‘I Had To Put Blinders On’: Chris Columbus Reveals Key Focus During ‘Harry Potter’ Casting

Director Chris Columbus, known for classics like Home Alone, shared his process for casting kids in films with Demi Lovato. His key insight? Finding the right parents. Columbus appeared in Lovato’s Child Star documentary, discussing his experience with Macaulay Culkin post-Home Alone and how it led to casting him in Harry Potter.

Columbus reflected on Culkin’s unexpected stardom from Home Alone compared to the predicted success of Harry Potter. He emphasized the importance of children becoming the breadwinners for their families and the need to ensure young actors understand the intensity of fame.

Recalling the frenzy around casting Harry Potter, Columbus had to navigate the pressure and warned the young actors and their parents about the impending fame. He emphasized the long-term impact on the child stars and the need for a stable home environment.

Columbus stressed the importance of casting parents as carefully as children, ensuring a supportive foundation for the young actors. The Child Star Documentary, where Columbus shares these insights, can be streamed on Hulu.

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