Chris Columbus directed the 2001 film Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, based on J.K. Rowling’s novel.
The film was the first theatrical adaptation of Rowling’s Harry Potter series. Warner Bros. released it in November 2001, and Columbus helped establish the visual style of Hogwarts, Diagon Alley, and the other central locations.
Daniel Radcliffe played Harry Potter, Rupert Grint played Ron Weasley, and Emma Watson played Hermione Granger. The production also featured many established British actors, including Richard Harris as Albus Dumbledore and Alan Rickman as Severus Snape.
Viewers sometimes confuse the directors because the eight-film series used four directors. Columbus directed the first two films, Alfonso Cuarón directed the third, Mike Newell directed the fourth, and David Yates directed the final four.