Chris Columbus, who launched the blockbuster Harry Potter film franchise with the 2001 and 2002 movies, questioned the need for HBO’s forthcoming television adaptation after viewing newly leaked set images. Speaking on “The Rest Is Entertainment” podcast, the filmmaker said the reboot’s Hagrid costume is “the exact same” design his team created, adding, “Part of me was like, what’s the point?” Columbus described the similarity as both flattering and déjà vu but stressed he has “moved on” from the wizarding world and has no plans to join the production. The director, who has long expressed reservations about repeat franchises, said he is nevertheless curious to see how the series tackles book material the films omitted. Warner Bros. and HBO are currently shooting the eight-episode first season in London with an eye to airing in early 2027. Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton and Alastair Stout headline the new cast as Harry, Hermione and Ron, while Nick Frost steps into the role of Hagrid. Set photos and an HBO social-media post also confirm the inclusion of Charlie Weasley, a character never seen in the original movies, signaling the show’s intention to hew more closely to J.K. Rowling’s novels.