The Troubled History of Steven Spielberg's "Hook" - A Classic That Should’ve Been 

As someone who watched Hook growing up and every year since at Christmas, I still fail to see the so-called "imperfections". Everything about this film, to me, is magical.

Wait people didn’t like Hook when it came out? My family wore out 2 VHS’s of Hook because we watched it so much

Today I found out that the Rotten Tomatoes critics gave Hook a 29%......a 29%!!!! I couldn't believe my eyes. This was a movie that brought so much magic and meaning into my life -- a reminder to be childlike, to believe, and to have fun. I watched this movie in theaters as a child, and I would watch it nearly every time I had to stay home from school when I was sick. I still find its messages so meaningful as an adult. Hook will always be on my top 5 list of best children's movies and best Robin Williams movies. RIP Robin

For kids like myself who were born in the 80s, this movie was a masterpiece.

Thirty years later and this is the first of hearing anything of Hook being a "flop". Anyone & everyone I've met all adore this film and have fond memories of watching it.

I can't believe Hook bombed at theatres... My sister and I wore out a VHS rewatching that movie so many times. it was fantastic in every way.

That people see Hook as "flawed" or "terrible" is baffling to me. I absolutely loved this movie growing up and continue to do so. I think it holds up well over time.

Hook is severely underrated. It's one of the first movies (along with Christmas Vacation and Aladdin) that I remember every single aspect and detail.

"Dont you dare try to stop me Smee; stop me Smee" Hook is so quotable.

I’m 21 this year and only found out that ‘Hook’ wasn’t appreciated when it first came out. I couldn’t believe it. I adored this film growing up.

I dont care what anyone says...this film IS, and always will be a classic to me.

Grew up with this movie, and to me, it’s the definitive Peter Pan film. Great cast, great sets, great story, and great score.

If the 3 hour cut of Hook was ever released, I would totally buy.

I always found it so strange learning later on that Hook was panned by critics and all the controversies with production. Easily my favorite film growing up, totally captured my imagination. I was obsessed with the film and in particular the scene when Peter relearns how to fly, it's such a explosive and triumphant moment and I wanted to learn how to fly like him so badly. Great video, uncovered a lot of tidbits about the film that I hadn't known before.

As someone who was a child in the 90s Hook is one of my favorite movies and my young children now even have a love for this movie. It is a classic that will live on forever

You're right to characterize the score to Hook not being nominated for an Oscar as "criminal" - it's easily one of, if not THE, most underrated of John Williams's scores.

I wouldn't mind getting a 3 hour extended cut with all of the deleted scenes for the 30th anniversary.

That was literally the best Peter Pan movie ever.

In my mind, this is a masterpiece. My favourite film throughout my whole life. The Smee/Hook scene is perfection. Every line. Every delivery.

I recall when Hook came out on home video, which was on a prominent display in a retailer I was shopping at. A fellow shopper commented to me about the positive influence Hook had with her husband, which improved the relationship with their son. She told me her husband, after seeing the movie, noted the errors in his own ways with putting work before family; thereafter he always made time for his family and devoted more time to their son. I was so touched by her comments that here I am, decades later, vividly recalling that encounter.

I don't care what anyone says Hook will always hold a special place in my heart as one of the best Peter Pan stories and the idea of "what if Peter Pan grew up" always really resonated with me even as a child for some reason. No as an adult it does so even moreso as you constantly have to try and not lose touch with that part of yourself. It also helps that the movie has Rufio. Also I just love how people always say how movies didn't cost nearly as much to make back in the day as they do now just cause they look at a $50 million budget. $400 million is a crazy budget even today and that was only shooting 2 months. Can you imagine any movie these days that shot for 2 months and spent $400 million dollars? Plus they would've had to make over around $1 billion to be considered a success if that was made today. I mean they made $300 million back then so I don't see how that wasn't at least a moderate success since that was more than 2.5 times the budget.

Dustin Hoffman was the absolute perfect choice. to this day I still can't even see Dustin in the movie, he embodies the character of Captain Hook so deeply it is a true transformation and masterpiece of acting.

This is probably my favorite film from my childhood. I watched it with my stepson two years ago, and he cried at the end. I carried him to bed, and he wept himself to sleep. He said he was so sad Peter had to leave his friends so soon and would probably forget them again. Rewatching it as an adult was such a treat, especially getting to share it with him.

