David Fincher Reveals Unfinished “Harry Potter” Pitch and Insights on His Career Choices

Renowned filmmaker David Fincher, known for his iconic films such as Seven, Gone Girl, and The Social Network, has opened up about some of the projects that never came to fruition over his illustrious 35-year career. In a recent interview, Fincher shared a surprising revelation: he was once considered for the Harry Potter franchise but his pitch didn’t go forward.

Fincher, who was speaking in promotion of the 4K re-release of Seven, explained that he was asked by Warner Bros. to pitch his vision for Harry Potter. 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.” However, Warner Bros. had a more traditional approach in mind, envisioning a tone that Fincher described as “Thom Browne schooldays by way of Oliver.”

This candid admission is just one example of the many projects that Fincher has been attached to over the years but has not moved forward, including sequels to The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo and an adaptation of Arthur C. Clarke’s Rendezvous With Rama. Despite these missed opportunities, Fincher remains one of the most sought-after directors in Hollywood, with several exciting projects currently in development.

Among his upcoming ventures, Fincher is reportedly working on an American adaptation of Netflix’s hit Korean series Squid Game and a prequel miniseries to Chinatown, co-written with the film’s late screenwriter, Robert Towne. Reflecting on his past work, Fincher discussed what draws him to projects, emphasizing that while a built-in audience can be an advantage, it’s the story and character dynamics that truly resonate with him.

He explained his interest in Gone Girl was rooted in its exploration of narcissism in relationships, while his take on The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo was inspired by the dark, atmospheric elements of Chinatown rather than the tech-focused hacker storyline.

Ultimately, Fincher’s career choices are driven by a mix of personal interest and professional opportunity. He revealed, “I like the idea that you can kind of pick and choose where you’re going to spend your efforts — what you’re going to underline, and what you’re going to blur.” It's this unique approach that continues to make him one of the most compelling and unpredictable directors in Hollywood.