I realize that the Harry Potter movies are known to be fairly family-friendly, but it's still a bit surprising to me today to consider that four of the eight book-to-screen film adaptations of J.K. Rowling's series received PG ratings. It seems far more common these days that PG movies are animated. Of course, there are exceptions to that -- Wicked and its sequel were rated PG, for example. There are dark moments in each Harry Potter movie, but apparently not always so dark (by 2000s standards, anyway) to earn a PG-13 rating. The film's rating was understandably a concern for director Chris Columbus when he was making the first movie.

There was one scene, in particular, that Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone director Chris Columbus thought might be too much for young audiences. I was watching Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone on iTunes recently, and had the "Magical Movie Mode" turned on. Throughout the film, Columbus pops in to share the occasional tidbit about the making of the movie. That included his concerns about the sight of Lord Voldemort's face coming out of the back of Quirrell's head at the end of the movie being too scary for kids. He thought that might be spooky enough to warrant a PG-13 rating for the film, saying:

However, from what Columbus went on to say, kids weren't as scared about is as he feared.

It's understandable that they'd be aiming for the more family-friendly PG rating for this movie, especially considering how popular the series was among young readers. As creepy as Voldemort's face looks coming out of the back of Quirrell's head, if we're focusing on that specific scene, I was always more freaked out by what happened to Quirrell, including the sight of Harry grabbing his Defense Against The Dark Arts professor's face and hearing it sizzle as the protective charm on Harry turned Quirrell's cursed body to ash.

I was an adult when I first saw the movie, and -- full disclosure -- some part of me is likely never going to be over some of the more horrifying imagery from the Indiana Jones movies, which I did see as a kid, and I think are on the same level as seeing a professor's hand start to crumble to ash in front of his face.

Perhaps the Voldemort thing was scarier for 2001's kids, but it was still not scary enough for a PG-13 rating (back then, anyway). As Columbus suggested, maybe the context of the scene, including the appearance of Harry's parents in the mirror, added to the kids' emotional investment, making it easier for the younger members of the audience to process.

The MPAA bestowed a PG rating on Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, and the same would apply for the next two Harry Potter movies (Half-Blood Prince would be the only other film of the original Harry Potter series to get a PG rating). It wasn't until Goblet of Fire that the Harry Potter series earned its first PG-13. I'm guessing that had to do with the sight of a Hogwarts student being killed on screen. We'll have to wait and see what kind of TV rating the new Harry Potter TV series gets when it starts airing this December.

At this point, more than two decades after the first Harry Potter movie hit theaters, it's hard to imagine the movies being anything but the memorable films we know and love today. Still, each of the book-to-screen adaptations that were made to bring J.K. Rowling's magical story to life was the result of countless decisions. It's with that in mind that I’m trying to wrap my head around the idea of a Harry Potter movie that – instead of adapting one book – combines the plots of two or three of the books for one big movie.

Apparently that was an idea being tossed around before director Chris Columbus was brought on board. I was revisiting the bonus features on the Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone DVD set (the one released in 2002), and one of them features Chris Columbus talking about the adaptation, including a story he heard when he was first in talks to helm the Philosopher's Stone adaptation:

I'm trying to imagine a movie that combines the events of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Chamber of Secrets and maybe even Prisoner of Azkaban, and it kind of makes me want to cry. The movies already had to trim down or omit elements that couldn't fit into a reasonable runtime for a film. (Book readers remember you, Peeves!). Imagine three years of Harry's life condensed into a series of memorable moments that's somehow trying to form into the shape of something resembling the plot Rowling had mapped out.

Considering The Timeline

So why would this even be a plan tossed around at all? Well, I've been thinking about that, and when we factor in certain things, it's not impossible to understand why anyone might consider a mashed together Harry Potter story as a good option. Let's grab a time-turner for a moment and consider:

• Chris Columbus recalls hearing this story when he was being interviewed. He was brought on board to direct Sorcerer's Stone around March 2000 (per Screen Daily).
• The first three Harry Potter books had been released prior to 2000. Goblet of Fire hit shelves in July 2000.
• The books were already a hit in the UK and were really starting to build what would become full-on mega-popularity globally.
• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone arrived in theaters in 2001.

I'm mentioning those things because, while Harry Potter was already a pretty big deal by the time the first movie was in development, it was still the dawn of the Potter phenomenon. Only three books had been released at that point, so the series wasn't even halfway completed. From a story perspective, it had only just begun to scratch the surface of what it would become.

The Story Was Just Beginning To Take Flight

From my own perspective, I remember reading Prisoner of Azkaban and realizing that this story was becoming so much more than the adventures of a boy wizard attending magic school; that Rowling was building out a much bigger, more complex history and path forward, and I couldn't wait to find out what happened next. This is one of those great book series that wouldn't just get better with each book, but it would also manage to deliver a fantastic conclusion -- but that was years off.

One Other Point To Consider

There's one other thing I think is fair to consider, which is to appreciate the foresight involved in going big with the Harry Potter adaptations rather than condensing the books. After all, what precedent was there to suggest that a modern-day children's book series could lead to the kind of massive franchise success that Harry Potter had and has continued to have (eight movies and a spinoff trilogy, numerous editions of the books released, theme park attractions, a West End and Broadway production, the upcoming TV show, etc)? Even the most popular books and properties have their limits. Well, most of them do — Harry Potter just seems to be one of the ones that hasn't met its.

As much as it pains me to consider it, I can envision something like what Columbus described actually being made if it was the easier route for a director, and/or if the goal was to capitalize on the rise in popularity that the books were having at the time. I also agree it would've destroyed the series.

I can't see how they'd be able to set up the events that were to come. I imagine this proposed version of the adaptation as one of those event films a lot of us would've gone to see but then didn't think about much (or flat-out tried to forget) soon after. I'm obviously grateful things worked out as they did.

Some of the best scenes in the entire Harry Potter movie franchise involve the Great Hall and all manner of celebrations during the Halloween and Christmas seasons. In the past, we’ve heard about how the Great Hall scenes brought a sense of wonder to James and Oliver Phelps, and other Potter cast members when they first entered the sets set up for feasts and more. Given how realistic and magical everything looked, I guess it shouldn’t be a surprise the kids had trouble differentiating between what was real and fake in the scenes, and that trickled down to the food.

In fact, a resurfaced video from the filming of Harry Potter sees the cast and extras being warned about the food in front of them. In particular, the sweets apparently looked palatable, but were, in fact, too good to eat.

If you haven’t seen the clip before, it shows director Chris Columbus advising the young cast on what is OK, and what is not remotely palatable. I still can’t believe they trusted a bunch of 11-year-olds with fake food, but it’s honestly also a good showcase of how directing something can sometimes kind of be a little like herding cats.

It Wasn’t Just The Fake Food That Was The Problem On The Harry Potter Set

Now we’ve learned how some of the food was fake on the tables in the Great Hall, it’s also probably worth pointing out that some of it wasn’t. Although food being real may not have made the eating experience all that much better. Daniel Radcliffe once noted that technically the Gillyweed he had to eat onscreen was "real," but it was one of the grossest experiences imaginable, and it wasn't the only nasty thing.

In fact, a lot of Great Hall scenes across the franchise took three to four days to film. On Day 1, the food would be OK, but by Day 2 and beyond even the stuff that was initially edible got a icky. It was in fact not delightful for the nostrils at a certain point as well, with Warwick Davis previously admitting when it came to the first film:

Harry Potter's always a big holiday watch in my family, and you can catch it streaming on Peacock or Max with some excellent Black Friday streaming deals this year. This time around, though, I think I'll be watching some of the food scenes with new eyes.

Propmaster Pierre Bohanna said that was a mistake they made on the first Potter film before largely rectifying it by the time Chamber of Secrets came around, telling EW the fake food was a way to fix the smell issue.

Sounds painfully pungent. I’m not sure how future Harry Potter scenes will play out for Warner Bros.’ new TV series, but hopefully they’ll learned some lessons from the big budget flicks. And hopefully if the candy is fake, they remember to warn the young actors!

There are movie gags that feel so perfectly tuned, it’s easy to assume everyone involved immediately understood the assignment. Joe Pesci’s flaming hat scene in Home Alone is one of those unforgettable moments. But like most things in filmmaking, that split-second bit of chaos came with a whole lot of hesitation behind the scenes, especially from the person who actually had to light his head on fire. Home Alone director Chris Columbus shared how they convinced the Harry performer to do the scene, and, believe it or not, his daughter was involved.

As part of Home Alone’s 35th anniversary celebration, director Columbus and star Macaulay Culkin recently sat down for a conversation at the Academy Museum, where they revisited the movie’s production, its legacy, and a few stunts that were way more intense than they looked. Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, Columbus explained that the flaming cap gag nearly didn’t happen at all because the My Cousin Vinny actor wanted absolutely nothing to do with it. The filmmaker recalled:

Honestly, that’s a pretty reasonable reaction. Home Alone may play like a live-action cartoon, but Pesci wasn’t wrong to be skeptical. The stunts in the movie were so realistic that Columbus admitted every time the stunt team rehearsed one, it stopped being funny altogether. Watching it play out in real time, he said, they genuinely worried people were getting seriously hurt.

According to Columbus, producer Mark Radcliffe stepped in with a solution to address Pesci’s trepidation, which feels both wildly inappropriate and yet weirdly perfect for the tone of Home Alone. Instead of arguing, they demonstrated. Columbus continued:

Yes. The Goodfellas star watched his own daughter calmly wear the fireproof hat while it burned safely under controlled conditions, and that did the trick… sort of. Because even with stunt pros on hand (and Pesci has acknowledged he was lucky to have stuntmen handling the truly gnarly stuff), that hat scene still got him. In a later reflection on the experience, the Casino alum said he sustained “serious burns” during the moment Harry’s hat goes up — on top of the usual bumps and bruises that come with getting bullied by an eight-year-old with a toolbox and a grudge.

And it’s not like Pesci has sour grapes about the franchise. If anything, he’s always seemed to have a realistic affection for it; proud of what it became, aware of what it cost, and not particularly convinced you can just whip up that same lightning-in-a-snowglobe again. When asked about the idea of doing another Home Alone, he’s basically taken the “never say never, but also… come on” stance, pointing out that it would be tough to recreate the success — and especially the innocence — of the originals decades later, because the world (and the audience) just isn’t in the same place anymore.

That hasn’t exactly stopped the studios from trying, though. Since Home Alone 2, there have been four additional films, including Disney's critically panned reboot, Home Sweet Home Alone, which features none of the original Home Alone cast, each attempting to capture the same magic. As The Irishman star has suggested, none of them quite pulled it off, proving that there was something truly magical in those two films that is nearly impossible to recreate, which is why they still have such a legacy more than three decades later.

In hindsight, it’s hard to imagine Home Alone without Harry’s flaming hat. But knowing how close it came to being scrapped makes the moment even better. You can revisit the stunt and all the other makeshift booby traps by streaming the Home Alone franchise with a Disney+ subscription.

There are popular franchises, and then there's Harry Potter. While the Wizarding World spans many mediums, the Harry Potter movies (which are streaming with HBO Max subscription) are some of the most successful book to screen adaptations ever. The first few movies were helmed by the great Chris Columbus, who recently got real about the idea of returning for a movie version of The Cursed Child.

The Wizarding World continues to be popular, with fans looking forward to the Harry Potter TV show that's currently filming its first season. But while we wait for that to arrive, fans have wanted to see the OG actors back for a Cursed Child movie, based on the stage play of the same name. Columbus recently spoke to The Times about the franchise, and explained why he's not trying to get back behind the director's chair, offering:

He certainly didn't mince his words. Despite his work getting the Harry Potter movies started on the big screen, it sounds like we shouldn't hold out hope that he return to direct a film version of Cursed Child. And it sounds like this is in direct result of the ongoing controversy surrounding J.K. Rowling.

For years now Rowling has been targeting the transgender community, resulting in massive online backlash. Some Potter fans have boycotted the franchise, while actors like Daniel Radcliffe have put their support behind trans folks. Columbus' comments seem to indicate that he doesn't want to be involved in the brouhaha, which is showing no signs of slowing down.

Later in the same interview, the director of Home Alone went on to speak about what type of relationships he has with various members of the Harry Potter franchise. As he put it:

This is just the latest example of someone from the Wizarding World who has nothing but great things to say about Daniel Radcliffe. Gary Oldman has a strong relationship with Radcliffe, who has become a wildly successful actor of stage and screen since wrapping up his time as The Boy Who Lived.

Harry Potter and The Cursed Child is a stage play that largely centers around Harry and Draco's sons, with adult version of those former enemies (as well as Hermione, Ron, and Ginny) heavily featured. Tom Felton is reprising his role as Draco on Broadway, but hardcore fans are waiting for information about a movie adaptation.

The Harry Potter franchise is streaming now on HBO Max, which will also be the home of the TV series. Unfortunately with the Fantastic Beasts franchise seemingly dead in the water, we shouldn't expect the Wizarding World to return to theaters in the 2026 movie release list or beyond.

As exciting as I was initially about the news that Gremlins and The Goonies were getting sequels, the lack of meaningful updates beyond the respective casts expressing excitement has lessened my enthusiasm. Was it too soon to get excited, and will all that talk ultimately amount to neither project happening? Fortunately, we have a promising update from the original Gremlins writer, Chris Columbus.

Columbus spoke to GamesRadar about the progress of Gremlins, and indeed, progress is being made. The gist of his statement is that it's a marathon and not a sprint, as he noted, there are a lot of scripts and things being considered for the third movie at this time:

People have waited to see a new Gremlins movie since 1990, so the pressure is on. Many ideas are being pitched, and likely, many are being rejected. Chris Columbus wrote the original movie, but had no role in Gremlins 2: The New Batch. Now, he's tasked with writing a follow-up that includes elements from both, which can't be an easy thing to do.

The pressure gets even greater when thinking about how some consider Gremlins to be one of the best Christmas movies of all time. Columbus seemingly wants to get it right, and was frank in stating that he and fellow executive producer Steven Spielberg are willing to take the time and ensure they have the right idea before proceeding:

It's not about the money when it comes to Gremlins 3, because Columbus and Spielberg presumably have plenty to brag about on both fronts. Both are invested in making the best follow-up possible to the beloved movie, which did have a brief run in animation as well.

As eager as I am to see a follow-up to Gremlins, I can certainly respect that the parties responsible for making it happen want to make sure they do it right. Of course, in a perfect world, I would hope that the right idea comes along soon, so the script can be finished and production can get underway. I'd like to see some of these iconic '80s actors be included in the follow-up if they're still around to appear.

The same applies to Goonies 2, which Sean Astin seems thrilled to return for if he gets the chance. With all respect to the creative process and ensuring the right script makes its way out of the writers' room and on to the stage, I don't think anyone expects either movie to be in contention for an Oscar. Provided it's made with love and loaded with nostalgia, I'm sure the audience who has waited so long to see it and Gremlins 3 will be thrilled with what comes out.

In the meantime, we can all watch Gremlins 2: The New Batch with a Max subscription while waiting on the follow-up. It's certainly a lot different from the original, but a joy to watch, provided you go in with the right expectations.

Since becoming a major player in Hollywood developing originals, Netflix has extended into all aspects of the modern film industry, and that obviously includes developing franchises. Between titles like Enola Holmes, The Kissing Booth, To All The Boys, Extraction, The Old Guard, and more, many sequel swings have been taken in the last decade. Is it possible that The Thursday Murder Club will be the next popular movie to go that route?

