Hagrid, the lovable, giant-hearted groundskeeper from Harry Potter, was one of the series’ most cherished characters. His towering presence, warm-hearted nature, and unmistakable look became iconic. When Chris Columbus, the director of the first two films, saw new set photos of Nick Frost as Hagrid for HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter series, he couldn’t help but question the point of it all. After all, the costume Frost wore was strikingly similar to the one originally designed for the character by Columbus and his team. This raised an intriguing dilemma about the show’s creative direction.
For Columbus, seeing Nick Frost in the same attire brought mixed feelings. “So, I’m seeing these photographs… and \[Nick Frost is] wearing the exact same costume that we designed for Hagrid. Part of me was like: What’s the point? I thought the costumes and everything was going to be different, but it’s more of the same. It’s all going to be the same.” To some, this might seem like an unexpected nod to continuity, but to Columbus, it felt more like deja vu. He acknowledged that while it was flattering to see the costume remain consistent, it also evoked a sense of repetition.
Is the New Series Struggling to Escape the Giant Footprints of the Original Professor Hagrid?
In a broader sense, Columbus has made it clear that he feels little desire to revisit the Harry Potter universe. Reflecting on the reboot, he admitted, “I’ve done it, you saw my version… There’s nothing left for me to do in the world of Potter.” He emphasized that his time with the series was over, despite the new show offering an extended opportunity to explore the world of Hogwarts. Columbus expressed no ill will toward HBO’s efforts, understanding that the series’ longer format could explore material the films had to leave out, such as the mischievous ghost Peeves, who never made it to the big screen.
Original ‘HARRY POTTER’ director Chris Columbus on the upcoming HBO reboot series:
— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) August 27, 2025
“I’m seeing these photographs… and he’s wearing the exact same costume that we designed for Hagrid. Part of me was like: What’s the point?”
(Via @restisents) pic.twitter.com/FFDTzRzOGJ
However, the idea of re-entering this world was never appealing to him. “Jealous? No. It’s time to move on,” he said. For Columbus, the franchise never quite sat right, despite the enduring success of the films he helmed. His sentiment reflects a deeper disinterest in revisiting a world that, while successful, he feels he has already explored fully.
Nick Frost, who will step into the role of Hagrid, has expressed his respect for Robbie Coltrane’s legendary performance. While he intends to bring his own interpretation to the role, he understands the weight of the character. He believes the show’s format, one book per season, will allow him to explore the depth of Hagrid in a way the films couldn’t, emphasizing his complex blend of vulnerability and strength.
Also Read: Harry Potter Director Chris Columbus Won’t Join HBO Reboot, Calls Rowling Controversy ‘Very Sad’
As HBO’s series heads into production, Columbus remains a figure of both nostalgia and resolution, aware that his version of Harry Potter has had its day. It’s unclear whether the new series will find a fresh identity or simply offer more of the same. But it’s a question that continues to linger in the minds of fans and creators alike.
