Mike Newell

English director Mike Newell's name might not be super familiar to you, but chances are that you know (or have heard of) at least some of his work. He's directed all kinds of different films over the years—really, there's something for everyone on his resume.

You like gritty dramas with a high-wattage celebrity lead? Try Newell's Donnie Brasco. How about more adventure-type stuff? In that case, we can offer you Prince of Persia.

Okay, fine, you prefer Julia Roberts rom-coms? Yup—he's got one of those as well: Mona Lisa Smile.

And of course, his most well known (and probably most acclaimed) directorial turn came with Four Weddings and a Funeral. You know, the film that made Hugh Grant famous. Pretty impressive, huh?

It's no wonder they chose him to do a film in the Harry Potter series. Harry's story brings together comedy, tragedy, romance, and adventure, and Newell clearly has loads experience with all of the above.

Oh, and fun fact: he was the first Brit to direct an HP film.