The new feature, which is now available to stream for those with a Netflix subscription, features a talented cast, has gotten a warm reception from critics, and has fertile source material – as the original novel by author Richard Osman was followed by three sequel books. All of that obviously paves a road forward, but another key aspect in the mix is that the talent behind the film is excited to do more. In a piece by Entertainment Weekly, director Chris Columbus and stars of Thursday Murder Club share excitement about potentially making more movies – with Columbus noting that he has some exciting personal history when it comes to adapting multiple stories in a literary series:

In the new Netflix movie, Pierce Brosnan, Helen Mirren, Ben Kingsley and Celia Imrie play a collection of elderly professionals who are able to pool their individual skills to try and solve a murder case. The book on which its based, which became a best-seller after it was released in late 2020, spawned annual sequels for three straight years: The Man Who Died Twice, The Bullet That Missed, and The Last Devil To Die.

For Mirren, who plays retired spy Elizabeth Best, the joy of making a follow-up wouldn't just be returning to the character or telling another exciting story, but being back together with who co-stars, who were apparently quite supportive during the making of the film:

Making a sequel to The Midnight Murder Club wouldn't be a difficult choice for Pierce Brosnan either. He's obviously had plenty of his own experience in movie franchises, so why not continue to play former union leader Ron Ritchie? The ex-007 told EW:

Celia Imire, who plays Joyce Meadowcroft in the 2025 Netflix movie, had a more superstitious take on the question, and seemingly doesn't want to jinx the opportunity to make a sequel. That being said, she couldn't come up with a reason why she would say no to adapting The Man Who Died Twice or any of the other books:

Also featuring the great talents of Ben Kingsley, David Tennant, Jonathan Pryce, Naomi Ackie, Tom Ellis and Richard E. Grant, The Thursday Murder Club is now streaming, and while its future as a franchise starter is unclear for now, it's good to know that so much of the principal talent would be excited to be involved in a sequel.

Chris Columbus deserves his flowers for being the original director of the first two Harry Potter movies. But not all directors can make their own movies exactly the way they hoped they would. In the case of Columbus, he reveals one Harry Potter moment that “still keeps me up at night” years later.

With an HBO Original Harry Potter TV series underway, Chris Columbus expressed to RadioTimes how “envious” he was not to be involved in the upcoming show. Previously, the American director believed the HBO adaptation was a “fantastic” idea to include book material that was left out of the movies. For example, Columbus got real about one moment that didn’t make it to the final cut of the franchise that “still keeps me up at night,” involving a missing Harry Potter character:

Ah, Peeves. You’d have to be a fan of the books to know what Chris Columbus is talking about. The excluded film character was a troublesome poltergeist featured in all of the books, who caused playful mischief to Hogwarts students. I could picture him being a ghost that was as much a fan-favorite as Moaning Myrtle or Nearly Headless Nick.

But as much as the Home Alone director wished he could have included Peeves, his reasoning for cutting him out was that the movie was close to three hours already. What’s even more heartbreaking about the situation is that actor Rik Mayall already filmed his scenes as the completely CGI character, but ultimately didn’t appear in any of the movies. As Columbus said, the deleted footage still exists somewhere; hopefully, it’ll resurface one of these days for audiences to see the scrapped film character.

Peeves wasn’t the only thing that Chris Columbus “beat himself up” over for the Harry Potter movies. In The Sorcerer’s Stone, the Young Sherlock Holmes writer wished for the effects of the Quidditch scenes to look better. But in his defense, it was a learning experience to visualize how the Wizard World sports game looked based on the book’s descriptions. But fortunately, Columbus was happy with how the Quidditch scenes turned out in The Chamber of Secrets.

As much as we love the Harry Potter movies, a TV series opens up an excellent opportunity for fans to receive a faithful adaptation of the book series that started it all. Book characters that didn’t get enough screentime in the original films, like Ginny, could be fleshed out, as well as characters, like Peeves, who were non-existent.

More of the book’s scenes and subplots could come to life compared to anything being skipped or condensed. With ten hours of each book being adapted, that should be plenty to explore every chapter without losing the heart that made the series so beloved.

It may keep Chris Columbus “up at night” knowing his much-loved Harry Potter character, Peeves, couldn’t be included in the fantasy film series. However, I’d like to believe the streaming series will bring in the menacing poltergeist for this generation of audiences to love. You can expect to find the upcoming TV series hitting your HBO Max subscription in early 2027.

While Chris Columbus is arguably best known for directing the first two Home Alone movies, he’s also someone who knows his way around fantastical material, as evidenced by his work on Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and Percy Jackson and Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief, among other projects. However, he has yet to delve into the superhero genre, though it’s not for lack of trying. There was a time when Columbus was going to direct a Fantastic Four movie, and I’m frankly shocked by the reason it didn’t pan out for him.

Columbus recalled his time with Marvel’s First Family while appearing on the Fade to Black Podcast to talk about his new movie The Thursday Murder Club, which is streamable with a Netflix subscription. This was a decade before the Fantastic Four movie starred Ioan Gruffud, Jessica Alba, Michael Chiklis and Chris Evans came out, and apparently the director’s interest in adhering to the team’s early source material turned off executives at 20th Century Fox. He recalled:

This happened in 1995, a year after the very first live-action Fantastic Four movie went unreleased, and the same year when Batman Forever was the only superhero movie to hit theaters. The genre was still a more than half a decade away from blowing up in popularity with the likes of Blade, X-Men and Spider-Man. So while nowadays Chris Columbus’ idea to pull more those first Fantastic Four comics that Jack Kirby illustrated and Stan Lee wrote them would surely be welcomed, 30 years ago, apparently just mention that in a discussion about concept art was enough for him to get canned.

I can’t help but wonder if there was more to this unceremonious exit than the Mrs. Doubtfire director divulged in this interview, but regardless, the damage was done. Though Chris Columbus still received an executive producer credit on 2005’s Fantastic Four and 2007’s Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, he had he had nothing to do with making them. Columbus would go on to write scripts for Daredevil and Spider-Man, but eventually his desire to make a superhero movie dissipated. The filmmaker continued:

So if you’ve been waiting for the day when it’s announced that Chris Columbus will direct a Marvel or DC movie, it’s time to put that dream to rest. He’s comfortable watching other directors play around in the superhero genre while he pursues other cinematic endeavors. That includes Matt Shakman, the director behind the 2025 movie release The Fantastic Four: First Steps, which is now the most critically-praised and commercially successful of the Fantastic Four movies.

In addition to a Fantastic Four: First Steps sequel already being in development, we’ll see the MCU’s Fantastic Four back in action when Avengers: Doomsday is released on December 18, 2026. Here’s hoping that we hear Chris Columbus’ thoughts on First Steps much sooner than that, as I’m curious to learn if that movie was in any way visually similar to what he envisioned back in 1995.

A new Harry Potter era is upon us! As the HBO series currently films in the U.K. with the first season among upcoming book adaptations for release in 2027, we’ve been starting to see the first images of the cast embodying these iconic characters from the fantasy series. Chris Columbus, who helmed the first two Harry Potter movies, has now commented on Nick Frost’s Hagrid, and I think he’s got some valid thoughts about what’s coming.

Chris Columbus Is Being Critical About The New Harry Potter Series

Chris Columbus deserves a lot of credit for bringing Harry Potter to the screen, given he was the first director to make a Harry Potter movie with 2001’s Sorcerer’s Stone before also helming the sequel, Chamber of Secrets. While he wouldn’t ultimately make the whole series, he was a big part of setting the tone of the franchise, casting its leads, coming up with the visual style of the Wizarding World and getting John Williams on board to compose its iconic score.

While talking to The Rest is Entertainment podcast (via THR), Columbus shared his thoughts on what he’s seen so far from the upcoming series. In his words:

The first look at Nick Frost’s Hagrid hit the internet last month, thanks to HBO sharing a photo of the actor in costume. Columbus shared that he noticed how close to Robbie Coltrane's costuming it looks before saying this as well:

To be fair, in the books, Hagrid is described as having a thick shaggy mane and beard while having a very kind nature, so both versions of Hagrid are true to that. One lingering question about Nick Frost’s version is whether he’ll appear taller since Hagrid is 8 '6" in the book, as the actor stands at 5' 7". (Coltrane was 6 ‘1").

As A Harry Potter Fan, He's Bringing Up A Growing Concern I Have For The Series

Anyways, Columbus’s comments bring up a solid point about how the series will choose to stand apart from the beloved movies, or copy the magic of the films because people already love them as they are. Obviously, fans like myself are already looking forward to seeing additional scenes from the book that couldn’t fit in the movies, but I also want the series to have its own identity as well.

I get frustrated with live-action versions of movies or remakes spending too much of its energy to deliver the same thing we’ve already seen, when there are a lot of creative paths one could go with the same material.

I hadn’t necessarily thought about this for Harry Potter, but now that Columbus has brought it up, my worry has grown about whether the TV show will feel more like a re-run than a new rendition of the series for a new generation.

Murder mysteries are huge right now, thanks to popular TV shows and movies like Only Murders in the Building and Knives Out, and now a popular novel is being adapted for the 2025 movie calendar. The Thursday Murder Club, based on the book series by Richard Osman, is one of Netflix’s upcoming movies, and critics were able to screen the film ahead of its August 28 release. It’s a fairly straight-forward story, they say, but the response is overall positive.

The Thursday Murder Club movie features a killer cast (bad pun intended) that includes Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley, Celia Imrie and more, centering around a group of elderly amateur sleuths who get caught up in a real-life murder. Maggie Lovitt of Collider says the mystery is nothing we haven't seen, but the beauty of this flick is in the ensemble, who deliver what may be one of Netflix’s best movies of the year. The critic rates it 9 out of 10, writing:

G. Allen Johnson of the San Francisco Chronicle says it’s obvious both the actors and director Chris Columbus had a blast making this. Pierce Brosnan hasn’t been this funny since Mrs. Doubtfire, says Johnson, who would be game for a dozen more movies in this series. More from the review of The Thursday Murder Club:

Caryn James of THR says mysteries like this one are described as “cozy” for a reason, and anything The Thursday Murder Club lacks in originality is compensated for by its wonderful cast. James writes:

Manuel Betancourt of Variety calls the movie a “film of simple pleasures,” and when it comes to whodunits, this is about as cozy and inoffensive as viewers can hope for. The critic says:

Stephanie Zacharek of Time says director Chris Columbus is one who screams, “Fun!” and this movie is much more about the actors having a good time than forging new ground in the murder mystery genre. Zacharek writes:

While the critics seem to agree that the plot of The Thursday Murder Club is fairly by-the-book, nobody seems upset about it, saying that Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan and the rest are the movie’s real treat. At the time of this writing, the film holds an 81% Rotten Tomatoes score from 32 reviews, so it seems like this might be a great option to throw on from the comfort of your own home.

The Thursday Murder Club will be available to stream with a Netflix subscription on August 28, which is (naturally) a Thursday.

It’s hard to forget the moment in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, which you can stream with a Max subscription, when Hermione accidentally turned into a cat (sort of). After drinking Polyjuice Potion that was accidentally laced with cat fur instead of Millicent Bulstrode’s hair, Emma Watson’s face transformed into a cat, and it was quite a sight to see. Now, the performer who doubled Hermione shared the story behind filming that scene, and how it wasn’t all Watson on screen.

Flick Miles, who was Emma Watson’s body double in the first three Harry Potter movies, was typically called in when a shot was needed that didn’t involve Watson’s face, and she’d help choreograph scenes. However, on Chamber of Secrets, her face (kind of) wound up on camera when she was called in to film the infamous cat Polyjuice Potion scene.

Explaining that all this happened because Watson’s skin had reacted to the glue for the makeup, she told People:

Not only is this BTS moment a real-life example of a Harry Potter character coming in clutch, but Miles also got a great experience out of it.

She explained that she adored working with the makeup team as they tried different versions of the makeup and prosthetics. Then, she recalled what it was like showing off these versions of the cat to the movie’s director, Chris Columbus:

Well, the cat is certainly “less gorgeous,” and it’s honestly quite scary. As Hermione says in Chamber of Secrets, the potion isn’t meant to be used with anything other than human hair. So, when she accidentally drank cat fur instead of Millicent’s hair, the reaction was bad.

While Harry and Ron seamlessly turned into Goyle and Crabbe, respectively, and seamlessly transformed back into themselves, poor Hermione had to go to the hospital wing. Overall, the kind of humorous moment proved that Polyjuice Potion is a magical reason to love the Wizarding World and a dangerous reason to be cautious in it.

Plus, it all turned out fine in the end, Hermione eventually returned to her human, Emma Watson, form, and the Harry Potter cast members both got a great experience because of it.

So, now, when you go rewatch the Harry Potter movies, see if you can spot Flick Miles in it, and the moment Hermione changes from Emma Watson to her double. I know I will.

Home Alone 2: Lost in New York still stands as one of the best Christmas movies since its release in 1992. However, there's one aspect of the flick that has somewhat polarized audiences -- Donald Trump’s small but significant cameo. Over the years, and as the businessman's political influence has grown, many have petitioned to remove Trump's cameo. Director Chris Columbus has discussed the cameo on several occasions and, more recently, he expressed his desire to cut it, despite apparently being unable to.

Chris Columbus referred to the cameo in question as his "Albatross" while speaking with the San Francisco Chronicle. He didn't mince words when expressing his desire to have the brief scene omitted from the movie. However, it seems he's opted not to do so out of being cautious for potential political ramifications:

Columbus’ reasoning specifically seems to refer to the deportations that have occurred as of late. On the surface, his comments may seem somewhat flippant, but it would appear that he does indeed mean what he says. With that, he doesn't seem all that keen on making any serious attempts to cut the scene, which sees Trump lending assistance to young Kevin McCallister at the Plaza Hotel.

Donald Trump, who is now the President of the United States again, has long been a fixture in pop culture. Aside from famously hosting the reality competition series The Apprentice, he's also appeared in various films and TV shows like Zoolander, Two Weeks Notice, Eddie, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Sex and the City. Trump's list of media appearances is quite extensive at this point. As for his work on Home Alone 2, which is streamable with a Disney+ subscription, he said he's "proud" of his cameo.

The current POTUS is also referenced and lampooned in a number of cases as well. Saturday Night Live consistently parodies the Commander-in-Chief, with cast member James Austin Johnson being the latest actor to play the role. An animated version of Trump also appeared on Our Cartoon President. Additionally, The White Lotus Season 3 even referenced Trump in what proved to be a more timely nod than the cast even realized at the time.

What's particularly interesting is that despite the various cameos that Donald Trump has made over the years, HA2 is arguably the production that most fans point to. That could be due to the cultural influence of the film as a whole, given it's endured for decades as a holiday staple. Not only that but, when it comes to the flood of TV shows that have aired over the years, many guest appearances can slip through the cracks.

It's hard to say whether Chris Columbus may ever change his mind on the subject. For now, though, it would appear that regardless of how fans feel, President Trump's scene will remain in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.

The mere mention of Macaulay Culkin, Catherine O’Hara or Christopher Columbus might make a person want to rewatch 1990's Home Alone. Culkin's Kevin McCallister continues to stand as one of the most iconic '90s movie characters, and I'd argue that O'Hara's Kate should be in the same boat. Fans continue to shower love on the franchise, so there's excitement whenever the cast and crew reunite. That was the case when Culkin, O'Hara and Columbus crossed paths not too long ago, and it's a sweet gift for all ya filthy animals out there.

Now and then, members of the beloved holiday film's cast go viral separately (which happened when Macaulay Culkin appeared at WWE Raw). However, there are rare occasions in which multiple Home Alone alums are together. Chris Columbus revealed such a run-in, when he recently posted a photo of himself, Catherine O'Hara and Culkin together at an unspecified event. Not only was the pic was, but the filmmaker added a fun caption as well. Check it out:

While the post is simple, fans certainly seem to be loving it, based on the comments section. This reunion makes me want to grab a blanket, hot chocolate and return to Winnetka, Illinois (via my Disney+ subscription). Aside from its cozy and nostalgic vibes, the post also does indeed have me wondering where Harry (Joe Pesci) and Marv (Daniel Stern) are.

