Overview

• Speaking on The Rest Is Entertainment podcast, the original film director said new on‑set images — including Nick Frost in a Hagrid outfit he described as identical to the films — left him asking, “What’s the point?”
• He reaffirmed to Variety that he will not be involved in the series, saying he has already made his version of the story and is moving on.
• Columbus criticized J. K. Rowling’s comments on transgender issues as “very sad,” noting he does not agree with her views.
• HBO says the production is underway for a season‑per‑book retelling, with an eight‑episode first season planned to debut in early 2027.
• The principal cast includes Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton and Alastair Stout, alongside established actors such as John Lithgow and Nick Frost, and Columbus said he hopes the show restores book elements like Peeves that were cut from his films.