with a call put out in September seeking U.K.- and Ireland-based children between the ages of 9-11 to play the iconic roles of Harry, Ron, and Hermione. This fresh casting effort signifies a new chapter for the franchise, as original actors Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint are not expected to reprise their roles in this adaptation.
Columbus also weighed in on potential casting for the series' antagonist, Lord Voldemort. He suggested Cillian Murphy for the role, noting Murphy's exceptional talent. "Well, Cillian is one of my favorite actors, so that would be amazing," Columbus remarked. Ralph Fiennes, who originally portrayed Voldemort in the films, supported this suggestion. "I actually think that's a wonderful, wonderful suggestion. I would be all in favor of Cillian," Fiennes commented.
Cillian Murphy's involvement in high-profile projects is not new; he is also serving as an executive producer on the horror film sequel 28 Years Later. His potential addition to the Harry Potter series adds further excitement to an already highly anticipated production.
The Harry Potter franchise has seen numerous adaptations over the years. From films directed by Columbus and later David Yates, who helmed half of the eight films and the Fantastic Beasts prequel trilogy, to video games and stage productions, Harry Potter continues to capture imaginations worldwide. Columbus reminisced about his time directing the films, saying, "our film was two hours and 40 minutes, and the second one was almost as long," highlighting the challenge of condensing Rowling's expansive novels into feature-length films. "There's only so much material from hundreds upon hundreds of pages you can fit into a film," he added.