Regardless of their whereabouts, many were thrilled to see aforementioned trio of actors together. What's more is that a member of the '90s film's crew commented on the pic, and Tom Felton (who worked with Chris Columbus on the first two Harry Potter films) did as well. Check out those reactions and more below:

• It was such an honor to work with you three, and to be a part of such a magnificent classic movie that continues to entertain and be so meaningful to so many, all around the world 🌎💕🙏- d.dannywarhol
• Thank you for this legendary childhood movie 👏😁❤️❤️❤️- ruslan_shatalov91
• Wow…what a hole 🕳️ ❤️x - t22felton
• “KEVIN!!!!!” - stevehashek
• I love this! - jscognamiglio

Though it's been years since they made Home Alone and its 1992 sequel, Lost in New York, the three pictured collaborators frequently talk about the classic movie. While Chris Columbus has been open about the OG film's legacy as well as Macaulay and brother Kieran Culkin brothers' roles in them. They've also pondered unanswered questions, with O'Hara offring theories on Kate’s profession. And if you need any proof of Macaulay's love for the franchise, know that he almost bought the OG Home Alone house.

As a fan, I just love to see that Chris Columbus and co. still have love for each other and the movies they made decades ago. Hopefully, we’ll continue to get the sprinklings of casual Home Alone reunions and behind-the-scenes tidbits as well. Until then, just keep your eyes peeled, ya filthy animals. (Sorry, I couldn't resist.)

There’s been a lot of chatter about HBO and Warner Bros. remaking J.K. Rowling’s beloved wizarding series roughly 15 years after the final movie in the franchise came out. Some people are pumped about the upcoming Harry Potter TV series, and some are opposed, but if you were to ask original franchise director Chris Columbus how he feels, he’d tell you it’s a great idea. If you need any convincing, he also shared the reason why he thinks making a show for those with a Max Subscription will really work, and it honestly checks out.

Per Columbus, just getting the chance to retell the story in more detail is a “fantastic” prospect. The famous director of other great films like Home Alone and Stepmom explained why, telling People the idea of a longform narrative is really exciting.

Columbus also said he tried really hard to weave as much as he could into his Harry Potter movies, but not everything made it. He directed the first two installments of the franchise, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, before moving onto other projects and other franchises.

He said his movies ran long because he was trying to “get as much of the book in as possible.” However, there was only so much he could do given he was allotted less than three hours apiece to share the contents of two massive books (books in a series that honestly got thicker as that series wore on).

It's a fair point. There have been some complaints about the way the movies portrayed certain facets of the books on the big screen. (In fact, there have even been some complaints from Harry Potter actors about their portrayals.) So, this is a chance to do things over in a more detailed way. ... At least if they do it right.

If you’ve been paying attention to the Harry Potter casting rumors and more in recent weeks, you have probably also noticed that everyone (and their mother) involved with the original series at some point has been getting asked about what Warner Bros. is trying to do with the reboot. We’ve heard from Bonnie Wright about how weird the prospect of possibly returning would be, though she expressed excitement over the show too. We've heard from Ralph Fiennes about why he's "not surprised" it's happening, and so on and so forth. No matter what people think, the inevitable conclusion is the new series is coming, and it's coming along the pipeline relatively quickly compared to some other TV projects.

We’ve seen magic go horribly wrong in the Harry Potter universe, but hopefully the upcoming streaming series will be a charming example of the streamer playing its cards right. For sure there’s plenty of interest now that casting has been underway and thousands of children have reportedly signed up for the privilege of auditioning for Harry Potter and co. Stay tuned as more magical news breaks.

Hugh Grant has had an incredible career thus far that only continues to grow, such as with his terrifying turn in the horror film Heretic, However, he’ll always be remembered most for being in the best romantic comedies. While his movies of the genre are pretty much loved by everyone (even a peculiar one from Quentin Tarantino), the actor recently revealed there’s one movie of his he absolutely will not let his wife watch.

In 1995, just a few years before his biggest movies of the rom-com genre like Notting Hill, Bridget Jones’s Diary and Love Actually, Hugh Grant made a movie with Julianne Moore called Nine Months. This movie from the director of classic movies like The Goonies and Home Alone Chris Columbus is about a long-term couple dealing with an unexpected pregnancy. When Nine Months was recently brought up to him, Grant had this to say:

While speaking to Variety, Grant revealed that while he thinks all involved in the romantic comedy were great, he’s not fond of the film due to his own performance in it. When Grant made the movie, the Brit was 34 and it marked his first starring role in a Hollywood movie. Surely he wasn’t as confident back then regarding his talent as he might be now. Still, he hilariously suggested he put “parental controls” on his personal TV to keep his wife, Anna Eberstein, from viewing the movie.

Of course, as one should already know if you’re familiar with Grant, the actor is known for his cleverness and dry personality, so one should perhaps read this in his accent. Recently, Grant spoke about how his humor led to rumors circulating that he “hated” making Wonka.

Sure, Nine Months isn’t exactly the best of Hugh Grant movies. The movie has a 27% critics score and 37% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, with some critics calling Grant’s performance “an endurance” and the movie itself “forgettable.” However, it also seems to have tons of fans as well, with people calling the movie “cute,” “romantic” and someone even describing it as one of their “favorites.”

While Grant’s wife may never have the chance to see it, it does sound like Hugh Grant is just being hard on himself regarding the movie. It may not be his most loved movie, but that’s OK, every actor has a stinker or two. You can rent and buy Hugh Grant’s latest movie, Heretic, which critics absolutely loved, on Amazon now.

It’s been over 30 years since the release of Home Alone 2: Lost In New York, and a lot has changed. The holiday classic, which is among the best movies streaming on Disney+, follows Macaulay Culkin’s Kevin McCallister as he's once again left out of a family trip, this time in New York City. Kevin uses his father’s credit card to live a temporary life of luxury at the Plaza Hotel, where he runs into Donald Trump for the now-memorable scene filmed 15 years ahead of Trump’s ascension to the presidency. How that cameo came about has been a point of mild contention.

Years after Donald Trump first laid claim that he was begged to make a cameo in the film, and that it wasn't his idea, the film's director Chris Columbus spoke out about what actually went down in a recent interview with Vanity Fair. Columbus opened up about making a number of beloved Christmas movies over the years, and was asked about the billionaire's unforgettable cameo in the Home Alone sequel, and whether the incumbent president had asked to be in the movie at the time.

Columbus confirmed that was not the case, but that it was in fact a stipulation for the production to film in the iconic Plaza Hotel, which Trump owned at the time. Columbus explained:

At the time, Trump had more widespread support as a cultural figure and from his real estate contributions to the city of New York, and nobody had reasons to petition to have him removed from the Home Alone sequel the way others did years later. The mogul ownership meant he could decide which film productions were allowed to use it as a set. Replicating the Plaza any other way would’ve been a tall order for the film's crew, as the hotel is one of the most iconic in New York and has a signature look to it. Opting to shoot elsewhere would have completely changed the feel of the film, so obliging Trump was in the best interest of the film.

Columbus noted that over the years Trump has denied demanding a cameo in Home Alone 2, but the director asserted that this was indeed the case. When the 45th president publicly claimed that the production begged him to be in the film, the filmmaker decided to keep his mouth shut, so as not to escalate the conflict further. He said:

No matter who you choose to believe in this situation, the cameo scene stayed in the movie, cemented in movie history forever. Trump has proudly appeared in cameo roles in a number of other movies as well including Two Weeks Notice, Little Rascals, and Zoolander. Trump’s frequent cameos and media appearances made him a cultural figure well beyond what most New York real estate tycoons were. Watching the films in hindsight makes his presence seem even larger, and such cameos are impossible not to note whenever a rewatch happens.

You can revisit Donald Trump’s Home Alone 2 cameo by streaming the film now with a Disney+ subscription.

Christmas is over, but I'm not judging anybody who may still be watching Home Alone while nursing a holiday hangover. It's one of the best Christmas movies of all time, so who wouldn't want to give it one last stream with their Disney+ subscription before the next holiday season? The movie has an outstanding legacy, but director Chris Columbus' latest comments are a reminder of how it tanked with critics early on.

Columbus, who served as a producer on this year's holiday hit Nosferatu, spoke to THR about his lengthy career, which obviously includes his much-beloved movie Home Alone. When the filmmaker was asked about actor Macaulay Culkin hosting a screening tour with the film across the U.S., which I was lucky enough to attend, he talked about what the family comedy's legacy meant to him personally, given how it was initially received. In his words:

While critics might've knocked points off Home Alone for no explanation behind how Kevin's father afforded a giant house, or several other oddball details, theater-goers clearly loved it. So much that the initial film's box office success was enough to spur a number of sequels, although only Home Alone 2: Lost In New York is celebrated on the same level, given it's the only follow-up that lured Culkin back.

All things considered, there are a lot of things about Home Alone 2 that don't make sense, especially when it comes to the parents' sense of responsibility. So it's fair to say the original reigns supreme in a lot of hearts and minds and box office receipts.

Chris Columbus takes pride in the longevity of Home Alone's popularity over the years, and had only positive things to say about not only Macaulay Culkin's skills, but also those of his younger brother Kieran, who portrayed Fuller McAllister decades before achieving his Emmy win for Succession. According to Columbus:

Here at CinemaBlend, we also had great things to say about Kieran Culkin in A Real Pain, and it's clear that on the heels of Succession, the actor's Hollywood ascent is only getting more pronounced. Ironically, the younger brother hasn't yet shown his own children Home Alone, but has a valid reason for doing so.

Hopefully Chris Columbus is justified in his excitement for Macaulay Culkin joining Fallout Season 2, which many others are equally pumped about. Given the kookiness of that universe and how it's a world where an extensive knowledge of booby-trapping would come in handy, I have to wonder if his character will get at least one cheeky nod to Home Alone. Let me just see The Ghoul get blindsided on a stairwell by a swinging paint. That's all I'm asking for.

2024 was another huge year for Home Alone, especially with the aforementioned tour by Macaulay Culkin actually celebrating the movie with others in person. Here's hoping that story stays the same in 2025, possibly with other actors joining in on the fun and sharing their fond memories of this holiday classic.

As mentioned, Home Alone is available to stream on Disney+ right now. I've seen it so many times I could probably play it in my brain at this point, but I think I'll give it one last stream before the new year anyway.

It doesn’t matter if you’re looking forward to the upcoming 2025 movies, or reminiscing about the year past, the holidays are always going to have us revisiting our favorite classics. Home Alone is certainly no exception, as over thirty years of Macaulay Culkin’s shenanigans have delighted the world, while also leaving some big fan theories to be consistently debated.

This year, the question of how John Heard’s patriarch of the McCallister family could afford the largess of a family trip to Paris has come to the forefront again. And director Chris Columbus took the time to address that query, during a recent interview with THR. So what did Peter McCallister, the father, do for all of that money? Here’s what Columbus had to say:

I have to admit, over the years there have been some wild and interesting theories as to how Home Alone’s luxury lifestyle was paid for. The two I’ve always chuckled at are arms dealing, and the criminal connections mentioned above; with the latter getting some extra laughing gas from John Heard’s time as a crooked cop on The Sopranos. But apparently, according to the Harry Potter directing alum, writer John Hughes may have had Kevin’s dad working as an ad man.

What’s funny is, the closest thing we do have to source material to solve this mystery is, of course, various drafts of Home Alone’s scripts floating around the internet. There’s also author Todd Strasser’s novelization of the film, which informs us that Kate McCallister (Catherine O’Hara) works as a fashion designer.

As for Peter, the only details we have both back what Chris Columbus has said, as well as fed this enigma a little bit more. Here’s how Peter McCallister is described in his introduction, courtesy of that 1990 text:

Criminals could still very much go to an “office” and be seen wearing a “business shirt and tie.” However, this is a movie where a kindly John Candy has been the center of a demonic Home Alone theory that says he helped Kate McCallister get home by literally accepting her soul.

So are we really that surprised that Peter has been alleged to be dipping his toes in organized crime? I'll leave you with one more piece of circumstantial evidence to ponder: let's not forget that when confronted by Harry (Joe Pesci) masquerading as a police officer, the first thing John Heard's character asks is if he's under arrest.

I guess it all comes down to whether or not you think this is the face of a truly guilty man:

It’s the sort of thing you notice after decades of watching the Home Alone movies around this time of year. As always, if we ever need a break from family game night, dissecting James Wan’s “Kevin is Jigsaw” theory is an easy subject of conversation that can help keep the holiday table pleasant. Or, if you need something more family friendly, there's always the question of that potential Christmas Chronicles crossover that should have happened.

With those in mind, Christmas may have come and gone, but there’s always time for Home Alone! The original 1990 classic, and its various sequels, are available through using a Disney+ subscription. So if you’re curious whether you have some more evidence to support or debunk Peter McCallister’s supposed life of crime, feel free to refresh your knowledge. Somewhere in your memory, you may just find the answers you’re seeking.

As excitement brews for HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter TV series, fans of the Wizarding World have been left speculating how the magical reboot will (hopefully) capture the essence of J.K. Rowling’s beloved books while standing apart from the iconic film franchise. Chris Columbus, who directed the first two Harry Potter films and helped create one of the most successful film franchises to date, recently weighed in on the monumental task awaiting the creators. Honestly, his comments make a ton of sense.

Columbus shared his thoughts with Empire Magazine (via Nerd Informants) on the creative crossroads the series faces, explaining how its relationship to the films could make or break its success. The director, who helped bring Hogwarts to life for millions of fans in the first two of the Harry Potter movies (in order), offered his invaluable perspective on the upcoming project.

And he’s not wrong. The dark look and unique feel of the original films—featuring the late, great Robbie Coltrane as Hagrid, Alan Rickman’s unforgettable Severus Snape, and the timeless music of John Williams—set the benchmark for how fans imagine the Wizarding World. Producers of the series say they intended the upcoming book-to-screen adaptation to be closer in line and more faithful adaptation of Rowling’s books. However, if the series leans too heavily into nostalgia, it risks being seen as derivative. On the flip side, reinventing Hogwarts, the characters, and its iconic themes could alienate loyal fans who’ve spent over two decades cherishing the originals.

However, the veteran Home Alone director also acknowledged the potential advantages the series has in its corner. With more time to explore Rowling’s world, the creators can dive deeper into the stories and characters that didn’t make it into the films. The filmmaker noted:

Let’s pause and appreciate that Columbus said the magic word: Peeves. The mischievous poltergeist, who terrorized students and staff alike in the books, was infamously cut from the movies, much to fans’ disappointment. The idea that Peeves—and other rich details from the books—could finally make their on-screen debut will surely make Potterheads cheer, though they may be skeptical of the forthcoming Harry Potter series.

Still, the shadow of the original series looms large. The HP films didn’t just define a generation; they became a cultural cornerstone, with their impact still being felt in theme parks, spin-offs, and cosplay conventions worldwide. So, only time will tell if the new show, which will be available to stream with a Max subscription, can overcome the original series' cultural impact.

There is no official word yet on casting or how the series plans to tackle these challenges, but one thing is clear: Chris Columbus is right—this is no small task.

There are popular franchises, and then there's Harry Potter. What began with J.K. Rowling's books grew into a wildly popular film series (which is streaming with a Max subscription), as well as theme parks, stage plays, and the upcoming Harry Potter TV show. The first few films were helmed by Chris Columbus, who recently explained the interesting and thoughtful way Home Alone factored into Daniel Radcliffe and company getting cast in the Wizarding World.

