There is no unfinished business when it comes to our enduring love for Casper.
Released in May 1995, a few months before Halloween, no one expected Casper to become one of the year’s biggest hits, let alone become an iconic staple of the spooky season.
The film, starring Bill Pullman and a then-14-year-old Christina Ricci, was made for $55 million, grossed $300 million, and became one of Universal Studios’ most beloved properties in the ’90s.
But did you know that the original version of this beloved classic did not include Casper in human form? Yes, that’s right. We were almost taken away from hearing 90’s teen fanatic Devon Sawa’s famous question, “Can I have a pet?” (I shudder just thinking about the sexual awakening that would never have happened!)
Directed by first-time feature film director Brad Silbering and produced by Steven Spielberg, the story of the world’s friendliest ghost jumps from comics to the screen, with many changes including the tragic story of the friendly ghost and the absence of the witch-like character who would later be played by Hilary Duff.
