David Fincher Reveals He Met Warner Bros To Direct A “Creepy” Harry Potter Film

January 3, 2025: David Fincher recently shared an interesting revelation about his brief involvement in discussions regarding the Harry Potter franchise. In an interview with Variety, Fincher revealed that he was once considered to direct a Harry Potter film before he pitched his own darker, more unconventional take on the material.

When asked about his approach to the Harry Potter films, Fincher made it clear that he wasn’t interested in the “clean Hollywood version” that was envisioned for the series. Instead, he said, “I just don’t want to do the clean Hollywood version of it. I want to do something that looks a lot more like Withnail and I, and I want it to be kind of creepy.” Withnail and I (1987), a darkly comedic British cult classic, is known for its gritty, atmospheric tone and eccentric characters, so it’s easy to see how Fincher was interested in bringing a more unsettling, perhaps even eerie quality to the Harry Potter world.

However, Warner Bros. had a different vision for the franchise. Fincher recalled that the studio’s preferred direction for the films was far more traditional and family-friendly, with the creative team aiming for a look that resembled Thom Browne schooldays by way of Oliver!—a much cleaner, more polished aesthetic than what Fincher had in mind.

This glimpse into what could have been offers an intriguing “what-if” scenario for Harry Potter fans. Had Fincher been involved, we might have seen a darker, more psychological take on the wizarding world. Perhaps the darker themes of the series—such as the trauma of loss, the fear of Voldemort, and the shadows of the past—could have been explored with more intensity, possibly even drawing out the horror elements more overtly.

While the Harry Potter films eventually settled into their more mainstream style, with directors like Chris Columbus, Alfonso Cuarón, Mike Newell, and David Yates steering the series, Fincher’s darker vision would have certainly taken the franchise in a very different direction.

In the same interview, Fincher reflected on his career and the kinds of projects that attract him. He discussed his affinity for adapting pre-existing material, citing his work on films like The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and Gone Girl, which were based on popular books. He also expressed his passion for The Social Network, saying it was simply a “script you couldn’t put down.” Fincher’s insight into his creative process emphasizes that his choices are often a blend of personal interest and professional opportunity, with each project offering something unique that resonates with him.

On the topic of Zodiac, Fincher revealed a personal connection to the story, describing the Zodiac killer as a “boogeyman” from his childhood. He explained how, as a 7-year-old, he felt a strange kinship with the film’s main character, who was trying to uncover the truth behind the elusive killer. Fincher also mentioned his appreciation for the romance in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, noting how it combined an unusual premise with deep emotional stakes.

Known for his iconic films such as Fight Club, Se7en, Zodiac, and The Social Network, Fincher’s distinct style has made him one of the most influential filmmakers of his generation. Fans now eagerly await his upcoming projects, including an American adaptation of Netflix’s Squid Game and a prequel miniseries to Chinatown—both of which promise to showcase his dark, meticulous directorial style.