Harry Potter director says he wants release of original three-hour cut: Put Peeves back

Chris Columbus, who helmed the first-ever feature adaptation of Harry Potter, recently said he wants Warner Bros to release the original three hour cut.

While the theatrical cut of Sorcerer’s Stone lasted about two hours 32 minutes, an “Ultimate Edition” had just seven minutes of additional footage. Columbus said at initial previews, they had played the three hour film that was a hit among children. However, their parents believed the film was a little too long.

Eventually, 30 minutes of runtime was removed from the overall film, which also included an appearance from Peeves the poltergeist played by Rik Mayall. In spite of these cuts, and Peeves’ absence, Sorcerer’s Stone is the closest to the source material in comparison to its successors. 

Columbus told The Wrap if given a chance, he would definitely release the original version. “We have to put Peeves back in the movie, who was cut from the movie!,” he said.

In a recent interview with Variety, Columbus had also spoken about wanting to direct a film adaptation of stage play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, calling it a "small fantasy of mine." 

If fans create enough noise, there can be a possibility of Warner Bros putting the film, which recently marked two decades of release, out. After all, with enough petitioning from fans and the cast, the banner had released the Snyder Cut of Justice League. 

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone catapulted the three main stars — Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint — to instant fame. The film was among the highest grossers of 2001, and was consequently nominated for Best Original Score, Best Art Direction and Best Costume Design Oscars.