Whether you like it or not, the countdown to the 2027 release of HBO’s Harry Potter series is on, and it is sure to be one of the biggest television events of the decade. Featuring an eye-catching cast, an eye-watering $1.2 billion reported budget across the entire planned series, and with controversy propelling its relevancy, the Harry Potter series is on everyone’s lips and has helped draw attention back to the movie franchise, in particular, the film that started it all. At the time of writing, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (or Philosopher’s Stone) is one of the ten most-streamed movies on HBO Max globally.
Placing third in the list, many millions across the world can’t seem to get enough of The Boy Who Lived’s journey from zero to hero. Elsewhere on the list, DreamWorks‘ Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken is at #10, with The Conjuring 2at #9, and the John Cena-led buddy comedy, Jackpot!, at #8. Another Conjuring movie, The Devil Made Me Do It, is at #7, with A Sacrifice at #6, and the 2025 horror smash Final Destination Bloodlines at #5. The first Conjuring movie is at #4, with the aforementioned Sorcerer’s Stone at #3, The Black Demon at #2, and Shaun Silva‘s Day of Reckoning at #1.
‘Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone’ Director Has Made His Opinion on the Controversy Clear
It wasn’t long ago that the thought of a reunion between Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson in their Hogwarts robes felt likely. Now, thanks to the actions of creator J.K. Rowling, it is almost an impossibility, an opinion shared by franchise helmer Chris Columbus. “It’s never going to happen,” Columbus said. “It’s gotten so complicated with all the political stuff. Everyone in the cast has their own opinion, which is different from her opinion, which makes it impossible.”
He was then quick to apply his own thoughts to the entire situation, clearly siding against Rowling and with the opinions shared by the majority of the movie’s cast. Columbus said, “I certainly don’t agree with her viewpoint — it’s very sad,” adding that separating “the artist from the art” is very difficult when it comes to Rowling’s views in particular. Although the director remains close with Radcliffe and other actors from his movies, he admitted, “I haven’t spoken to Miss Rowling in a decade or so, so I have no idea what’s going on with her.”
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is a hit on HBO Max.
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