The Harry Potter movies made household names out of its starring cast, especially the trio of leads: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint. The casting process to find these young actors was intense, and Columbus recently spoke to Variety about how his work on Home Alone influenced how he found the Potter cast. As he put it:

Points were made. Mega fame for a young person can be challenging, especially if they end up being the primary moneymaker for their family. And he saw this happen firsthand with Culkin and the Home Alone movies (which are streaming with a Disney+ subscription).

After seeing the way Culkin struggled with his family as his career boomed, Chris Columbus wanted to take very special care with finding the right kids (and parents) to portray Hogwarts students in the Harry Potter films. He explained this in the same interview, offering:

It sounds like the parents of the Harry Potter trio past that test for Chris Columbus, who would depart the Wizarding World after the first two movies. Despite moving on, he seems to still have strong feelings about the franchise, recently participating in the Return to Hogwarts reunion special. And his care about casting seems to have worked out, as Radcliffe, Watson, and Grint continue to have thriving careers, and seemingly without any strife from within their family units.

Macaulay Culkin's story is just one of many cautionary tales related to child actors, and it's one that Chris Columbus seemingly still feels partially responsible for. Luckily he was able to set up the Harry Potter cast for success. While we wait for news about the Hogwarts TV series, check the 2025 movie release dates.

The Harry Potter movies were helmed by multiple directors over the course of a decade, with that list including Alfonso Cuarón, Mike Newell, and David Yates. But, of course, one can't forget that the filmmaker who kicked off the box office hit of a franchise was Chris Columbus, who helmed the first two installments. In a sweet turn of events, the American director visited Harry Potter's London Studio Tour and, once fans learned of his presence there, they shared some lovely comments.

As the first director to take on a Wizarding World flick, Chris Columbus deserves a lot of credit for setting the tone for the franchise. After helming the first two films, he stuck around for The Prisoner of Azkaban as a co-producer, handing off the directing duties to Mexican filmmaker Alfonso Cuarón. Columbus may have left the fantasy franchise over a decade ago, but Potter hasn’t left his heart, it seems. In an Instagram post, he gushed about his time taking in the Warner Bros Studio Tour- The Making of Harry Potter:

I’m truly getting all of these feels seeing the Mrs. Doubtfire helmer outside of the London Studio Tour. In some way, it’s like he’s visiting his baby! I can imagine him having had a real blast by getting the chance to see the breathtaking sets from the films like The Forbidden Forest, The Great Hall and even an expansion of Gringotts Wizarding Bank. A visitor can also get a close-up look at the costumes and props and, if that's enough to make a fan nostalgic for the franchise, I'd imagine it can do the same to someone who's closely associated with the series.

If you're getting a little teary-eyed seeing Chris Columbus standing outside the London Studio Tour, know that you're not alone. Instagram users were feeling some major emotions, too. Take a look at some of the sweet comments below, which indicate that fans are loving the Home Alone director's trip:

• Welcome home - @wbtourlondon
• Love you and your movies! You are the best in the Wizaring World! Come back, GOAT! 🔥- @andrea.dallapalma
• Welcome home Chris!- @roguedanhartley
• THE ONE WHO SET THE TONE WENT BACK ❤️❤️❤️- @thenuaraclara
• Thank you for being the one who best understood the Harry Potter books and for creating the most faithful aesthetic to what J.K. Rowling imagined.-@coleccionistaharrypotter

It’s easy to feel emotional when looking over many of these comments, some of which surmise that Chris Columbus is “home.” Personally, he's my favorite of the Harry Potter directors. That's because his specific approach, in my opinion, most closely resembles the vision that author J.K. Rowling possessed for the series.

Sure, Chris Columbus faced a lot of pressure while directing The Sorcerer’s Stone, as he was the first filmmaker to help bring the best-selling fantasy book series to life. But, after talking to J.K. Rowling about how he was going to direct the first movie, she felt his vision aligned with hers, which made him all the more confident. Columbus expressed interest in helming an adaptation of The Cursed Child, and I'd personally love to see him do it. However, if he doesn't return to the franchise, I'm just pleased that he still has so much affection for it and in turn, receives a lot of love.

You can stream the entire Harry Potter series using either a Peacock subscription or a Max subscription. And know that the latter membership will also get you access to the 2022 reunion special.

The directors on this list are among the greatest in the history of cinema, with films that are considered the best of all time; films that will never be forgotten. What about those movies they brought all their tremendous talents to, but which aren’t remembered as well? Here is our list of great movies, by great directors, that don’t get talked about enough these days. 

The Frighteners - Peter Jackson

The Frighteners is such a great movie, and it’s criminally underrated. No, it's not as sprawling or overwhelming as Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings films, but it has all the heart and more. Michael J. Fox leads as a con man/exorcist who can see and interact with ghosts. The Frightners is really funny, well-paced, and delightful. 

The King Of Comedy - Martin Scorsese 

When you think of Martin Scorsese, “comedy” is not usually the first word that pops into your head, but The King Of Comedy is really a pretty great movie, and while it’s technically a comedy, it’s really dark. Goodfellas has some comedy in it, like Joe Pesci acting like a clown… but a true (dark) comedy? This Robert De Niro and Jerry Lewis-led film stands alone in Scorsese’s canon. 

Peggy Sue Got Married - Francis Ford Coppola

Peggy Sue Got Married is a deceptively simple film. Unlike Francis Ford Coppola’s more-talked-about epics like The Godfather films and Apocalypse Now, this film, starring Nicolas Cage and Kathleen Turner, is smaller, but that doesn’t mean it’s lesser. It’s a weird time-travel tale, but at its heart, it’s really a love story, and while it's not Coppola’s best work, it’s well worth a watch and should be talked about more often. 

Jackie Brown - Quentin Tarantino

Quentin Taratino has famously said that his next movie, his 10th, could be his last. Whether that holds true or not remains to be seen, but it’s a safe bet Jackie Brown will still be his least talked about.

Strange Days - Kathryn Bigelow

Kathryn Bigelow’s won Oscars (for The Hurt Locker) and she’s directed cult classics (Point Break). Strange Days is certainly closer to the latter. In it, Bigelow dabbles in science fiction, a rarity for her, but it’s unsurprising, as Strange Days was written by her then-husband James Cameron. It doesn’t have the iconic quotes that Point Break has, nor is it as white-knuckle as The Hurt Locker, but it is a great time capsule to filmmaking in the mid-90s and well worth remembering. 

Amistad - Steven Spielberg

Wedged between The Lost World: Jurassic Park and Saving Private Ryan in Steven Spielberg’s filmography, is Amistad. It’s easy to understand why this powerful historical drama revolving around a landmark court case regarding the slave trade is overlooked, but it shouldn’t be. It’s a moving story, told expertly as only Spielberg can, with a monster cast including Matthew McConaughey, Anthony Hopkins, Morgan Freeman, and Djimon Hounsou, among many others. 

Clockers - Spike Lee

Let’s be clear here, Clockers is not Spike Lee’s finest work. It doesn’t reach the heights of movies like Do The Right Thing or Malcolm X, but it's still a really good movie. It gets lost in Lee’s stellar filmography, which is understandable. It’s also a testament to just how good Lee’s career has been. 

Talk Radio - Oliver Stone

Talk Radio has everything you expect from an Oliver Stone movie. Its pacing and storytelling are perfect, it’s a fascinating and terrifying story that pulls from the real-world events of a murdered radio show host. It also has a healthy dose of conspiracy, as any great Stone film does. 

The Bling Ring - Sofia Coppola

Sofia Coppola’s The Bling Ring is a meta-tastic heist film that is not only a ton of fun to watch with celebrity cameos and great acting performances, but it also touches on some of the emerging trends that exploded in the years after the movie came out, notably influencer culture. It’s too often overlooked in Coppola’s stellar filmography. 

The Game - David Fincher

David Fincher is a master, and his filmography is full of great movies, like Se7en and Fight Club. The movie he made between those two classic is The Game with Sean Penn and Michael Douglas. Understandably, it’s overshadowed, but it’s an amazing film that is every bit as good as those two more talked-about movies. Even when people watch Fincher’s whole body of work, The Game gets overlooked and it shouldn’t. 

Casualties Of War - Brian De Palma

Casualties of War was released in 1989, which was the tail end of a slew of excellent Vietnam War movies released in the late ‘80s, like Platoon, Full Metal Jacket, and Hamburger Hill. Despite earning well-deserved praise from critics, the Brian De Palma film bombed, and as such, it's unfortunately one of the director’s least talked about movies when it should be one of the most. 

Matchstick Men - Ridley Scott

Usually, when movie fans talk about Ridley Scott, it’s his sprawling historical epics like Gladiator or Napoleon that dominate the conversation, along with sci-fi classics like Alien and Blade Runner. Matchstick Men is a smaller movie, a dark comedy about a con man with a myriad of personal problems played by Nicolas Cage. It’s a wonderful performance by Cage, and despite not performing well at the box office, it’s been well-reviewed over the years.

Inherent Vice - Paul Thomas Anderson

Inherent Vice from Paul Thomas Anderson is a complicated movie, based on a complicated book by Thomas Pinchon. It’s easy to understand why it’s not as talked about as some of Anderson’s other movies, like There Will Be Blood and Boogie Nights, but it’s every bit as good as those, featuring great acting performances and wonderful cinematography. 

Out Of Sight - Steven Soderbergh

Steven Soderberg is known for stylish filming techniques with snappy dialog and interesting plot twists. It’s all right there in Out Of Sight, but the movie still gets overlooked. It was Soderbergh’s first big-budget film, and maybe that’s why it doesn’t get talked about enough. It was also his first collaboration with George Clooney, which makes it even more confounding that it’s not more popular. 

Barry Lyndon - Stanley Kubrick

It’s hard to really argue that any of Stanley Kubrick’s films are not talked about enough, but Barry Lyndon comes the closest here. It’s most revered for its cinematography, but it’s also a wonderful story. While it doesn’t have the panache of A Clockwork Orange or the scope of 2001: A Space Odyssey, it’s still a Kubrick film and it’s one of the best ever made. 

Stardust - Matthew Vaughn

Matthew Vaughn has quietly put together one of the finest resumes in Hollywood. The Kingsman movies are a hot franchise, he’s dabbled in Marvel, and may have inspired the choice of Daniel Craig as James Bond after directing him in Layer Cake. Stardust seems to get lost in the shuffle, but it’s maybe, low key, his best film. 

Ryan's Daughter - David Lean

David Lean is rightfully most remembered for three films, The Bridge on the River Kwai, Lawrence of Arabia, and Doctor Zhivago. Lost in the discussion of those films is Ryan’s Daughter, a retelling of Madame Bovary set at the end of World War I. It was the last film Lean directed for 14 years and we can only wonder what he might have done had he not semi-retired. 

Fantastic Mr. Fox - Wes Anderson

Wes Anderson has developed one of the most distinct styles in film history, which translates brilliantly to animation, as well. Anderson’s first foray into the genre was Fantastic Mr. Fox, starring George Clooney, Meryl Streep, and Bill Murray, among others. While it may never outshine his live-action classics, it should be discussed more as one of his best works. 

Bound - The Wachowskis

The DNA of the Wachowskis is very evident in Bound, their first movie. It was made on a shoestring budget, so it doesn’t have the over-the-top effects of The Matrix series, but you can see where they were headed in their filmmaking. 

Intolerable Cruelty - Coen Brothers

When you have a filmography like the Coen Brothers, inevitably, some of the movies won’t get talked about as much as others. Intolerable Cruelty is one of those that gets lost in the mix, behind movies like The Big Lebowski and others that are among the best movies of the ‘90s and beyond. 

Insomnia - Christopher Nolan

Christopher Nolan is among the most beloved directors of the 21st century, creating what feels like independent films, but with monster budgets. That DNA was on display early in his career with Insomnia, which has everything you’d expect from a Nolan movie, but with less than half the budget of Oppenheimer. 

The Fan - Tony Scott

There are few better action directors in Hollywood history than Tony Scott. Most remembered today for classics like Top Gun, and Days of Thunder, The Fan should be talked about more. It’s not a perfect movie, but De Niro’s performance is terrifying (in a great way) as a baseball fan obsessed with Wesley Snipes' character. It’s action horror, and it’s great. 

Vincent And Theo - Robert Altman

Robert Altman had one of the most up-and-down careers in Hollywood history. After a string of successes in the ‘80s, his career was almost sunk by Popeye. It took years for him to rebound, but he did with Vincent & Theo. That led to a career revival, but it’s hardly remembered anymore, overshadowed by his early and later films. 

She's Having A Baby - John Hughes

One of the biggest reasons John Hughes is so loved by people who came of age in the ‘80s and ‘90s was his ability to write and direct genuine teenage characters. That extended to a young married couple starting their lives together in She’s Having A Baby. It’s not as quotable as some of Hughes’ other movies, but it’s still sharply written and a fun watch. 

Only The Lonely - Chris Columbus

Chris Columbus has some directed some huge films in his career, most notably Home Alone and Harry Potter And The Sorcerer’s Stone. He's also got movies like Mrs. Doubtfire and Adventures in Babysitting on his resume. One film that is not talked about enough is Only The Lonely starring John Candy as a man looking for a wife, but dealing with a controlling mother. 

Beowulf - Robert Zemeckis

Generations of high schoolers have been confounded and frustrated by Beowulf. Some love the old English classic, but many hate it. It takes a bold director to take it on as a movie. Robert Zemeckis makes it work, and work well. Still, given the material, it’s not a surprise it’s not talked about as much as Zemeckis’ more popular movies like Back to the Future. 

Great Expectations - Alfonso Cuaron

Director Alfonso Cuaron has made some of the best movies of the last 20 years, including Roma, Gravity, and Y tu mamá también. One of his films that doesn’t get talked about much anymore is 1998’s Great Expectations starring Gwenyth Paltrow and Ethan Hawke. It’s a bold modernization of the classic Dickens novel that can be polarizing, but still worth talking about more.

Ed Wood - Tim Burton

Of all the movies Tim Burton has made, it’s unsurprising that Ed Wood is one of his least discussed. It’s a love letter to legendary B-Movie director Ed Wood, and despite being filled to the brim with great performances, it's not as popular as many of Burton’s other works. 

Midnight In The Garden Of Good And Evil - Clint Eastwood

Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil is not exactly the kind of film you might expect from Clint Eastwood, but you should. Some of his best work is when he strays away from the tough guy movies he’s so well known for and this is a great one, starring John Cusack and Kevin Spacey. 

Away We Go - Sam Mendes

Sam Mendes is best known for movies that cover heavy topics, movies like American Beauty, 1917, and Road to Perdition. That's probably the reason 2009's Away We Go with John Krasinski and Maya Rudolph isn't talked about as much, but it's a sweet movie about a couple dealing with major changes in their life and how to handle them. 

Sleepers - Barry Levinson

Sleepers is a dark, dark film. It's also really, really good. With an all-star cast that includes Brad Pitt, Dustin Hoffman, Robert De Niro, Kevin Bacon, and many more, it's surprising it doesn't get talked about as much as some of director Barry Levinson's other work, but given the subject matter, it can be a very hard watch.  

High Anxiety - Mel Brooks

Mel Brooks is a living legend and his filmography is filled with some of the most quotable movies of all time. One that doesn't get quoted much, or even talked about much, is High Anxiety. It was, believe it or not, the first time Mel Brooks also played the lead in one of his movies, so that alone should garner more attention. 

