Filmmaker Chris Columbus, who directed the first two Harry Potter films, has ruled out any chance of reuniting the original cast for a new adaptation. Speaking to The Times U.K., Columbus said the prospect of bringing Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint back together has become “impossible” because of the ongoing controversy surrounding JK Rowling.
“It’s never going to happen,” he admitted. “It’s gotten so complicated with all the political stuff. Everyone in the cast has their own opinion, which is different from her opinion, which makes it impossible.”
The director revealed he hasn’t spoken to Rowling “in a decade or so” but stays in close touch with the actors who grew up on his sets. “I keep very close contact with Daniel Radcliffe, and I just spoke to him a few days ago. I still have a great relationship with all the kids in the cast,” he shared.
Columbus had once been attached to the stage sequel Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, which takes place nearly 20 years after the events of Deathly Hallows. However, he confirmed he has since abandoned the idea, saying the situation has “gotten so complicated” that he no longer sees a way forward.
The Oscar-nominated director also reflected on Warner Bros. and HBO’s upcoming series remake, noting it’s hard to imagine anyone replacing icons like Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith or Robbie Coltrane. While earlier this year he called the reimagining a “spectacular idea” for allowing more room to explore the books, Columbus now admits the new imagery left him questioning, “What’s the point?”
Though he acknowledged Rowling’s pivotal role in creating the Wizarding World, Columbus said he doesn’t share her stance on trans issues. “I certainly don’t agree with her. It’s sorrowful,” he remarked, adding that he sometimes tries to “separate the artist from the art.”
