Chris Columbus' Next Chapter: 7 Must-Know Updates On The Filmmaker's New Movies And Iconic Legacy

Chris Columbus, the powerhouse director, producer, and screenwriter behind some of the most beloved family films of the last four decades, is far from slowing down. As of December 2025, the filmmaker is actively shaping a new slate of projects that span genres, from a highly anticipated mystery adaptation to a dark horror remake, proving his versatility extends well beyond the worlds of Hogwarts and Kevin McCallister. His recent work, particularly as a producer on a 2024 horror film, and his upcoming directorial venture, confirm that Columbus is embracing new creative challenges while simultaneously revisiting his iconic franchises, making this a fascinating time for fans to track his career.

Chris Columbus: A Brief Filmmaker Biography

Christopher Joseph Columbus was born on September 10, 1958, in Spangler, Pennsylvania. He is an American filmmaker known for his work as a director, producer, and screenwriter.

• Born: September 10, 1958, Spangler, Pennsylvania, U.S.
• Education: New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.
• Career Start: Began his career as a screenwriter, notably penning the scripts for *Gremlins* and *The Goonies*.
• Breakout Directing Role: *Adventures in Babysitting* (1987).
• Iconic Directing Credits:
  • *Home Alone* (1990)
  • *Home Alone 2: Lost in New York* (1992)
  • *Mrs. Doubtfire* (1993)
  • *Bicentennial Man* (1999)
  • *Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone* (2001)
  • *Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets* (2002)
  • *Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief* (2010)
• Key Production Company: 1492 Pictures.

The Filmmaker's Newest Ventures: Directing and Producing in 2024-2025

While Chris Columbus’s name is synonymous with blockbuster family entertainment, his current projects showcase a willingness to explore darker, more mature, and genre-defying material. This shift demonstrates his ongoing evolution as a creative force in Hollywood.

1. Directing ‘The Thursday Murder Club’ (Upcoming)

One of the most highly anticipated upcoming films for Columbus is the adaptation of Richard Osman’s smash-hit novel, *The Thursday Murder Club*. The project is being developed by Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Entertainment, a natural fit given Columbus’s long history with the studio, which began with his early screenwriting work.

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The story follows a group of four septuagenarians in a luxury retirement village who meet weekly to discuss and solve cold cases, only to find themselves embroiled in a real, fresh murder. This marks a return to directing for Columbus and a move into the cozy mystery genre, offering a blend of humor, heart, and suspense that aligns perfectly with his directorial sensibilities.

2. Producing Robert Eggers’ ‘Nosferatu’ (2024)

In a surprising and critically significant move, Columbus served as a producer on Robert Eggers’ 2024 horror film, *Nosferatu*. This gothic horror remake, which stars Bill Skarsgård and Lily-Rose Depp, is a stark departure from the whimsical tone of films like *Home Alone* and *Mrs. Doubtfire*. His involvement highlights a deep respect for cinematic history and a desire to support bold, auteur-driven filmmaking, further diversifying his already broad filmography.

3. Revisiting the ‘Gremlins’ Franchise (Writing)

Fans of the cult classic *Gremlins* have reason to be excited. Chris Columbus, who wrote the original 1984 screenplay, is reportedly involved in writing the script for a potential *Gremlins 3*. The new film is expected to reunite Columbus with Steven Spielberg, who served as a producer on the original. While details are scarce, the prospect of the original creative team returning promises a continuation that respects the dark humor and creature chaos that defined the first two films.

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4. Developing ‘House of Secrets’ (Series)

Columbus is also attached to an upcoming television series adaptation of *House of Secrets*, a book series he co-authored with Ned Vizzini. The series centers on three siblings who must fight to save the world after they are pulled into the pages of a mysterious, cursed book. This project further solidifies his commitment to fantasy and young-adult storytelling, a genre where he found massive success with *Harry Potter*.

Chris Columbus on His Iconic Legacy and the Future of 'Harry Potter'

Beyond his new projects, Chris Columbus remains a central figure in discussions about his classic films, particularly the *Harry Potter* franchise, which continues to evolve with a new HBO TV series adaptation.

5. His Evolving View on the ‘Harry Potter’ TV Series

The announcement of a new *Harry Potter* television series by HBO has generated significant debate, and Columbus has been vocal about his thoughts. Initially, the director, who helmed the first two films, expressed some skepticism, questioning the necessity of a reboot given the success of the original movies. However, in subsequent interviews, he has offered a more positive endorsement, calling the idea of a comprehensive series adaptation "spectacular." His main hope is that the new series will allow for a deeper exploration of the books' nuances, something the original films, bound by runtime, couldn't fully achieve.

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6. The Impact of Child Fame on His Casting Choices

In a recent interview, Columbus reflected on the pressures of child stardom, particularly the experience of Macaulay Culkin after *Home Alone*. He revealed that witnessing the intense fame Culkin experienced directly influenced his approach to casting the three main leads—Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint—for the *Harry Potter* films. This careful consideration of child welfare is a key part of his legacy and demonstrates the thoughtful nature of his work.

7. The Enduring Magic of His Directorial Style

Chris Columbus's directorial style is often characterized by a blend of genuine warmth, visual spectacle, and a deep understanding of family dynamics. From the slapstick genius of *Home Alone* to the heartfelt transformation in *Mrs. Doubtfire*, and the epic scope of the first *Harry Potter* films, his work consistently connects with audiences across generations. He has a unique ability to translate beloved literary works, such as J.K. Rowling’s novels, into cinematic gold, making him a cornerstone of modern fantasy and family filmmaking.

The filmmaker's ability to transition from writing iconic 80s scripts (like *The Goonies*) to directing 90s comedy classics (*Home Alone*) and launching one of the biggest fantasy franchises of the 21st century (*Harry Potter*) secures his place as a versatile and influential Hollywood entity. With *The Thursday Murder Club* and *Nosferatu* (2024) marking his latest contributions, his next chapter is set to be as diverse and compelling as his past.