Warner Bros. Pictures has officially entrusted the iconic “Harry Potter” series to director Chris Columbus.

With Columbus at the helm of “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” the very first film adaptation from J.K. Rowling’s acclaimed book series, there are indications that his production company, 1492 Pictures, may establish a base at Warner Bros.

Known for directing classics like “Home Alone,” “Mrs. Doubtfire,” and “Bicentennial Man,” Columbus is set to initiate what is anticipated to be a prosperous and enduring “Potter” franchise, potentially extending to six additional films.

After Steven Spielberg opted out of directing to focus on his film “A.I.,” Warner Bros. evaluated numerous high-profile directors for the coveted role, including Brad Silberling, Ivan Reitman, Terry Gilliam, and Jonathan Demme.

Columbus’s dedication to the “Potter” project suggests a likelihood of 1492 Pictures relocating to Warner Bros. Although he has been associated with Fox for the last six years, his current first-look agreement will conclude this spring (Daily Variety, Feb. 24).

Columbus, along with his associates Michael Barnathan and Mark Radcliffe, has been in talks with Sony about transferring their production operations to Columbia Pictures, where the director has previously worked on “Stepmom” and “Bicentennial Man.” However, no discussions have commenced with Warner Bros. about a production deal with Columbus.

Overview of the “Potter” Series

The “Potter” saga follows the adventures of young Harry Potter, who discovers on his 11th birthday that he is the son of two powerful wizards and has his own extraordinary magical abilities.Warner Bros. was on the lookout for a director with a unique blend of talents for the “Potter” film series.

The chosen individual needed to excel in working with younger actors, possess an appreciation for dark humor, and have a sharp wit, all while crafting a movie aimed at becoming a beloved, enduring franchise.

Chris Columbus, who gained fame directing the “Home Alone” films, had already made a name for himself as one of Hollywood's most sought-after screenwriters. His notable works included “Gremlins,” “The Goonies,” and “Young Sherlock Holmes,” all of which featured elements of childhood and magic.

Lorenzo di Bonaventura, the president of worldwide production at Warner Bros. Pictures, remarked, “Harry Potter is a remarkable literary milestone that appears once every generation. The series has ignited a fervent fan base globally, making it crucial for us to select a director who resonates with both children and the magical themes. Chris is the perfect candidate for this role.”

The studio had numerous candidates eager to fulfill these expectations and more. Typically, top directors have the final say in the film’s creative direction, but for the “Potter” series, the ultimate decision-maker is believed to be J.K. Rowling herself, the author of the beloved books.

Columbus was not available for comments on Tuesday; after finalizing his agreement with the studio on Monday, he set off to London to meet Rowling for the first time.

Warner Bros. secured the adaptation rights for the first four books from British producer David Heyman, while Rowling's series is anticipated to expand to seven books. The screenplay for “Sorcerer’s Stone,” the inaugural book, was crafted by Steve Kloves, known for “The Fabulous Baker Boys.” Filming is slated to commence in late summer, with an expected release in the summer of 2001.

The next installments in the series have been identified as “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” and “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.” Although the fourth book, titled “Harry Potter and the Doomspell Tournament,” is set to release on July 8, it has already climbed to the top of the Amazon bestseller list due to advance orders.The popularity of "Potter" stories is soaring, leading to an increase in their page lengths and sales figures.

The initial three installments had page counts of 309, 341, and 435.

In contrast, the upcoming "Doomspell" is anticipated to exceed 700 pages.

Columbus is represented by CAA.

(Contributions to this report were made by Michael Fleming and Jonathan Bing.)

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