Chris Columbus, director of the original Harry Potter films, hails the upcoming HBO series as a "spectacular idea," believing its episodic format will allow for a more faithful adaptation of the books. In an interview with People, Columbus explained the constraints of the films' shorter runtimes, stating that while they "tried to get as much of the book in as possible," limitations inevitably arose.
"I think it's a spectacular idea because there’s a certain restriction when you’re making a film," Columbus noted. He highlighted the significant difference between a two-hour-plus film and the potential of multiple episodes per book: "The fact that they have the leisure of [multiple] episodes for each book, I think that's fantastic. You can get all the stuff in the series that we didn't have an opportunity to do... All these great scenes that we just couldn't put in the films."
Announced in April 2023, the HBO series promises a "faithful adaptation" offering a more in-depth narrative than the films could achieve. Succession producers Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod (who also worked on Game of Thrones) are attached to direct and write.
Casting is currently underway for Harry, Hermione, and Ron. Regarding the Dumbledore role, Gary Oldman, the original Sirius Black, humorously suggested his age might be suitable, two decades after his Prisoner of Azkaban debut. However, reports suggest Mark Rylance is a top contender, aligning with the original films' focus on British actors, a decision possibly influenced by J.K. Rowling's reported "fairly involved" participation in the casting process.
Production is expected to commence in Spring 2025, with HBO aiming for a 2026 release.