Great directors usually have long filmographies, so it's only natural that some of their finest work would be talked about less than their most groundbreaking or biggest films. That said, many movies should be talked about as much as those classics, but aren't. Here's to that changing now! 

John Candy had a legendary career, and was one of the best comedic performers of the '80s and '90s. After rising to prominence as a supporting character actor, he captured the hearts of many, and he became a lovable leading man in beloved films like Planes, Trains, and Automobiles and Uncle Buck. By the time Home Alone rolled around, Candy was already a major star and his appearance was a welcome surprise. However, it turns out he was only paid $414 for his role in the film, despite being one of the most famous names in the credits.

John Candy’s Role In Home Alone

In Home Alone, Catherine O’Hara’s Kate McAllister does everything she can to try and get back home to her son Kevin on Christmas after accidentally leaving him behind. Unfortunately, the busy holidays make it impossible for her to book a trip back to Chicago, so she has to take desperate measures. 

She meets Gus Polinski, played by Candy, who is in a traveling polka band, and he offers to let her tag along in a van with his band back to Chicago. His character is essential to the film, as he helps Kate get back to her son for Christmas. The scene also acts as a throwback for John Hughes fans, who previously witnessed Candy helping another disgruntled traveler get home in Planes, Trains, and Automobiles.

According to director Chris Columbus, John Candy was an absolute pro on set, and he spent hours making the crew laugh while shooting Home Alone. The filmmaker told Business Insider that many of the stories the character told were improvisations by Candy, showing his strength as a comedic performer. However, even if the crew was happy to be working with the Cool Runnings actor, he held a bit of resentment for agreeing to appear in the film.

John Candy’s Low Pay On Home Alone

Even though Candy was a massive star, and he kept the crew in good spirits on Home Alone, he had a bit of vitriol towards the experience. The behind-the-scenes documentary series The Movies That Made Us, which is available with a Netflix subscription, revealed that the Spaceballs star was only paid $414 for the role, and he was not happy about it. Columbus confirmed this resentment towards his pay, saying:

Hopefully, he got some kind of compensation from the studio, especially considering Home Alone won a ton of weekends at the box office. A payment of $414 is insultingly low, especially considering Candy was a major audience draw. He must’ve owed John Hughes, who wrote the Christmas classic, big time to agree to pay that low. Apparently, the pay didn’t go over well even in the years following. Columbus worked with Candy again on 1991’s Only The Lonely, and the comic actor was still holding his grudge. Columbus revealed:

His discontentment is understandable, but hopefully, he still received some joy from the experience. It is such a well-remembered role, and it likely introduced Candy to a new audience. Gus is one of the funniest John Hughes characters, and Candy does wonders with limited screen time. The film also acted as a sweet reunion with Catherine O’Hara, who he began his comedy career with on SCTV. The comic actor passed away only a few years after Home Alone, and families who revisit the film every year can feel Candy’s jovial spirit live on. 

You can revisit John Candy’s performance in Home Alone, which is available to stream now with a Disney+ subscription. Fans of the actor should also check out our feature on the best Candy movies for other great films from the Stripes star, which he was likely paid a lot more for. 

The ‘80s were full of iconic movies that continue to remain relevant franchises today, such as Ghostbusters, Top Gun, Indiana Jones and The Karate Kid, but there have been a few that have surprisingly remained untouched by Hollywood’s love of sequels. Richard Donner’s 1985 movie, The Goonies, is a big example of this, but not for lack of trying. Goonies 2 has been a topic that's floated around for four decades now and there’s still no sequel where the adventurers could echo their iconic phrase, “Never say die!” With that on the brain, let’s break down what Steven Spielberg and the cast of The Goonies said about the sequel that has yet to happen.  

While the group of misfits at the center of The Goonies were just kids when the movie was produced, just about all of them are working actors today, and its writers, Steven Spielberg and Chris Columbus, continue to be huge players in Hollywood. These are their thoughts about a Goonies sequel over the years. 

Ke Huy Quan (Data)

Let’s start with the latest comment on the subject. Ke Huy Quan, who played Data at 13 years old, recently made a massive comeback to Hollywood with Everything Everywhere All At Once. As the actor recently shared, he quit being an actor once he grew up and found a lack of opportunities, but Crazy Rich Asians inspired him to give it another shot. Now he’s a Golden Globe winner and among 2023’s Oscar nominees. When the actor was asked about the status of Goonies 2 following his Golden Globe win, Quan said this: 

Goonies director Richard Donner died at the age of 91 back in 2021 and as the actor shared, he was the “captain” of their ship. That being said, the man behind Data sounds open to a sequel, if the right idea comes up. 

Sean Astin (Mikey) 

In the years following leading The Goonies, as Mikey, Sean Astin went on to find an even more iconic role in the Lord of the Rings trilogy as the Samwise to Elijah Wood’s Frodo. Even so, the actor is asked all the time about making another Goonies movie. When he appeared at Rose City Comic Con in September 2022, he said this about the proposition: 

Astin took a more optimistic approach to the whole thing, sharing his “hope” for Warner Bros. to make moves on another Goonies movie. He had a sense that it could still happen, but he’s had various opinions on the subject prior. Back in 2019, he told Collider that he thought him and his co-stars had “probably passed the threshold” for doing a sequel, but was okay with the idea of a reboot. And back in 2015, Astin said that he knew in his “guts” it would get made one day. 

Chris Columbus (Writer) 

Chris Columbus, who has also been behind classic movies like Gremlins, Home Alone and the first two Harry Potter movies, wrote the screenplay for The Goonies. Columbus spoke to behind-the-scenes development on a sequel that never came to be to Empire in 2021. In his words: 

The writer/director shared this a few months following Donner's death. With that in mind, it appears the original director had been doing the sequel in his mind just before he died, but the filmmakers never got together to think up ideas.  

Corey Feldman (Mouth)

You can also count Corey Feldman among The Goonies actors who are constantly asked about the sequel. Back in 2015, the actor had a seemingly major update on the whole thing, revealing that he and Sean Astin had co-written a pitch and taken it to Donner, but it needed “far too big a budget” for what they wanted to do. He called it an “Indiana Jones-type” movie that was “maybe too much.” When speaking again in 2021 about it to MovieWeb, Feldman had this to say: 

Adam F. Goldberg, who is behind comedy TV shows like The Goldbergs and The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers did, apparently, pitch to Richard Donner, per Slash Film, and has reportedly been trying to get a sequel made since 2005. Perhaps, he’ll still be successful someday, but for now, we haven’t heard anything new in years.

Jeff Cohen (Chunk)

Of The Goonies main cast, Jeff Cohen is one who did not go on to pursue acting. He instead has found success as an entertainment lawyer, and even represents Ke Huy Quan, as the actor revealed to The Hollywood Reporter in 2022. When looking back at his role as Chunk with Yahoo in 2015, here were Cohen’s thoughts on a sequel: 

Hey, that’s understandable. Not every child actor decides to actually get into Hollywood. And, technically, Cohen is in Hollywood, just not as an actor. So if a Goonies sequel did happen, it’s doubtful his Chunk would be part of it. 

Josh Brolin (Brand) 

Of The Goonies cast, Josh Brolin is likely the most notable and famous of them all. While Brolin has embraced his early role in the ‘80s movie in the past, he wasn’t optimistic about a sequel happening. Here’s what he told The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in 2014 regarding an update on Goonies 2: 

It must be frustrating for the actors involved to hear about these updates, but never have a movie come to be. 

Martha Plimpton (Stef)

Martha Plimpton, who played Stef in the movie, also wasn’t confident in the idea when she answered a question about it during a 2016 Reddit AMA prior to Donner’s death. In her words: 

It seems like Brolin and Plimpton shared this feeling that Goonies 2 was more of a tease over the years than a reality. That’s not to say they wouldn't be interested if the right script came along, however. 

Steven Spielberg (Writer/Producer)

Perhaps it’d be Steven Spielberg, who wrote the original story and produced it, who could finally get Goonies 2 off the ground? The latest from the legendary filmmaker came during a Goonies reunion that Josh Gad hosted in his 2020 Reunited Apart series. Here are Speilberg’s thoughts: 

There you have it. That really seems to be the spirit of what’s been going on (...err not going on). There just hasn’t been a good enough idea that has propelled anyone involved to greenlight a sequel. Perhaps one day it will happen! Hey, it took 36 years for a Top Gun sequel to come out. Goonies could be next someday. 

If I were to happen across a magical lamp that granted me 3 wishes, I’d certainly spend one on the ability to read and watch each Harry Potter book/film for the first time again. And I’m probably not the only Harry Potter fan to desperately want that experience. While anything short of a 50 First Dates situation won’t allow for a fresh eyes approach to the franchise, director Chris Columbus just lit a fire of hope under all Potterheads, because there is apparently a 3 hour version of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone he’d like to see released. If that wasn’t enough to make you wish for something more than just another Harry Potter movie marathon this holiday season, Columbus also reveals a fan-favorite character from the books that is missing from the films is very much alive in the director’s cut. 

Maybe calling the character alive is a mistake, but he is present in the director’s cut. Peeves, everyone’s favorite prankster poltergeist, was apparently cut from the first film and never makes it back on screen in any of the sequels. In an interview with The Wrap, Chris Columbus revealed that not only would he love to see the 3-hour version of the first Harry Potter film released, but Peeves deserves his recognition too. Here is what the director says, exactly:

Of course, there is plenty of content that exists in the books that didn’t make it on screen and a number of characters that don’t get the recognition they deserve. However, the lack of Peeves in the films is one that has never sat well with fans. Peeves is in all of the books, and he actually gives quite a lot to both Hogwarts and, sometimes, the plot. 

While in the earlier books Peeves just is an annoying presence in the magical school making the lives of students and faculty alike harder than need be, the poltergeist steps up later in the series and actually helps out. Particularly in the 5th book, Peeves helps Fred and George escape Umbridge in one of the most elaborate pranks they pull off in their time at Hogwarts. 

Peeves shows up in every book in the Harry Potter series, and it’s honestly a travesty that he doesn’t show up in the films. The blow seems to lessen, though, knowing that the OG director of the film adaptations does have some respect for the character and did intend to include him. 

There is not yet any plans to release Chris Columbus’ 3 hour director’s cut of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, but not all is lost. The franchise is still going strong with the Fantastic Beasts spinoff films, and the original films are still ripe for the binging. You can watch all the Harry Potter films on HBO Max, but sadly Peeves the Poltergeist won’t be making an appearance until the Columbus Cut is released.

When most Harry Potter fans think of Severus Snape, Alan Rickman is the only image that comes to mind. For eight films, Rickman inhabited every word, action and reaction J.K. Rowling ever poured onto the page. Out of all the characters, the actor’s portrayal still holds a special place in their hearts. But Rickman almost didn’t take the role of Professor Snape. While fans might be surprised, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone director Chris Columbus revealed how the late actor’s role in Die Hard almost stopped him from bringing Snape to life.

It has been five years since Alan Rickman passed away from cancer. Despite starring in multiple films, Rickman left an impression on moviegoers as the complex Professor Severus Snape. Another iconic role in his repertoire was that of Hans Gruber in Die Hard. Playing such an iconic villain along with other hardboiled roles left the actor wary of the Harry Potter film series. Chris Columbus opened up to AV Club about how the late actor played hardball over dinner.

Playing such despised villains would leave any actor not wanting to play another iconic villain. At least, Alan Rickman wasn’t the only actor who needed some schmoozing. While it was an uphill battle to convince Rickman, Chris Columbus revealed what finally led to the late Harry Potter alum joining the cast.  

Well, Alan Rickman got to learn how Severus Snape’s arc played out before avid readers of the books did. If J.K. Rowling hadn’t stepped in, there’s no telling if Rickman would’ve been comfortable playing the beloved professor. Rowling revealing Snape’s fate influenced the actor’s portrayal while shooting the film series. This led to a full-circle moment for Chris Columbus years after helming Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.

Of course, Alan Rickman’s performance made sense to Columbus after reading the final Harry Potter book. It just proved how much of a thespian Rickman was to think that far ahead. The late actor wanted to make sure the readers received the portrayal they deserved. In doing so, Professor Snape was allowed to evolve through the popular film series. If you want to relive some of Rickman’s best Snape moments, you can stream the entire Harry Potter film series on HBO Max.

Chris Columbus is the legendary director behind Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Have you ever wondered why he didn’t direct all of the films? He’s recently shared why, along with why David Yates was the perfect director to finish the series, and which film is his favorite. 

Harry Potter fans agree the first two films, which were directed by Chris Columbus, are a lot of fun. They’re full of magic and wonder as Harry learns that he’s a wizard and starts exploring the Wizarding World. Once the third film begins, the rest of the series is much darker, both literally and figuratively, as Harry gears up for the battle against He Who Shall Not Be Named. I sat down with Chris Columbus for an interview with CinemaBlend, and he shared why he only directed the first two films and why he thinks David Yates was the perfect director to finish the series. Here’s what he told me:

For any who are unfamiliar with all that goes into directing a film, it’s a lot of hours. They oversee all aspects of the production, so they’re being consulted on things like set design and lighting before the actors even get to set, then there’s the shooting, and after that, as Chris Columbus mentioned, there is another set of hours dedicated to visual effects. It’s mentally and physically exhausting, and what a fantastic job Chris Columbus did setting up the world for others to take over. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban was directed by Alfonso Cuarón. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire was directed by Mike Newell. All films from Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix through the finale were directed by David Yates. 

Chris Columbus gave David Yates a glowing review for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 which I can’t disagree with. I also cry every time I watch, and something that can elicit that emotion on subsequent viewings is hard to come by. David Yates was absolutely the perfect choice to finish the series for all that he brought to the production. 

The 20th anniversary of the theatrical release of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is November 16, 2021. The full series is available to stream on HBO Max.

Movies tend to be a product of their time. Whether it’s due to technology, story, or something else entirely, some of them just don’t age well. And some can withstand the test of time, like Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. Even though this film is much beloved and rewatched in many households across the globe, there’s still an effect that director Chris Columbus beats himself up over. 

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone was released in theaters in 2001. Technology has come a long way since then, and there are many effects that would be done differently had the film been made today. Overall it remains a gorgeous film full of magic, but there’s one effect director Chris Columbus says he still beats himself up over. Here’s what he told CinemaBlend:

We’re all our own worst critics, right? So it makes sense that Chris Columbus would have critiques of his own work, particularly work he did 20 years ago when he’s been in this business a long time. When rewatching the Harry Potter series, it’s a lot of fun to see how the Quidditch sequences evolve from the first to the last film. As Columbus said, they were still learning about the sport on the first film. And as the starting point, it’s absolutely excellent. 

Chris Columbus is quite proud of all the practical effects he and the crew got to do on the Harry Potter sets. He directed the first two films, so his team got to set the stage of what the entire Wizarding World was going to look like. Here’s what he said of the special effects:

The number of effects that are not done digitally throughout the Harry Potter series is truly astounding. For example, the scene where Harry first receives his Hogwarts letter is done practically, and none of the letters were added digitally. Check out the clip below from Magical Movie Mode.

Magical Movie Mode is a new way to experience Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone from Warner Brothers Entertainment. Viewers will discover filmmaking secrets, spell incantations, creatures, magical artifacts, trivia, and more. Harry Potter Magical Movie Mode is available now on Digital and DVD and streaming on HBO Max.

Can you believe it’s been 20 years since the theatrical release of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone? The books were not yet finished, the actors were unknown, and director Chris Columbus was tasked with visually bringing to life the Wizard World which so many had already imagined from reading the books. Columbus has shared how he dealt with the pressure of directing the first film in the Harry Potter series. 

