HBO's upcoming Harry Potter TV reboot has sparked conversations and interest among fans, and now it’s receiving high praise from someone who has played in the wizarding world sandbox, original Harry Potter director Chris Columbus .

Per Columbus, just getting the chance to retell the story in more detail is a “fantastic” prospect. The famous director of other great films like Home Alone and Stepmom explained why, telling People the idea of a longform narrative is really exciting.

Chris Columbus is giving his thoughts on the upcoming Harry Potter television series being adapted by HBO. In an interview with People magazine, the director, who helmed Harry Potter and the Philospher's Stone (also known as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone) and the Chamber of Secrets,

"Harry Potter" film director Chris Columbus believes an HBO series adaptation is a "great" idea and can cover much more than the films could.

Speaking to PEOPLE at the Nosferatu premiere in Los Angeles, Columbus called the TV series a "spectacular idea," and spilled the beans on Cillian Murphy 's casting rumors. He noted that a series format would allow for more detailed storytelling than the films.

Original Harry Potter helmer Chris Columbus is praising HBO’s forthcoming television reboot, calling it a “spectacular idea” that will allow for the exploration of previously uncharted Hogwarts hallways.

Chris Columbus, director of the first two Harry Potter films, expressed strong support for the upcoming HBO series reboot. He highlighted the advantages of the TV format, allowing for more in-depth storytelling compared to the constraints of the original films.

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,

"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,