As a child of the ’90s, I can’t help but reminisce about the magic that was spun by J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series. From the books that ignited my imagination to the films that brought the Wizarding World to life (available on Max and Disney+), it’s been an enchanting journey, to say the least.
Among well-known franchises, none can rival the extraordinary influence of Harry Potter. Originating from J.K. Rowling’s books, it blossomed into a globally beloved film series (now available on streaming with a Max subscription), along with theme parks, stage plays, and an upcoming Harry Potter TV show. Early installments were directed by Chris Columbus, who recently shared how the movie “Home Alone” played a role in casting Daniel Radcliffe and his fellow actors for their journey into the magical world of Harry Potter.
The Harry Potter films propelled the main cast members into widespread fame, particularly the three leading actors: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint. The selection process to identify these young talents was demanding, and Columbus shared with Variety how his experience on Home Alone shaped his approach to casting the Harry Potter team. To quote him directly:
Initially, we made “Home Alone” without much fanfare, but Macaulay Culkin unexpectedly skyrocketed to stardom within a year. This wasn’t like “Harry Potter,” where success was anticipated. I hail from a working-class background and have witnessed this phenomenon a few times with children who, all of a sudden, find themselves supporting their family financially.
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).
Following Culkin’s experiences of juggling family life and a flourishing career, Chris Columbus was particularly meticulous when selecting the suitable children (and their parents) to depict Hogwarts students in the Harry Potter movies. He elaborated on this point during the same interview, stating:
As a gamer, I’d say: “From here on out, this is your journey as a child prodigy in the gaming world. This path you tread will be your enduring tale, and you’ve got to figure out how to navigate through that… I can’t let a fellow gamer return to an unstable home just for the sake of a game. It’s not worth it. Choosing the right parents was as crucial as selecting the right child.
It appears that the parents of the Harry Potter trio (Harry, Hermione, and Ron) successfully passed the audition for Chris Columbus, who directed the first two Harry Potter movies but later left the Wizarding World. Even though he’s moved on, his affection for the franchise remains evident, as he took part in the recent “Return to Hogwarts” reunion special. Moreover, his concern about casting seems to have paid off, as Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint all have flourishing careers, with no apparent discord within their respective families.
Macaulay Culkin’s experience as a child actor serves as a warning to many, and it seems that Chris Columbus, who worked with him, carries some of that responsibility. Fortunately, he played a significant role in ensuring the success of the Harry Potter cast. As we anticipate updates about the Hogwarts TV series, let’s look forward to the 2025 movie release dates instead.
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2024-09-19 17:37