This movie is still a staple. My mom will occasionally quote the mom when she says” on day they’ll grow up and you’ll want them to take care of you” or something along those lines and just really made me realize how much a parent can love and appreciate a child and how as a child you don’t really see or appreciate how deep that love is.

I both understand how all the criticism of Hook is valid and absolutely love the movie.

Robin Williams was truly a talented actor and comedian and I couldn't see anyone else being better at portraying many of the roles that he played. Thank you for all of the fond memories and may your soul rest in peace

It’s a very storybook style film but it definitely outgrew its critics. It’s completely unique as a film, and has always been an interesting twist on the story. None of us really grow up, our grown up personalities just take the wheel. This movie is about letting your inner kid take the wheel again.

I loved Hook when it released in theaters and had no idea it bombed. I didn't know anyone at the time who didn't at least like it. It still holds a special place in my heart!

One of my favorite movies of all time. The fact that there is a 3-4 hour version of this is one of those "shut up and take my money" type of things, but it sounds like there's not enough of people like me that have this level of interest for it to happen. Tragic, as this is probably one of Robin's most spectacular shows.

As a kid my favorite part of this movie was when Peter and the Lost Boys sat down for dinner but nothing was there. They told Peter he had to use his imagination. When the food magically appeared all I wanted was to be at that feast. Still want one of those pies to this day.

I think most of us can agree it’s still a classic. This is one of those movies I rewatch at least annually because after awhile I start to miss how it makes me feel. It easily the most memorable Peter Pan film

I’m 34, I grew up with this film.. it’s an ultimate classic for me… I don’t watch it as often as I did as a child but I can still recite most of the movie as it plays 😂 long live the 📼

_'You lewd, crude, rude bag of pre-chewed food, dude!'_

I remember when I was a kid, my mom, brother, grandma and me saw it in theaters and all enjoyed it. I still have the VHS somewhere. My brother to this day points to it as proof that film critics don't know what a good movie is.

Underrated film. Everyone thought this movie was a hit, and especially kids. It was not "boring" or too slow-paced. The only complaint I have is that the sets, despite costing so much, still feel like sets. In other words, Neverland didn't quite feel like a real place. And for some reason, it was just friggin JAM-PACKED with hundreds of pirates.

I loved Hook. One of John Williams's best scores.

VIDEO CORRECTION: Around 12:47 I mistakenly say that Hook's budget would be $400 Million Dollars Today...this is (obviously) incorrect, it would be just under $200 Million...not sure why I wrote that in the script given how far off it is. Apologies for the blunder. Hey all, so I wanted to expand on a particular aspect of the episode that I went back and forth about including since it’s pretty convoluted, but in hindsight I think it’s important for the sake of clarification of Hook's production: Part of the reason Hook’s shooting schedule & budget skyrocketed was due to a lot of re-shoots. As I said, Spielberg was confident in the 1st and 3rd act, but the 2nd act not so much. This led to many script/scene changes and extra days of filming. However if you recall, I said that the concept of making Hook as a Musical was “abandoned”, and while true, there was at least 1 song and possibly...and I stress possibly, a couple others that made it a bit further into production/filming before the concept was abandoned entirely. So that being said, another part of the reason for re-shoots, while not exclusively, was to re-film portions of the 1 (or more) scenes that were originally expanded musical numbers. “Hook Hook, Where’s The Hook” is the one song that is undeniably certain as to whether it made it into the actual fliming, which had a longer preceding build up as showcased in the link below: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Mrp9rn9tyYA.html Now here's the problem: There’s a lot of debate and conflicting information as to whether additional songs were filmed beyond the previous example…so to avoid a bit too much speculation, possible confusion and going down a major bunny trail, I decided to just condense this aspect of its history into a few sentences. However in hindsight, I realize I probably should've at least gone into the one additional song that WAS filmed and DOES have at least some visual proof to its existence that was cut...because while saying Hook as a musical was “ultimately abandoned” is 100% true, it's a bit more complicated than that in terms of "when". And then it's even more complicated by "how much" was abandoned in pre-production vs how much was abandoned during the actual filming of Hook. So In summary: Yes, “Hook” as a musical was abandoned, but exactly when & how much beyond that 1 song, which did make it past pre-production and was filmed to at least some degree, is uncertain...at least until I get a call from Steven Spielberg himself who can tell me the entire fascinating story. Which would be amazing. Hope that clears up a few comments. Mark

This was the best Peter Pan movie in my opinion. It took me places as a child.

