Chris Columbus, director of the blockbuster Harry Potter films, has given his verdict on the long-awaited and controversial new TV series. The 66-year-old directed Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Chamber of Secrets, before the sequels were picked up by directors Mike Newell, David Yates and Alfonso Cuarón.

Casting rumors for the Harry Potter TV reboot have been heating up over the past few months, with plenty of names for Snape and Dumbledore in the mix. The franchise's main villain is now getting some of the limelight with one name consistently being linked with the big bad: Cillian Murphy.

The director of the first two entries in the film franchise thinks this Irish star would be an "amazing" Dark Lord.

"I look forward to seeing what they're trying to do with it," the filmmaker told PEOPLE Chris Columbus is excited for the next chapter in the Harry Potter universe. The filmmaker, 66, spoke with PEOPLE exclusively at the Los Angeles premiere of Nosferatu,

The world of Harry Potter is gearing up for a decade-long revival, and fans are buzzing with excitement as the first major casting decision has been ... Continue Reading →

Chris Columbus, director of the first two original Harry Potter movies, is sharing his thoughts about HBO's new television take on J.K. Rowling's magical classic. Columbus has also weighed in on the rumors surrounding the casting of Cillian Murphy as Lord Voldemort.