As someone who re-watches the entire series every fall, it still feels like just yesterday that I went to the midnight premiere of the first film with my family. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone has made a tremendous impact on so many, and it was the honor of my life to speak with Chris Columbus on behalf of CinemaBlend about making the film. We discussed the tremendous pressure he was under, and he shared the following about how he dealt with it:

To have the support of author J.K. Rowling was, of course, essential to the success of the Harry Potter film franchise. Even more, hearing that she and director Chris Columbus saw the Wizarding World “the exact same way” can only be described as magic. They created something that will forever live in our hearts, and fans around the world are immensely grateful. There are even multiple collections of Harry Potter gifts for Wizarding World fans!

It’s really cool to hear how seriously Chris Columbus took this job. With a long history in the entertainment industry, he’s no stranger to the process and knows that not every film can be a blockbuster success. But Harry Potter provided a new layer of stress because of the millions of book fans who had already envisioned the Wizard World and all of the characters. I won’t speak for all of the fans, but this fan thinks everyone involved made an absolutely perfect series.

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Warner Brothers Entertainment has released Harry Potter Magical Movie Mode. With Magical Movie Mode, fans will discover filmmaking secrets, spell incantations, creatures, magical artifacts, trivia, and more in an enchanting collection of fun activities and curiosities. The entire Harry Potter series, along with Magical Movie Mode, is available to stream now on HBO Max.

20 years ago, the Harry Potter film series launched with Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, just four years after the original book by J.K. Rowling. Daniel Radcliffe was selected to play the Boy Who Lived on the big screen, and The Sorcerer’s Stone quickly catapulted him to worldwide fame. As it turns out though, director Chris Columbus initially had a difficult time securing Radcliffe to play Harry Potter.

In an extensive interview covering his time on Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Chris Columbus recalled how he first saw saw Daniel Radcliffe in the BBC’s David Copperfield miniseries, where he played a younger version of the eponymous protagonist. Despite Radcliffe only being in “two or three scenes,” Columbus immediately knew the boy was the right fit for Harry Potter, finding his onscreen presence “complex and interesting.” As such, Columbus requested a meeting with Radcliffe, only for The Sorcerer Stone’s casting director to tell him this:

That could have been the end of it, especially since Chris Columbus mentioned that Warner Bros was also looking at Tom Felton to play Harry Potter at the time. But Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone producer David Heyman wasn’t deterred by the casting director’s insistence that they not bother with Daniel Radcliffe. Instead, he went to see Radcliffe’s parents during an intermission at a West End performance, and the meeting went splendidly. As Columbus put it to THR:

As a bonus, Chris Columbus picking Daniel Radcliffe for the role was met with praise by J.K. Rowling, who described the actor as “the perfect Harry Potter.” All this was enough to convince Warner Bros to approve the casting, and a couple days later, it was announced in London that the cinematic Harry Potter had been selected, while previous contender Tom Felton was brought aboard as Draco Malfoy. The rest, as they say, is history, with Radcliffe going on to reprise Harry Potter in seven more movies.

Following Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Chris Columbus (whose other notable credits include Gremlins, Home Alone and Mrs. Doubtfire) returned to helm Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, but then he departed the franchise because he’d become “emotionally and physically exhausted” from working on the two movies. However, Columbus recently said he’d be game to direct a film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, the two-part play that takes place 19 years after The Deathly Hallows. While such a project isn’t in development, Daniel Radcliffe and his co-stars will soon be the right age to revisit their characters at that stage of their lives, although Radcliffe admitted back in 2018 that he probably wouldn’t see the play.

Nowadays, Daniel Radcliffe can be seen acting opposite Steve Buscemi in the TBS series Miracle Workers, and he’ll appear with Channing Tatum and Sandra Bullock next year in The Lost City. Those of you looking for some Wizarding World magic on the silver screen can find it in the Fantastic Beasts spinoff series, with the next installment, Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, coming out on April 15, 2022.

There’s really not much room to deny that we are in an age of reboots, revivals, and killer remakes as Hollywood brings new life into some seriously beloved films and franchises. While plenty of studios are taking advantage of this era, Harry Potter director Chris Columbus has some differing thoughts he has now shared about the phase Hollywood is in. The big name director, writer, and producer has some honest thoughts on why he is absolutely not interested in joining in on the remake game in the foreseeable future. 

In an interview with ReelBlend co-host Jake Hamilton, Chris Columbus talks about the possibility of the Harry Potter films being remade and even though he doesn’t know if it won’t happen, he doesn’t feel it is at all necessary. The director touches on how classic films should be left alone, and how he doesn’t feel as though there is any real need to remake iconic films other than not having more original material. Here it is in his own words:

Speaking of Home Alone, Chris Columbus was the director behind the original film and is obviously not a fan of it being rebooted this year. While there are no current plans to remake Wizard of Oz or Harry Potter, that certainly doesn’t mean that they are safe from Hollywood recreating them in the future, and Columbus surely would not be the only person to object if it were ever to happen. 

Chris Columbus directed the first two Harry Potter films, Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief, and acted as producer for The Help, all films that are based on best selling novels. While they are film adaptations and not remakes, you could argue that they aren’t exactly original ideas. However, Columbus had the overwhelming task of bringing those worlds to life from black and white pages - a responsibility not to be taken lightly, especially considering how extensive the Harry Potter fan base was and still is.

Chris Columbus also has an impressive resume of iconic original materials, both that he has written as well as directed, so he can definitely back his opinions about creativity and originality up with a solid history of successful projects. Even if you don’t count the phenomenal job he did directing Home Alone, he is the writer who brought us both The Goonies and Gremlins, two films that are a mainstay in a lot of households, particularly around the holidays. 

While he may not be down for directing any remakes anytime soon, apparently he isn’t against a revival or two. The Goonies 2 and Gremlins 3 have both been up in the air and trying to get footing for quite some time, with Chris Columbus on board for writing both. In the meantime, much to the OG director’s dismay, Home Sweet Home Alone will be released to Disney+ this Friday just in time to stream some cheer for this year’s holiday season.

The Harry Potter franchise has been entertaining audiences for decades, starting with J.K. Rowling’s novels and then expanding to the wildly popular eight-movie film franchise. Director Chris Columbus helmed the first two installments of the Wizarding World, helping to make actors like Daniel Radcliffe stars in the process. It turns out that he wants to helm Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, so could a full reunion actually happen?

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is set of stage plays that serve as a sequel to the original series. We catch up with the Boy Who Lived in his adulthood, with the story largely focused on his and Draco Malfoy’s sons. It turns out that Chris Columbus is interested in directing a film adaptation, which sounds like the perfect opportunity to bring back the entire company. As he recently put it,

Well, my mind is blown. While there’s currently no plans for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child to become a movie, it does seem like somewhat of an inevitability. And hopefully Chris Columbus’ interest in directing and the original cast's natural aging results in the stars aligning.

Chris Columbus’ comments to Variety come from a piece about the 20th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Eventually the conversation turned to the stage sequel, and his clear interest in being the one to adapt it for film. What’s more, he seemingly wants to bring back original cast members like Emma Watson and Rupert Grint.

Ever since Harry Potter and the Cursed Child was released back in 2016, fans have been eager to see the time-traveling story on the big screen. The original Harry Potter cast is regularly asked about their interest in returning to reprise their roles, to varying degrees of enthusiasm. But could reuniting with Chris Columbus behind the camera be the kind of detail that might encourage the group of Hogwarts alums to return to the Wizarding World?

As previously mentioned, a number of Harry Potter cast members have been asked about their interest in possibly reprising their roles for a Cursed Child movie. Draco Malfoy actor Tom Felton doesn’t seem convinced it’ll happen, while Rupert Grint seems open to the idea. As for Daniel Radcliffe himself, he didn’t even have an interest in seeing the stage plays live. Still, fans will be holding out hope that Chris Columbus’ interest is a potential game changer.

The Wizarding World continues to grow with the Fantastic Beasts franchise, with the upcoming threequel The Secrets of Dumbledore expected to hit theaters on April 15th, 2022. In the meantime, check out the 2021 movie release dates to plan your next movie experience.

The Harry Potter series is one of the biggest and most successful film franchises ever, and it still holds a major place in pop culture. Interestingly, there are a ton of stories about how different actors were supposed to be in the movies as well as what-ifs on casting, and they are all interesting. And now, apparently, it seems the late Robin Williams was initially pegged to play a significant character in the series but, ultimately, things went in a different direction. Just recently, director Chris Columbus revealed why Williams wasn't chosen for the role.

Chris Columbus directed the first two installments in the franchise, Sorcerer's Stone and Chamber of Secrets. The filmmaker recently sat down with our sister site Total Film and revealed that Robin Williams was considered to play the role of Remus Lupin in Prisoner of Azkaban. But despite the actor's interest and the fact that he and Columbus previously worked together on Mrs. Doubtfire, the producers turned him down for a very specific reason:

So the beloved actor didn’t get the role because it was an all-British affair. Though the star was American, he would have played a great Remus Lupin. The character is a professor who inspires Harry and forms a bond with the young man, yet Lupin also hid a dark secret and a tortured past. Such a role would've been a pretty big change-up for the late actor, but I really think he could've pulled it off.

It’s fun to think about a world where Robin Williams was in the Harry Potter movies, and he certainly could've brought an interesting spin on the character. Still, David Thewlis ultimately did an incredible job in the role. While the films sometimes seem to be hopping from one streamer to another, they're now back on HBO Max, so you can see what Thewlis did with the role, thanks to the streamer.

There are always rumors of more HP movies being on the horizon. Whether it’s new installments that chronologically follow the previous films or even spinoffs, there are plenty of possibilities for the franchise’s future. Of course, the Fantastic Beasts franchise is still going, and it's set to introduce some major developments to the Wizarding World before it's done.

Fantastic Beasts 3 finally has a name and a release date and, after the long wait, it'll be interesting to see how the new project is received by fans. And there are still plenty of questions that need to be answered. The flick will explore Dumbledore and his many secrets, and believe me when I tell you that there are some major mysteries that need to be explored. 

While we'll likely continue to wonder what Robin Williams could've added to the franchise, I'm sure we can look forward to seeing other unique stars join the Harry Potter universe in the years to come. And as we've seen from Fantastic Beasts, the doors are thankfully now open for American actors to join the magical fun.

It's always sad when somebody great that so many people admire passes away, but if there's anything that lessens the blow, it's hearing people talk about how much the dear departed meant to so many. That makes the passing of the great Richard Donner, the director of Superman, The Goonies, and the Lethal Weapon franchise, among so many others, a little easier to accept. It seems that every voice in Hollywood is speaking right now about how much they admired him, whether or not they ever worked with him.

Richard Donner died on Monday, July 5 at the age of 91. After directing primarily in television throughout the 1960s, Donner directed The Omen in 1976 and from there moved on to direct Christopher Reeve in Superman, a movie that would have lasting implications on Hollywood in ways that certainly nobody could have conceived of at the time. Among those paying tribute to Donner was the man who took up the mantle of Superman behind the camera, Zack Snyder.

While Richard Donner would make his name directing movies on the big screen, Donner got started in television and he would occasionally return there, directing episodes of Tales From the Crypt as late as 1992. He directed a lot of westerns, like The Rifleman and Have Gun, Will Travel, but he also directed several episodes of Rod Serling's original Twilight Zone, including many of its best known episodes. In 1962 he would direct Nightmare at 20,000 Feet, starring a then largely unknown William Shatner.

William Shatner wouldn't be the only major name that Richard Donner would work with before they were a household name. Star Wars star Mark Hamill joined the chorus of those remembering Richard Donner, as he also worked with the director, on a made-for-TV morality tale called Sarah T. - Portrait of a Teenage Alcoholic. Donner would go on to make The Omen afterwards, while Hamill would make Star Wars a couple years later.

While Superman and its sequel would be the superhero movies Richard Donner will forever be known for, they certainly weren't the only ones he would actually be involved with. Donner and his wife Lauren Shuler Donner would produce the original X-Men movie in 2000 as well as X-Men Origins: Wolverine in 2009. Hugh Jackman also posted his feelings, sending love to Donner's widow and remembering the director's love for rescuing dogs.

That first X-Men movie would also be a major movie for a man who would become an iconic producer in his own right. Kevin Feige's career with Marvel movies would begin with X-Men where he worked with the Donners. However, his connection to them predates even that, as Feige worked as an assistant to Lauren Shuler Donner for a time in the late 1990s.

If there's a movie even bigger than Superman in Richard Donner's career it has to be The Goonies. The film is something of a rite of passage and a film that it seems nearly every young person sees at one point growing up. The script would be one of the first films made from the work of a young Chris Columbus, who credits working with Donner on that film for teaching him how to work with writers after Columbus himself would become a director.

The cast of The Goonies have also reacted to the loss of their director. Sean Astin remembered what it was like working with the man at the age of 12, while Josh Brolin recalled what he called Donner's "perpetual awe."

Certainly, for a man who was part of so many iconic movies, Richard Donner was an inspiration for a host of future directors. One of those is Wonder Woman's Patty Jenkins, who knew Donner personally, but was just in awe of him professionally, considering he put together an impressive body of work in a remarkably short period of time.

For many the legacy of Richard Donner will be a man who could fly. For others it will be a childhood adventure, but it all started with an iconic horror movie, and for Scott Derrickson, it all started with a kid's terrifying smile.

Whether you love horror movies, superhero movies, action movies or family films, Richard Donner left his mark on all of them. The man may be gone, but his work will live on after him, likely inspiring future generations to follow in his footsteps.

In the decades since its release, Mrs. Doubtfire has become a beloved family dramedy, thanks in large part to the leading performance of Robin Williams and the direction of Chris Columbus. So it’s not surprising that fans became anxious when rumors recently began to claim that an NC-17 cut of the film existed. Now, Columbus himself has responded to the rumors, and his answer may surprise you.

A recent viral tweet alleged that there are four cuts of Mrs. Doubtfire in existence, ranging in ratings from PG to NC-17. Sometime before this tweet began making the rounds, film co-star Mara Wilson also mentioned the possibility of multiple cuts but could not confirm the existence of an NC-17-rated one. Many attribute the theorized existence of this alleged cut to the improvisation of the late Robin Williams, who is said to have tried a number of things across different takes.

After hearing the rumors of the cut, Chris Columbus provided a bit of clarity when it came to Robin Williams’ work. The director explained that he and the late, great star came to an understanding of sorts in regard to his tendency to improvise:

So it would seem that Robin Williams did indeed have quite a bit of range to try things out while working on Mrs. Doubtfire. But did this necessarily lead to an NC-17 cut? Chris Columbus further explained to EW:

Well, that’s one rumor that can finally be put to rest yet, even though an NC-17 cut doesn’t actually exist, an R-rated version of Mrs. Doubtfire would still be interesting to see. Given Robin Williams’ comedic sensibilities, one can only imagine what such a version could have looked like.

Nevertheless, one of Mrs. Doubtfire’s strengths is that it really manages to strike a nice balance between family comedy and edgy humor. Such an approach can be tricky for many creatives, so Chris Columbus definitely deserves a lot of credit.

The chances of an R-rated Mrs. Doubtfire being released are quite slim, but stranger things have certainly happened. We did just get an extended, R-rated Justice League movie after all.

If you’d like to revisit the Robin Williams classic, you can stream Mrs. Doubtfire on HBO Max now.

