never ending story Forty years later, it still lives on.
Warner Bros. released director Wolfgang Petersen’s epic fantasy film on July 20, 1984. (Barrett Oliver) is the story of a lonely boy who is transported to America. Bastian meets the warrior Atreyu (Noah Hathaway) and the Childlike Queen (Tammy Stronak), and with the help of the lucky dragon Falco, he must help them escape from Save their world from nothingness.
It performed modestly at the domestic box office but was well-loved in Peterson’s native Germany. never ending story became a hit, spawning two sequels and a reboot in development. The three child protagonists are still best known for the film, but Stronak, who turned to a career in modern dance, returns to perform for the first time in 40 years. man and witchis a family-friendly fantasy film released in select theaters in July.
during a private conversation hollywood reporterStronak and casting director Penny Perry recalled the incredible circumstances that led the then 10-year-old actress to land the role. The actress also shared her fondest memories from the filming process, explained why she turned down the 1990 sequel, and expressed her thoughts on See-Saw Films’ recent acquisition of the rights to the planned series.
Tammy Stronak and Barrett Oliver never ending story.
Courtesy of Everett Collection
What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think back to it? never ending story?
Penny Perry (Casting Director): I think of Wolfgang [Petersen], he is a very outstanding person. Very very sensitive. He was great with the kids, they all brought out their best and he had a lot of fun with them. He told me that the reason he made the film was that he wanted to make something that his grandchildren could see.
Tammy Stronak (actress, “The Queen”): I can not believe it never ending story It’s still in people’s hearts and it’s still so important to people. I feel very privileged to be a part of something that has this kind of staying power, and I don’t think anyone could have predicted that. Maybe adding a lucky dragon to your movie can help you do that.
Director Wolfgang Petersen on set with racing snails never ending story.
Courtesy of Everett Collection
Penny, what roles did you choose?
Perry: Barret Oliver plays Bastian and Noah Hathaway plays Atreyu. I also looked for Queen of Innocence and ended up finding Tammy. She was in a dance group in San Francisco and that’s when she came in. I also had Gerald McCraney play Barrett’s father, who also plays the bully.
Number of pages: I was taking acting classes in San Francisco and my acting teacher was friends with the casting director and one of the producers, so they planned to have lunch together. She saw that my class was almost over and asked me if I wanted to audition. I fell in love with the material immediately. Then there was another audition in Los Angeles and a final audition in Germany.
Were there any particular challenges in shooting this film?
Perry: I’ve been in a lot of movies with kids, so I guess that’s why Wolfgang came to me. The challenge is something I always face when I have children: you have their parents. (laugh.) the biggest challenge.
Have you seen a lot of child actors in these roles?
Perry: There are many children considered. Barrett had a fragile, lovable quality, and after that I put him in another movie, cocoon. Noah had a worldly aura about him, which is why he was so perfect for Atreyu. Finding the queen is the most difficult. We found Tammy at the end. She has a quality that is hard to find.
Noah Hathaway in never ending story.
Courtesy of Everett Collection
Tammy, do you remember your favorite moment from the production?
Number of pages: I really enjoyed being in the room where the sculptors and puppeteers were making things. Barrett loves playing with little dolls. He is a typical little boy, very introverted. If I wanted to play with him, it would be statue day. (laugh.) Noah was very physically strong. He enjoys running, climbing and swimming.
Is the team looking for child actors with industry experience?
Perry: No. But the funny thing is, Barrett is no longer acting, and Noah is on the other side, on the set. I don’t think Tammy has been doing [much in the business]. So the three kids never got further.
Is this a surprise?
Perry: This is a surprise. I think Barrett and Noah are very, very talented kids. Tammy had no real experience, we actually hired her because of her beauty. So I don’t know what’s going to happen to her. She’d never done anything before and her parents were very protective of her, so I wasn’t surprised.
Tammy, have you ever considered returning for a sequel?
Number of pages: They did ask me to be in the sequel, but we said no. (laugh.) My parents really wanted me to have a normal childhood and felt strongly that if I wanted to go down that path, it should be something I chose to do in my 20s. I completely respect this decision and I have no regrets at all about my many years of dance career.
Wolfgang Petersen What is it like to be a director?
Number of pages: I have really great memories of Wolfgang Peterson. When I was in my 20s trying to decide if I should pursue a career in dance or acting, I wrote him a letter. He said, “Come to Los Angeles and I’ll help you.” I decided to do modern dance.
Do you rewatch this movie?
Number of pages: When my daughter was eight, I did show her some of her special moments, which was really fun. I couldn’t stand the circus anymore so I went to buy popcorn.
What do you think of the movie reboot plan?
Number of pages: A massive bidding war broke out in Hollywood and overseas. I just thought it would never happen. I have a lot of people I talk to and they all love me never ending story, who told me that no one should touch it, which is a travesty. But I really don’t agree. It’s all about inspiring creativity and ensuring everyone can keep the kids and dreamers alive. Retelling the story feels like a natural extension of that.
