In a magical twist of fate, Chris Columbus, the filmmaker who first brought the Wizarding World to the big screen, has thrown his hat into the ring for a key role in the upcoming HBO Harry Potter series. The director has publicly expressed his burning desire to play the iconic, gentle giant, Rubeus Hagrid.
Columbus, who directed Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, revealed that stepping into Hagrid's giant boots would be a profound 'full-circle moment' for him. He originally worked closely with the late Robbie Coltrane, who immortalised the role across all eight films.
A Director's Dream Casting
The acclaimed director didn't hold back during an interview, stating plainly that playing the beloved Hogwarts gamekeeper and Keeper of Keys is 'the only role I'd want' in the new television adaptation. His deep connection to the franchise's inception makes him a uniquely sentimental choice for the part.
The Search for a New Hagrid
This announcement throws a fascinating new option into the mix for Warner Bros. and HBO Max executives. While the series is expected to feature a brand-new cast, Columbus's intimate knowledge of the character and the source material presents a compelling case. His casting would serve as a powerful tribute to the original films and to Coltrane's legendary performance.
The HBO Max series, announced last year, promises to be a 'faithful adaptation' of J.K. Rowling's seven beloved books. With each season planned to cover one novel, the show is poised to explore the story in greater depth than the films ever could.
As of now, Warner Bros. Discovery has remained tight-lipped about any potential casting decisions. The production is still in its early stages, with no confirmed release date. However, Columbus's very public pitch has undoubtedly set fan forums alight with speculation and excitement.