J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter franchise has been entertaining audiences for decades, and is showing no signs of slowing down. The property continues to expand with theme parks, stage plays, and the Fantastic Beasts movies. Director Chris Columbus helped to kickstart the Harry Potter films, directing the first two installments and going on to serve as a producer for the third. And while he originally wanted to return to helm the two-part Deathly Hallows films, Columbus recently explained why he's glad this didn't work out.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was split into two movies to end the eight-part film franchise. They arrived in theaters 2010 and 2011 respectively, and ended the story in an epic way. Chris Columbus wanted to direct the pair of blockbusters himself, but recently explained why he's glad that Fantastic Beasts director David Yates stayed on board for those movies. As Columbus put it,

Sometimes things work out the way they're meant to. At least that's what Chris Columbus seems to think when it comes to the Harry Potter franchise. Because as much as he would have liked to finish the franchise that he began, David Yates' work, particularly on Deathly Hallows - Part 2. And fans would likely admit that he's got a point.

Chris Columbus' comments to Collider helps to peel back the curtain on the beloved Harry Potter film franchise. Warner Bros. has made a ton of money by adapting J.K. Rowlings for the big screen, and has been praised for staying largely close to the source material. The pressure was on to deliver an appropriate sendoff for The Deathly Hallows, and luckily David Yates was given two different movies to tell that story.

The two Deathly Hallows movies felt and looked quite different from each other. Part 1's pace was slowed down, and largely focused on the trio of heroes during their isolation and time spent hunting horcruxes. It featured a stunning animated sequence, and was one of the most immersive installment in the property.

As for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2, the Battle of Hogwarts played out almost in real time, with David Yates pivoting between a variety of different characters during its epic conclusion. Plus, Voldemort got dusted before Thanos made it cool in Avengers: Endgame. Chris Columbus was clearly taken with that movie in particular, which helped put context into the disappointment not returning to the directors' chair.

David Yates continues to expand the Wizarding World, as he's directing the five-part Fantastic Beasts franchise. With J.K. Rowling writing the screenplays herself, the narrative will give background to beloved characters like Dumbledore. The third movie is currently in production, although the role of Grindelwald will be recast after Johnny Depp was asked to step down.

Fantastic Beasts 3 is currently expected to arrive in theaters on July 15th, 2022. In the meantime, check out our 2021 release list to plan your trips to the movies in the New Year.

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The 1990 family classic Home Alone is part of many families' yearly holiday viewing, with Kevin McCallister's hijinks passed down among generations. And as a result of nostalgia's ongoing power in the entertainment industry, the movie is getting an upcoming reboot on Disney+. Said reboot boasts a strong cast including Ellie Kemper and Kenan Thompson, but original director Chris Columbus has some strong feelings about that upcoming streaming release.

Chris Columbus has had a long and successful career in film, including projects like the Harry Potter movies and Mrs. Doubtfire. His pair of Home Alone movies have been watched countless times and adopted as modern Christmas classics. The property is returning thanks to the upcoming reboot on Disney+, and Columbus shared his thoughts about that project, saying:

Well, that was honest. It looks like Chris Columbus isn't a fan of the recent rend of rebooting properties and cashing in on those nostalgic feels. This includes traditional remakes, as well as live-action adaptations like Disney's The Lion King. Clearly the RENT director is a bit tiffed by the House of Mouse as of late.

Chris Columbus' blunt comments come from his recent interview with Insider on the Home Alone's whopping 30th anniversary. While celebrating the comedy's legacy and continued place in pop culture, the conversation eventually turned to the reboot that's being filmed for Disney+. And he's not happy about this mysterious project, which will reportedly feature a cameo from Macaulay Culkin himself.

The original Home Alone movies are currently streaming on Disney+, which will be the eventual home of the remake. You can use this link to sign up for the streaming service.

Nostalgia has proven itself to be a powerful trend in the entertainment world, with countless TV and movie projects bringing back beloved properties as a result. We've seen iconic '90s properties like Jumanji, Scream, and The Matrix all returning to theaters to bring that decade's best back to life. Home Alone is just the latest of these projects, which will also hopefully inspire some new subscribers to shell out the cash for Disney+. Especially if the movies features an appearance by Kevin himself.

Clearly Chris Columbus wasn't involved in the new version of Home Alone, although OG writer Jonathan Hughes will be credited for starting the franchise back in 1990. The movie's plot remains a mystery, but it will be directed by frequent Sasha Baron Cohen collaborator Dan Mazer from a script written by SNL's Mikey Day and Streeter Seidell.

The new Home Alone movie doesn't currently have a release date, but will eventually arrive thanks to Disney+. Be sure to check out our 2020 release list to plan your next movie experience.

When The Christmas Chronicles dropped on Netflix back in 2018, no one could have predicted how big of a hit the original film would become. Quicker than you could say, “jingle bells,” the movie became a surprising success, putting Kurt Russell’s Santa into the hearts and minds of movie fans everywhere. A sequel was bound to happen, and The Christmas Chronicles 2 was greenlit in the hopes that it would continue to spur a potential holiday tradition for the streaming service. Get ready for an early Christmas gift, because the Chris Columbus-directed follow-up delivers.

The Christmas Chronicles 2 picks up a couple years after the first adventure saw Kate (Darby Camp) and Teddy Pierce (Judah Lewis) save Christmas around the world. This time, the action starts on a tropical vacation, with their mother Claire (Kimberly Williams-Paisley) starting to move on in her life with a new boyfriend Bob (Tyrese Gibson.) It doesn’t take long for things to go polar though, as Kate and Bob’s son, Jack (Jazhir Bruno), are soon transported to the North Pole. As the pair link up with Santa (Kurt Russell) and Mrs. Claus (Goldie Hawn), we’re treated to even more of The Christmas Chronicles’ blend of holiday history and myth, with the fate of the season once again being threatened, this time by a shadowy presence (Julian Dennison).

The Christmas Chronicles 2 doesn’t waste time getting back to business, with some slight twists and turns.

Just as The Christmas Chronicles had achieved before it, The Christmas Chronicles 2 takes elements from Christmas movies and legends known worldwide and spins them into a wildly exciting package. While it’s not totally required to understand what’s going on in this new sequel, it’s definitely suggested that audiences refamiliarize themselves with the first entry in The Christmas Chronicles before digging into part two. The big reason for that is the fact that co-writer/director Chris Columbus’ follow-up wastes no time getting back to business, introducing the villainy of Julian Dennison’s Belsnickel right in the opening.

The Christmas Chronicles 2 doesn’t reinvent the wheel, staying firmly on the same sort of track that its predecessor laid out. It’s an advantageous decision, as in the world of streaming there’s a good chance this sequel will either be double billed by newcomers, or eagerly devoured by hardcore fans. In either scenario, the backstory doesn’t get in the way of the new story material, which is best considering a huge new character gets to join in on the fun.

Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn are absolutely magical together.

Even in the simple cameo that Goldie Hawn shared with Kurt Russell at the end of The Christmas Chronicles, their legendary chemistry shined like the Christmas Star that powers the North Pole. Now in The Christmas Chronicles 2 Hawn’s return as Mrs. Claus is one of the aspects that truly seizes the opportunity given to a potential franchise. In addition to bringing new dimensions to the classic holiday figurehead, seeing Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell acting together for the first time since 1987’s Overboard shows just how magical their collective talents are.

In fact, the entire cast of The Christmas Chronicles 2, both returning and debuting, make for a very cohesive whole. Franchise newcomers Jazhir Bruno and Tyrese Gibson are fantastic additions to the family drama subplot, and their father/son dynamic takes hold from their introduction. Mixing it up with legacy cast members like Darby Camp and Kimberly Williams-Paisley, this potentially expanded family makes for new challenges, and even sweeter resolutions. Binding it all together is Julian Dennison’s baddie, who makes for an interesting twist on some old Christmas magic, giving the young actor some new ground to tread.

Upholding the spirit of the previous installment, The Christmas Chronicles 2 gives fans and newcomers another memorable holiday treat.

If you’re not on board with the holiday shenanigans that the franchise has already put into the world, The Christmas Chronicles 2 should help you make up for lost time. Chris Columbus and his talented cast of actors have put together something really heartfelt, and it deserves to continue as a Christmas tradition for years to come. The efforts of this sequel hit even harder and more effectively in a 2020 sort of atmosphere, as the professional and focused effort to give audiences a Santa story they can escape into is all the more appreciated in the current film market.

Without an ironic bone in its body, but also lacking in the typical manufactured saccharine that could push it into the other direction, The Christmas Chronicles 2 offers more of the family friendly joy that made its predecessor such a hit. The future of this series is looking merry and bright, and with Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell riding in the proverbial sleigh together it's enough to make true believers out of anyone. Netflix may have found its greatest Christmas wish come true, with this signature holiday franchise in fine and fighting form.

These days it’s just about impossible to make it into the new year without returning to 1990’s Home Alone with a young Macaulay Culkin, unless you’re somehow Robert De Niro (and in that case, Hi Bob, I love your work, can I call you Bob?) Chris Columbus’ family film is one of the most beloved Christmas movies of all time, but, with this gift, also comes with the curse of imitation. And lo and behold, Home Alone is not only set for a Disney+ remake but will reportedly also get a spiritual sequel from Ryan Reynolds called Stoned Alone.

Back in 2018, it was announced that Ryan Reynolds was producing a holiday movie for adults, which plays with the concept of Home Alone when a stoned adult stays home for Christmas only to find out he’ll have to stop thieves from breaking into his home while he’s incredibly high. Someone call Seth Rogen stat! Sadly, Home Alone director Chris Columbus is not a fan of the idea at all. In his words:

Oops! Knowing Ryan Reynolds, he’d slap that quote right on the trailer for Stoned Alone for giggles but, even so, this is a harsh statement about the developing Home Alone parody. However, it should be noted that since Stoned Alone was announced, there has not been another movement for the film. Reynolds has been busy starring in just about everything, between the yet-to-be-released Free Guy, Red Notice with Dwayne Johnson and Gal Gadot and The Hitman’s Bodyguard with Samuel L. Jackson among many others.

After Chris Columbus made Home Alone, he returned to make the1992 sequel, Home Alone 2: Lost In New York, but he wasn't involved with any later Home Alone movies. There are technically three other movies in the franchise, but they’ve never measured up to his original films with Macaulay Culkin. Columbus continued to explain his distaste for another Home Alone to The Independent:

It’s not a bad note for Hollywood. But the truth of the matter is the industry does not know how to leave movies with massive name recognition alone. And in many cases, remakes, at the very least, make good money. At some point, Disney+ will release that Home Alone remake, which stars starring Ellie Kemper, Rob Delaney and Jojo Rabbit’s Archie Yates as the home alone-r.

Ryan Reynolds’ Stoned Alone sounds like a fun spin on a lovable movie for a new audience. As far as Disney’s version, we’ll have to wait and see how things pan out when it drops on the streaming service. Columbus’ next film is Christmas Chronicles 2, which is coming to Netflix on November 25.

It's a simple exercise in deductive reasoning. If the evil, lizard-like gremlins that terrorize innocents in the first two Gremlins movies spawn from the harmless and adorable Gizmo -- first because you got him wet, and later because you fed these creatures after midnight -- then wouldn't it make sense that in order to eliminate the potential of these animals returning you would kill Gizmo and rid the world of this threat?

This apparently will be a question answered in Gremlins 3, a sequel that we didn't even know was being developed, and yet, here we are. Writer/director/producer Chris Columbus spoke with /Film about Patti Cakes, an indie that he helped finance, and the topic turned to his Gremlins 3 treatment. When asked if eliminating Gizmo would eliminate some of the problems in the gremlin universe, Columbus admits that this issues "comes up" in his sequel, commending the website for tracing the root of all evil to the cute creature pictured above.

In elaborating on his script for Gremlins 3, Chris Columbus states:

There have been two Gremlins movies, the original (a sweetly sinister Christmas thriller in 1984) and its sequel (a bizarre, high-concept failure that hit in 1990). They're both so wildly different in tone and execution that a third movie could have gone in any direction and fans, at the very least, would have remained curious. Back in 1984, Gremlins looked like this:

Chris Columbus assures /Film that the third movie will continue to rely on puppetry to bring its creatures to life, though minimal CGI will be employed to assist the technique so it looks more contemporary (even though, for 1984, the Gremlins puppetry looks pretty damn great). So, let's weigh in. Would you want to see a Gremlins 3 where adorable Gizmo had to pay for the sins of his unplanned creations by being the sacrificial lamb? Maybe the plot is driven by a need to protect Gizmo after some radical group determines that he's the ground-zero test case for the gremlin outbursts? We shall see.

Gremlins 3 is in development at Warner Bros., a studio experiencing horror success with its Conjuring universe, and the upcoming IT. Maybe a return to Gremlins-ville is just what this studio needs?

For the younger generation, there is basically no franchise as iconic and far reaching as Harry Potter. Starting with the insanely popular seven novels by J.K. Rowling and eventually spanning 8 blockbusters, tons of video games, and a few theme parks, Harry's journey through the wizarding world has a way to captivate audiences. And because so many twenty somethings grew up with Harry Potter, the fandom is invested in basically every setting and character. So when certain moments were left on the cutting room floor, the rabid fanbase was set into a frenzy. And apparently, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone director Chris Columbus was no different.

Chris Columbus, who directed the first two movies in the Harry Potter franchise, recently opened up to Entertainment Weekly about the process of directing Sorcerer's Stone. He eventually revealed that Hogwarts ghost/prankster Peeves was originally supposed to be in the first movie but was cut, much to his chagrin. Peeves is actually Columbus' favorite character, but he explained:

Well, that sucks.

Peeves' inclusion in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone would have helped flesh out the world of Hogwarts, although we did get to see some of the other famous ghosts; John Cleese did a cameo as Nearly Headless Nick, and we got glimpses of the Fat Friar and Bloody Baron. But it appears that Peeves was cut because he would be entirely CGI, rather than an actor performing and then manipulated with visual effects.

Peeves being cut from Sorcerer's Stone is just one of many examples that adapting the long and detailed Harry Potter novels for film is no easy feat. J.K. Rowling created a fleshed out and expansive world, and it's just not plausible that all of the nuanced and unique moments could make it onto the silver screen. While understandable, this served to ruin some of the more dramatic moments in the franchise. For instance, Dobby the house elf was only on screen in Chamber of Secrets and right before his death in The Deathly Hollows Part 1. His death in the movies had no emotional impact for moviegoers or casual audiences they could have easily forgotten about Dobby in the many years between his appearances. Conversely, Dobby was present in every novel since his introduction, making the character death devastating for fans of the novels.

Chris Columbus did say that early version of Peeves exists somewhere, so it should be interesting to see if the fandom demands the footage. Peeves is one of the more dynamic Hogwarts ghosts, and one that was surely missed on the silver screen.

Are you bummed Peeves wasn't in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone? Sound off in the comments below.

More Gremlins movies are coming because Hollywood loves its damn franchises. Rumors about the project have persisted for quite some time, as well as the possibility that it may be a reboot or a remake of the 1984 cult classic horror-comedy. However, now it seems that the filmmakers are not so eager to ignore the continuity of the previous Gremlins.

GamesRader reports that, while attending a screening of Gremlins in London, star Zach Galligan indicated that Gremlins 3 would take inspiration from an unlikely source, Jurassic World. He said:

This essentially means that rather than going back and retelling the story of the original Gremlins movie – or retelling it in a modern way – Gremlins 3 will pick up where the other films left off. Using such a method worked incredibly well for Universal’s Jurassic World this past summer. Rather than tell another story about scientists trapped on a soon to be opened island, the story instead opted return to the Jurassic Park universe and directly address and build upon the events of the previous films.

Doing this keeps the door open for classic characters to still show up, whilst ensuring that future films do not find themselves beholden to any specific characters or continuity. The last decade has seen an explosion in the number of reboots and remakes produced by Hollywood studios. This technique allows directors to take old story concepts – many of which have come from the horror genre – and apply a modern sheen so they can be resold to audiences. However, the concept of remakes has become somewhat stale for audiences, and studios are instead opting to return to original continuities with sequels, but keep their distance so as to take a franchise in a different direction.

