Considering Steven Spielberg’s iconic fantasy projects like E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial and the Jurassic Park franchise, imagine the magic he would have brought to the world of Harry Potter. With his eye for detail, Spielberg would have undoubtedly added his unique spin to the films. Unfortunately, instead of donning a director’s hat for Hogwarts, Spielberg chose to savor family dinners and bedtime stories.
Little did we know that Steven Spielberg’s choice would spare him from a whirlwind of filming chaos and personal sacrifices that Chris Columbus, the eventual director, faced. Well, in a curious twist of fate, after Spielberg rejected the Harry Potter franchise, Columbus jumped in to helm them. But shockingly, Spielberg’s decision to skip the wizarding world became the ultimate win for what happened to Columbus.
Chris Columbus Helmed the Harry Potter Films After Steven Spielberg’s Rejection
In the early 2000s, when Warner Bros decided to adapt J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter novels, the film series was presented as an enticing opportunity to one of Hollywood’s finest filmmakers Steven Spielberg. However, when Spielberg was initially approached to direct the first installment, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, he made a pivotal decision.
Despite being known for his diverse and prolific career, Steven Spielberg ultimately decided to turn down the offer to helm the magical franchise. According to Business Insider, the director’s choice was motivated by a desire to maintain a proper family life, especially since his kids were growing up back then. Fore-sighting the long-term commitments, and other demands of directing a franchise, Spielberg prioritised his family over the project.
Eventually, the role of directing Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone went to Chris Columbus, who had been deeply invested in securing the role. During a conversation with THR, Columbus disclosed his determination to land the directorial role and mentioned how he had penned a 130-page director’s version of Steve Kloves’ script. Showcasing his dedication and vision for the film, the filmmaker eventually impressed the studio as well as J.K. Bowling, and was awarded the role.
Chris Columbus Suffered a Fate that Proved Steven Spielberg’s Rejection as Wise
However, quickly after getting the job, the reality of the situation hit him hard. Chris Columbus’ pride in landing the coveted project was quickly replaced by fear. He was immediately confronted with the intense demands of the franchise, particularly the rigorous shooting schedules. Columbus came to realize that the Harry Potter series was a big commitment since the weight of adapting the novel was entirely on him.
I worked so hard to get the job. Once I got it, I had maybe five seconds of elation and then I was filled with complete terror and anxiety. Because I knew I had the weight of the world. I had every kid in the entire world waiting for this movie, and if I fuck it up, I’m probably going to have to go live under an assumed identity somewhere.
Given the popularity of J.K. Rowling‘s work and the fact that Chris Columbus was going to be the torch bearer, the director felt intense pressure and anxiety. But that’s not all that took a toll on Columbus. According to his discussion with the outlet, after overcoming his fear, the director was shoved into back-to-back shooting schedules, which kept him away from his family for a prolonged period.
At the time, the studio wasn’t interested in doing it. It didn’t seem like that was a possibility. Well, obviously they ended up doing it for [films] seven and eight. But I was naive. I thought, ‘Oh, I have energy to do all seven of these movies.’ But that wasn’t the case.
Sorcerer’s Stone took 160 days of shooting, which is ridiculously long. And then, immediately after we stopped shooting, we started shooting Chamber of Secrets, which was another 160 days. That’s roughly 320 days – not counting second unit – back-to-back shooting.
This grueling schedule, without accounting for additional unit work, became a daunting task for Chris Columbus. The filmmaker was once again filled with severe anxiety and regret as he realized the immense responsibility he had undertaken. Being absent from family dinners and missing important moments with his young children weighed heavily on him.
I wasn’t seeing my kids, who were young at the time, growing up. I was missing dinners with them. I thought, ‘I can’t do another six, seven, eight years of this. My kids will grow up and I’ll never get to know them.
Thereafter, realizing the personal sacrifices that often came with the job, Chris Columbus refused to helm the third film and instead worked as a producer. But meanwhile, Columbus’s experience underscored how Steven Spielberg’s decision to opt out of the franchise was indeed a wise choice. By avoiding the commitment unlike Columbus, Spielberg managed to maintain his work-life balance and stay present in his family’s life.
The Harry Potter films are available on Max.
