Harry Potter director delivers verdict on controversial TV series – and names first choice for Voldemort - Show is expected to start filming this summer

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

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.

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.

Harry Potter director Chris Columbus would approve of Cillian Murphy being cast as the villain Lord Voldemort in the upcoming TV adaptation. The Home Alone filmmaker, who directed the first two Harry Potter films,

The fan-casting has already got the approval of original Voldemort star Ralph Fiennes, and now it seems Harry Potter director Chris Columbus is also on board. The filmmaker, who d

"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,