Filmmaker Steven Spielberg and his production company Amblin Entertainment are behind some of the most popular family films of all time. One of the most underrated offerings from the acclaimed filmmaker’s production company is the 1995 supernatural comedy film. casperstarring Bill Pullman as Dr. James Harvey.
The film follows Harvey, a widower and ghost therapist as his daughter befriends the titular ghost. It is known for its extensive use of computer-generated imagery, most notably being the first film to have a completely computer-generated main protagonist. During an interview, Pullman reflected on what the film’s ambitious CGI meant to him, recalling an incident in which Spielberg warned him about the consequences of botching a scene.
Bill Pullman remembers Steven Spielberg telling him the hard truth about creation casper
Actor Bill Pullman is known for his roles in iconic films such as Independence Day and space ballsHe also starred in the 1995 comedy casper, directed by Brad Silberling and produced by Steven Spielberg. During a conversation with Variety, Pullman recalled his experience working on the film.
In the interview, Pullman talked about the scene in which his character fights a group of ghosts with a sword, at the top of a staircase. The actor recalled that CGI technology was still in its infancy at the time, which meant he had to rely on his own imagination while performing the complex action choreography.
If I didn’t do it right, if I moved it through something where there was supposed to be a ghost, it cost me $100,000. This is what Spielberg said: ‘Be very careful Bill, because you could ruin us.’
Pullman made the above statement to explain the consequences of making a misstep in his choreography.
The actor implied that, given the cost of the sets built for the film, accidentally sliding his sword anywhere but intended would have caused property damage. Therefore, he had to be very careful when performing the scene. Despite mixed reviews, the film grossed $288 million, against its budget of $55 million, becoming a success.
Steven Spielberg had a surprising cameo in a deleted scene from casper
Steven Spielberg was executive producer of casper via Amblin Entertainment. As a result, the acclaimed filmmaker’s involvement in the project was limited. However, Spielberg was initially scheduled to have a much larger presence in the film, appearing in a cameo.
During an interview, director Brad Silberling revealed that Spielberg had suggested the idea for the scene in which Pullman’s character transforms into different popular faces, including Clint Eastwood and Mel Gibson. However, Eastwood only agreed to film the cameo if Spielberg filmed it himself.
He told me: I have to do it, but it will never appear in the movie.
Silberling made the above statement (via SyFy.com) recalling that Spielberg filmed a cameo in the film.
However, the director also confirmed that Spielberg only filmed the scene to please Eastwood. There was never any intention to add the scene to the final film. However, Silberling stated that it was a pleasure to direct Spielberg even if the scene remained unedited.
casper airs on Peacock.
