How Michael Myers Lost His Shot at Directing Hook
Nick Castle, famed for portraying Michael Myers, was set to direct Hook before being replaced by Steven Spielberg. Castle later voiced his frustration as the film became Spielberg’s least favourite.
Nostalgia often casts a flattering light on the past, and few films benefit more from this than Steven Spielberg’s Hook. While it enjoys a devoted following, even Spielberg himself has admitted it’s not among his finest works. Yet, the story behind its direction is as curious as any plot twist, involving none other than Nick Castle—the man behind the mask in Halloween.
From Horror Icon to Would-Be Director
Nick Castle, best known for his silent, menacing turn as Michael Myers in John Carpenter’s 1978 classic, had ambitions beyond the world of horror. After reprising the role in later sequels, Castle was poised to make a dramatic leap: he was originally attached to direct a major fantasy adventure, one that would eventually become Hook. The idea of the actor famed for stalking Jamie Lee Curtis taking the helm of a family blockbuster seems improbable, but it was very nearly reality.
Castle had invested considerable effort in developing the screenplay.
“I developed that screenplay, and the producer went to the studio with it, and we came up with a great first draft,”
he recalled. The script was sent to the eventual stars, Dustin Hoffman and Robin Williams, and the team awaited the studio’s approval. However, as Castle explained,
“Then, the new studio head, this is where things get very political, their new studio head saw me, just not as a director.”
Studio Politics and Spielberg’s Arrival
At this point, Tristar Pictures’ chief Mike Medavoy entered the picture. He felt the project required a more established figure behind the camera. Spielberg, who had previously shown interest in a Peter Pan adaptation, was the obvious choice. Castle found himself edged out, though reports suggest he received a $500,000 settlement for his troubles.
Castle described the moment with a touch of dry humour:
“He just thought this was too big a movie to lay at the incompetent hands of Mr Nick Castle,”
he said, referencing Medavoy’s decision. Spielberg, always keen on the Peter Pan story, was quick to take up the opportunity.
“He’d always wanted to do a Peter Pan movie. Everyone always knew that. And I think when he heard about this, he got very excited about it.”
Aftermath and Lingering Frustration
Despite its commercial success—Hook took in over $300 million and received five Academy Award nominations in technical categories—the film was not universally loved. Julia Roberts reportedly had a difficult experience during production, and Spielberg himself has been candid about his lack of affection for the finished product, a rare admission for the director.
Castle, reflecting on the outcome, couldn’t help but note the irony.
“Steven’s least favourite movie, which I’m pissed at because I always saw that it was going to be.”
In another universe, perhaps the film so fiercely defended by ’90s children would have been shaped by the hand of Laurie Strode’s infamous adversary.