20 years ago today, the magic of Harry Potter began on the big screen, enhancing an already ginormous franchise. A huge part of the film franchise success is thanks to Chris Columbus who directed the first two films. Now, Columbus says he wants the three-hour directors cut of Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone released. Honestly, so do we!
The Devil’s in the Detail
As we all know, creating a movie is hard. Especially when adapting it from a book. There are so many details that are left out because a whole world has to be condensed into a 2-3 hour time frame. Thankfully, Columbus did an amazing job adapting almost page for page Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. It is by far the most accurate in accordance with the book. This is also why fans love it so much. But, would it have been just as loved if it had been a bit longer? As it is, the film comes in at 2 and a half hours. Would 30 more minutes have made a difference? Turns out it would!
Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone is missing a few pieces
Columbus has come out to say that he would like to release the 3-hour cut of the first Harry Potter film. Especially because it would mean fans seeing our favorite poltergeist, Peeves (Rik Mayall). Who unfortunately does not in the final cut. Columbus has said, “We have to put Peeves back in the movie, who we cut from the movies”. The reason, according to Columbus, for cutting the film was preview screenings. When showing previews of the movie, parents thought it is too long. So, they cut a few details out. That’s not to say the 152 minutes we already have are not great. They absolutely live up to the name. However, if a three-hour cut is released, I know most fans (myself included) will watch it.
19 Years Later
Columbus has also mentioned wanting to come back to the Harry Potter franchise. Namely for Cursed Child, the highly successful play based on our favorite characters. He believes the characters are at a perfect age to play the parts needed, as Cursed Child takes place 19 years after the last book ends. Although, an adaptation anytime soon is unlikely as Warner Bros is still working on the Fantastic Beasts franchise. But it is nice to dream.
Tell me, would you watch an extended version of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. Which part of the book do you think the movie was messing?
Make sure to check out That Hashtag Show for all your Harry Potter News!
