Original Harry Potter director reveals that a new movie will be impossible to make due to political reason 

Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter (Image via Youtube/@Harry Potter)
Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter (Image via Youtube/@Harry Potter)

Between 1997 and 2007, J.K. Rowling's seven-book fantasy series Harry Potter was released, where the narrative centers on young wizard Harry Potter.

In addition to fantasy, mystery, adventure, and coming-of-age aspects, the unique show explores themes of love, death, prejudice, and heroism, and Chris Columbus is the director of the first two Harry Potter films.

He argues that a reunion film is not practical. This is primarily due to J.K. Rowling's polarizing views on transgender rights, and this contradicts the cast's ideals. Columbus describes the situation as "very sad.”


More about Harry Potter director and a cast reunion

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Chris Columbus is the director of the first two Harry Potter films. He has mainly stated that a reunion of the original cast is impossible, and in a recent interview with The Times, Columbus noted that the contrasts between author J.K. Rowling and the performers made the concept too tough to implement.

He also stated that while he had previously shown interest in adapting the hit stage drama Harry Potter and The Cursed Child for cinema, such ambitions are no longer viable, and he further claimed that the matter has grown "too complicated.” This mainly refers specifically to Rowling's statements about transgender rights and the actors' differing viewpoints, and this gap, he claimed, makes a reunion "never going to happen." In an interview with Variety, he said,

“It’s gotten so complicated with all the political stuff. Everyone in the cast has their own opinion, which is different from [Rowling’s] opinion, which makes it impossible.”

Rowling's public views against transgender people have sparked a lot of debate in recent years. These are the main sources of contention. Rowling has accepted the term TERF, or trans-exclusionary radical feminist. She describes herself as a "gender-critical feminist."

She has opposed some transgender rights. This shows that biological sex should remain the legal definition of femininity, but many people throughout the world, including the Harry Potter stars, have opposed these sentiments.

Daniel Radcliffe is known for his portrayal as Harry. He recently issued an open proclamation. This was particularly in support of the transgender population, and Emma Watson, the actress who plays Hermione, has shown support for transgender rights. Their loud remarks revealed a significant schism. This was between Rowling and several of the franchise's stars.

Columbus further said,

“I haven't spoken to Miss Rowling in a decade or so, so I have no idea what's going on with her, but I keep very close contact with Daniel Radcliffe, and I just spoke to him a few days ago”

He lamented the state of affairs. This way, he pointed out that viewers all throughout the world were moved by the first Harry Potter novels and movies. This mainly evoked empathy, optimism, and creativity.

Despite his admiration for Rowling's writing, he clarified that professional cooperation between the performers and the author is difficult. This is primarily due to all their differences. The best aspect of his experience working on the series, in his opinion, has been the enduring relationships he has developed with the actors and crew.

Columbus has a lengthy history of cinematic successes. Before directing, he was a well-known screenwriter for films. This mainly includes Gremlins and The Goonies. His early career began with Adventures in Babysitting. It continued with box office hits such as Mrs. Doubtfire and Home Alone.

With his work on Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001) and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002), he contributed to the series' cinematic adaptation and introduced a new generation to the magical world. Columbus has continued to produce and direct films since making his name in Hollywood by combining comedy, compassion, and family themes.

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Edited by Sohini Biswas