Ex-Harry Potter Director Criticizes HBO Reboot, Rowling Controversy

Chris Columbus, director of the first two Harry Potter films, has firmly stated he will not be involved in HBO Max's upcoming 2027 TV reboot of the franchise, saying, "No, I’ve done it, you saw my version. There’s nothing left for me to do in the world of Potter." While Columbus expressed support for the new adaptation as an opportunity to explore storylines omitted from the original films, he also addressed the controversy surrounding author J.K. Rowling’s anti-trans views, calling the situation "very sad" and emphasizing that he does not agree with her stance. He suggested separating the artist from the art but acknowledged that Rowling’s involvement could deter some viewers. Columbus praised original cast members like Daniel Radcliffe for their advocacy and highlighted the careful protections provided for the child actors during filming. The new series will feature a new cast and aims to present the story with fresh perspectives, though Rowling’s controversial presence remains a cloud over the project.