Columbus Backs HBO's 2026 Harry Potter Series

Chris Columbus, director of the first two Harry Potter films, has expressed his support for HBO's upcoming TV adaptation of the Harry Potter series, calling it a 'spectacular idea'. He highlighted the limitations of film format, which restricted the depth of storytelling, and praised the TV series format for allowing a more thorough exploration of the books' content. The series is expected to run for seven seasons, with each season dedicated to one book, and aims for a more inclusive and diverse casting. There has been significant fan interest in potential casting, including Cillian Murphy as Voldemort, a choice Columbus supports. Despite some fan objections to J.K. Rowling's involvement, the series is moving forward with her participation. The series is slated to debut on HBO Max by 2026, with principal photography beginning this summer.