Galligan elaborated further to explain that because of this creative choice, it remains unclear about whether or not he will be in the new film at all. Because it is not a reboot, his character and the events that occurred around him still exist within the Gremlins continuity. However, because the story is picking up decades after the first two films, the story may have shifted away from Galligan and his character, Billy Peltzer.

It’s also worth noting that the approach Galligan mentioned has been neither confirmed nor denied at this early stage of development. This could just be an idea someone kicked around. So, while we look forward to Gremlins 3, we will bring you all the latest and greatest news associated with the project as it becomes available.

In news that will shock no one, but relieve all, director Chris Columbus confirmed beyond all doubt that Mrs. Doubtfire 2 will never happen now that Robin Williams has passed away. Columbus also revealed that he held discussions with the iconic comedian about reprising his role, a conversation that actually took place over the better part of a decade.

Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, via Time, Columbus confirmed that Mrs. Doubtfire 2 will never, ever happen, because not only to does the studio not want to go near it now that Robin Williams is dead, but neither do the filmmaker or the audience. Columbus emphatically declared:

But how close did Robin Williams and Chris Columbus actually come to moving ahead with Mrs. Doubtfire 2? Well, it turns out, really, really close. Columbus, who made his name directing Home Alone, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, and most recently, Pixels, as well as Mrs Doubtfire, admitted that he talked to Williams constantly about returning to the character.

The pair originally started chatting about the sequel in the early 2000s. However, they could never agree on a concept, and were only prepared to move forward with a follow-up to the much-loved comedy if it could match the original. But their attention was grabbed by a “really interesting idea,” which even convinced the duo to “develop a script.”

That was just over a year ago. And, unfortunately, Robin Williams took his own life, on August 11, 2014, shortly after. Columbus even admitted:

It’s obviously still an incredibly sensitive and emotional topic for Columbus. When asked to provide a hint of the story that galvanised his and Robin Williams’ interest in Mrs. Doubtfire again, the filmmaker remarked that it is still too delicate and painful to talk about at this point. 

In a career stacked with comedic and dramatic highlights, Mrs. Doubtfire is arguably Robin Williams’ most iconic role. That's because it perfectly showcases his wide array of talents. Not only does he handle the emotional and poignant moments of the film with a subtle grace that most dramatic actors could only dream of acquiring, but he’s also relentlessly funny and able to weave in and out of his dual characters seamlessly, not just without disrupting the rhythm of the film but by adding laughs, too.

Want to remember how good he was? Then take a gander below. 

Sadly, Robin Williams died on August 11, 2014. Williams truly was a unqiue talent, the likes of which we'll never see again. And while his passing was criminally too soon, he left us with a lifetimes worth of joyous memories. 

Virtually everyobody of a certian generation remembers the 1987 hit Adventures in Babysitting fondly. One of it’s best-remembered scenes is one is the one in which Thor-obsessed child Sara (Maia Brewton) believes the mechanic fixing their car is, in fact, the Asgardian god. But why is the little girl so into Thor? Turns out it’s because director Chris Columbus had no idea who He-Man and She-Ra were.

Speaking with Yahoo Movies, Columbus talked about his directorial debut and how he’d never even heard of He-Man and She-Ra, the characters that Sara was supposed to be in love with. He said:

We have to fault Columbus here for a lack of research on this one. While He-Man and She-Ra may not have been household names among adults, She-Ra: Princess of Power was still running new episodes in 1987, and both cartoons were heavily syndicated on weekday afternoons. In addition, the Dolph Lundgren Masters of the Universe film had to have been in production around the same time as Babysitting, as it was released in theaters a month later. Although, because that’s the case, they may have actually had trouble getting the rights to use He-man anyway. In the end, Thor was probably a better choice. Even if you're not familiar with the Marvel comics version of the character, everybody knows the name, and can infer the rest.

The young Thor lookalike, named Dawson in the film, was played by a young, and surprisingly full of hair (wig?), Vincent D’Onofrio. No, seriously, check it out.

With a different hairstyle, he could probably have pulled off a He-Man look equally as well. Actually, now we’re wondering if Masters of the Universe would have been a better movie with D'Onofrio in the starring role. No, there was no saving that one.

Thor would, of course, have to wait a couple of decades before getting a proper film of his own, while D’Onofrio has taken up residence in another part of the Marvel universe. We’re still waiting for a decent He-Man or She-Ra movie. Seriously Hollywood, get on that.

One of the factors that helps make Pixels such an entertaining movie is the fact that Josh Gad steals a lot of the scenes he's in. But there was one in particular where he pushed the patience of director Chris Columbus, which you can learn about by watching my interview with Gad below.

The scene in question happens in the later half of the first act. Adam Sandler’s Sam Brenner and Josh Gad’s Ludlow Lamansoff have been whisked off to a military facility where they’ve been hired to brief and train a group of Navy Seals on how to fight their video game nemeses. Trying to overcome a case of stage fright in front of the U.S. Military, Ludlow overcompensates just a little bit, yielding an over-the-top moment of humor that makes for one of the film’s best comedic hits.

With a moment such as this in a film like Pixels, it’s almost guaranteed that there’s a lot of improv involved, which in turn guarantees a lot of takes being filmed in order to offer the editor and director options on which version to ultimately use. However, the risk you run is having one too many takes on your plate. Judging by Josh Gad’s remarks on filming the sequence, that’s just what happened on set that day, which didn’t go over well with Pixels director Chris Columbus. Gad’s take away from this scenario was the following:

The wrath of the director aside, Gad had a lot of fun filming this scene, and apparently so did his co-stars, as he mentioned the fact that there was a lot of laughter to be had on this particular day. Not only did Gad expect this, but reveled in the fact that he got to go all-out while his co-stars had to keep their acts together, as evidenced by his statement below:

The antics of Josh Gad have undoubtedly generated a gag reel that’s worth more than the price of admission, and if we’re lucky we’ll get to see it when the film reaches home video. This is, of course, on top of the already funny finished product that is Pixels. Being tasked with playing one of the nuttier characters in the film’s well stocked cast, Gad gets a couple really good one liners that make up the unique personality a film like Pixels has. You’ll get to see Gad’s stand out performance in Pixels this Friday when the film opens nationwide.

Will we ever see a sequel to the Harry Potter movies hit theaters? Director Chris Columbus would like to make it happen. The man who helmed the first two Harry Potter films recently discussed his interest in making another Harry Potter movie - specifically, a sequel that focuses on what happens to Harry, Ron and Hermione in the years after Harry faced off with Voldemort.

Chris Columbus made the comments during an interview with Entertainment Weekly Radio, specifying his interest in directing a sequel to the Harry Potter films, as opposed to being involved in the Harry Potter adjacent spinoff/prequel-ish Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

Chris Columbus is certainly not alone in wanting to know more details about what became of Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger during the years between the Battle of Hogwarts and the 19-years-later epilogue, which shows them bringing their children to Platform 9 3/4 to board the Hogwarts Express.

Beyond what the epilogue tells us about the lead characters' post-Hogwarts fate, the closest thing we've gotten to a followup may be the article Rowling posted at Pottermore, which was written from the perspective of the gossipy character, Rita Skeeter. It offered some vague and potentially embellished updates on some of the main characters. (Set within the timeline of the books, the Pottermore article was set a few years ahead of the 2017-set 19-years-later time period.)

While many fans would likely love to hear word of a sequel to the Harry Potter films, I'm sure most, if not all, would prefer it if the story were being written -- or at the very least, developed by -- J.K. Rowling herself. From what Columbus told EW, it sounds like he hasn't been able to muster the courage to bring up the topic to Rowling just yet, due to his high level of respect for the author.

Wouldn't we all!

But again, if a sequel is made, it should be canon. I know I'd be a lot less enthused about a Harry Potter sequel if J.K. Rowling weren't directly involved in the story.

In the case of the other Harry Potter offshoots in the works, Rowling is involved in the writing. For Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them, which is set seventy years before Harry Potter and centers on the author of the titular book, Newt Scamander, Rowling has penned the screenplay. And for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, the non-prequel stage play that's in development, J.K. Rowling did not write the script (Jack Thorne did), but she has confirmed that the story is to be considered canon.

It's unlikely that the appetite for Harry Potter has died down much since the last film hit theaters, but we'll know one way or another next year when Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them hits theaters (November 18, 2016). In the meantime, those of us who are eager for more details about the Harry Potter characters can continue enjoying J.K. Rowling's Tweets, not to mention the updates that have been posted over at the official Harry Potter (book) site, Pottermore.com.

In the upcoming movie Pixels, a show-stopping face off between Adam Sandler and his band of Arcaders and the film’s big bad boss, in the form of Donkey Kong, is the set piece to beat. As I found out while sitting down with the cast, as well as director Chris Columbus, I learned more about just how this sequence was brought to life. Check out the exclusive video below for more info.

The most interesting thing about Chris Columbus’ decision to build the entire Donkey Kong set, ladders and all, is that it helps to enhance the reality of the world Pixels inhabits. Up until that point in the film, we’ve seen these characters interact with our world, but to really drive the point home we get to see members of the human race cross over to the other side. The result is a spectacular set piece that Columbus admits could have almost been a completely digital fabrication. He said:

Considering Chris Columbus comes from the last decades of filmmaking that relied on practical effects, while seeing the exponential evolution of digital effects, it’s no surprise that his approach was a more hands-on strategy. His decision pays off, as when I saw the members of the Pixels cast running around, wielding hammers, and hanging off of steel girders, it was actually believable. This not only helps sell the reality of the sequence to the viewer, but it also helped sell the cast on the moment they were trying to convey, as other members of the cast confirmed.

In addition to confirming that filming the Donkey Kong scene was as massive an endeavor as it looked, Kevin James and Michelle Monaghan gave some insight into what the set was like during the shoot, as well as massive praise to Chris Columbus for his direction of such an effects heavy sequence. James said:

Monaghan added:

The tennis balls Michelle Monaghan references are, of course, the traditional placeholders for effects that will be added digitally in post production, so hearing her make the connection of the massive Donkey Kong being represented by a respectively tiny tennis ball was funny as well as informative. Though James took the cake, as a gag about him replacing his whole family with tennis balls as practice was peppered into the production notes distributed to the press.

So how did the final sequence turn out? Well, besides seeing it for yourself when Pixels opens, you can take Josh Gad’s word for how awesome the sequence was, as he visited the set and got an eyeful of action. He said:

If words still aren’t enough to sell you, then you can take a look at a video that Columbus himself shared on Instagram during the sound mixing process a couple of months ago.

The amount of craft and skill that went into the production of Pixels will surprise even those who are still skeptical of the film, because for a movie that seemed like an easy write off when it was announced, it's an entertaining ride. We’ll discuss this further in our full review, but for now we’ll say that at the very least Pixels impresses with a hell of a Donkey Kong showdown as its finale.

Pixels opens this Friday in theaters nationwide, but you won’t have to wait that long for more Pixels action as we’ve got more from this weekend’s media event, as well as a review of the film and its 3D treatment, forthcoming.

Whether you’re a casual gamer, or someone who goes hard in the paint on a daily basis through the Playstation Network, there are always two games that every person who ever held a controller will remember. Those two beacons are the one you’re really good at and the one that you suck at, and the cast and director of Pixels recount the ones that stumped them in our exclusive video below.

Pixels makes a big deal about the games that Adam Sandler’s character, Sam Brenner, was really good at, and the ones that he was terrible at. After all, his character did participate in an Arcade Championship during his childhood years, so the eventual outcome of that event makes him think long and hard over the years about his rather unfortunate lack of Donkey Kong skills. In real life, though, Sandler was stymied by another one of the film’s boss characters. He said:

The one game Adam Sandler credits himself with being a champion at is Pong, and he went on to recall how he was the guy to beat back in his home town. Co-star and compatriot Kevin James has a similarly limited range, and has problems playing anything other than his favorite arcade game. He readily admitted:

For those of you wondering what Superbug is, you’re not alone, as it was a game that didn’t really take off. Still, only a true gamer would champion that one game that stuck with them, no matter how obscure, and the history lesson below is dedicated to James’ undying fandom to this classic game.

Not everyone was focused on classic games though, as Pixels co-star Josh Gad has a more modern nuisance when it comes to gaming mastery. He said:

Though Gad did represent the classics by mentioning the classic Nintendo game Contra as his old school Achilles Heel, it’s the Arkham games that really confound him. This lead him to coin a term "tourist game," which aptly describes any game that confuses the gamer so much that they feel like a tourist in the confines of the play space. The best part about that was that Josh Gad proceeded to expand on how a Ben Affleck film about Batman getting lost in Gotham City would be an interesting idea. Rocksteady Games, if you want to press your luck and bring the Dark Knight back for one more ride, consider yourselves pitched.

Much like Adam Sandler before them, both director Chris Columbus and Michelle Monaghan have found themselves on the losing end of the games that comprise of the film’s various bosses. Monaghan found Centipede especially taxing as it supposedly gave her a lot of anxiety. Looking at how the old school games were programmed, particularly a game like Centipede, where it’s about stopping an enemy before it can advance, it’s no surprise that a bit of urgency and panic would creep into the standard game play. But perhaps the most interesting gaming foe was that of Columbus, who served as the director of Pixels, as well as many of the other 80’s films that this one takes its cues from. His downfall was rather telling when it came to the film’s final battle:

Only someone who had spent all that time trying to defeat the mighty Kong would go all out and build a practical set to simulate the true gaming experience. We’ll have more on that later on in the week, but for now we’ll leave you with a reminder that you can see Pixels in theaters this Friday. And keep your browser tuned to Cinema Blend, as we’ll have more information from the cast of Pixels coming your way.

Though Michael J. Fox and Robert Zemeckis don’t see any future for Back to the Future, there is still hope for many other reboots and sequels based on classic properties. Though another Goonies, for example, doesn’t seem like it will ever see the light of day, director and original Goonies writer Chris Columbus says he will never give up hope.

In an interview with ScreenCrush, Columbus said that he’s "heavily developing" a Goonies reboot and reinforced his hope for it. According to him, he’ll always remain attached to it because who knows what could happen if he’s not involved in some capacity. He said:

There’s been a continuous "will they, won’t they" vibe from Goonies 2, which producer Frank Marshall has gone on record saying is not actually a sequel. Columbus reiterates in this latest interview that it is in fact a reboot. It was only a couple months ago that Sean Astin, who played Mikey, was cautiously optimistic for the fate of the film, saying that the writers have to figure out how to recreate that feel and sense of wonder. This deviates from what he said last year, though, in calling the project "magic." Original director Richard Donner also said that there’s no reason to push forward until they can crack the story. He said he wants the non-sequel to be "in the Amblin spirit."

While the big question is whether or not this will actually happen, the second biggest question is who from the original cast might return? Astin, for one, has been talking about this reboot for quite some time, while Josh Brolin, who played Mikey’s brother, Brand, said he would absolutely tie that red bandana around his head again. But, first things first, they need a worthwhile script.

Goonies recently celebrated its 30th anniversary, having debuted in theaters on June 7, 1985. Festivities were held in the seaside town of Astoria, Oregon, which acted as the setting of the film. Among the events taking place over the course of a few days, cast member Jeff Cohen showed up to talk about his days playing Chunk. Now he’s practically unrecognizable. He shed the weight and became an entertainment lawyer.

We’ll have to wait for the next micro-update on the next Goonies, whether it’s from Columbus, Donner, or any of the original cast members. Columbus, for one, also has a Gremlins reboot in the works, and although that one has been in similar production turmoil, the writer has just as much hope for that project.