Hook was one of the only movies that my family owned. We had it on VHS. I’m not lying when I say I’ve seen it 200 times. I know every single line in that movie. As long as I’m watching the movie, I can say almost every single word in unison with the actor. Hook is one of the best adventure movies I’ve ever seen! We used to fast forward those boring scenes with Hook and jack in act 2 and 3. Hook is a lovely movie. Two thumbs up for sure! 👍👍

It's so heart breaking that Hook isn't loved by Spielberg. It's one of my favorite films ever. I can't imagine how much we spent on the VHS rental before my Mom finally went and bought it so we could proceed to watch that thing into oblivion.

It's interesting that Maggie Smith in old age in 1991 matches how she looks now.

I still love this movie. It’s one of my favorites. When he gets his memory back I cry every time. “ I wanted to be a father” is an amazing story to tell.

Watched this movie probably a hundred times since I was 7, I'm almost 38 now with 2 kids of my own, a boy and girl. It hits different as a father and the words of the mother in the film stick with me. "Your children love you, they want to play with you. You have a few years then its gone. Then you will be chasing them for attention." Also, I only recently realized Captain Hook is the pilot on the intercom during the plane scene at the beginning of the movie. Amazing.

Are you kidding...Hook is a freaking classic!! I still watch this movie often!

Definitely one of my absolute favorite films, and one that has stayed with me since childhood. I do like that Sony released some additional deleted scenes for the 4K remastered edition, but I know that many more deleted scenes can be found in Terry Brooks’ official novelization of the film. There’s several scenes of Hook’s manipulation of Jack, an extended flashback with Peter and Wendy before Peter decides to stay with Moira with a glimpse into Peter’s life after making the fateful decision to leave Neverland behind, and Maggie comforting the Lost Boys that she is imprisoned with on Captain Hook’s ship. One can only hope an extended edition will find its way (especially as next year the film will celebrate its 30th anniversary) and would make a sweet tribute to the late great Robin Williams.

I remember running around in my block screaming "Pan the Man!" Hook is deep in my heart

A truly timeless movie, watched it recently and not only does it hold up, it really makes you feel like a kid again

Hook is a damn good film and the best live action Peter Pan film. I loved that it acted as a sequel rather than another retelling of the same story. It felt like a natural sequel as well. Great cast, effects and score. It’s very well put together.

I mean... this was my Peter Pan movie growing up. and now it's still my favorite it tells an interesting afterstory of what would happen if Peter Pan choose to leave Neverland forever. it's almost like a message for adults to not lose one's inner child.

I couldn't see anyone else ever playing these roles. Spielberg's HOOK is a timeless classic. 🖤❤🌹 Rest in Peace, Robin Williams.. he sure is missed.

I will never forget watching this film in a theatre with my family. The audience literally applauded during the flying scene. Still a family favorite 30 years later!

I remember seeing this in the theater and it was totally NOT a flop! It is a great film and still holds up.

In my headcanon, Hook is the actual sequel of Disney’s Peter Pan

I remember tweeting once “Hook has to be one of THE BEST movies.” And I stand by that. Welp, time for me to go rewatch it

I am shocked this wasn’t well received. I LOVE this movie. Saw it in the theatres when I was a kid, bought the toys, listen to the score constantly. Fantastic film, glad it’s exactly as Spielberg made it. RIP Robin Williams

I saw Hook when I was 7 years old and the movie seemed absolutely flawless. Nothing about it seemed out of place or too weird. I loved it all. 🥰

Hook is a classic to me. Not only did my brother and I love it growing up but over 20 years later it was one of my sons favorites as well.

I don't care what anyone says. This is part of my childhood.

This is mind-blowing to me because I look at this as one of the most incredible movies and beautiful portrayal of what happened next, which is not often done well. I think people didn't understand it at the time, but it will forever go down as a genius production in my eyes.

hook IS a classic. so glad it found new life on home video because it's one of the most nostalgic movies from my childhood.

I love Hook. I think something that also has to be mentioned is that in the eyes of a child ... my generation who grew up and watched Hook, know it’s a classic. It really captured a lot of children’s eyes vs adults and so for adults it may have been mixed views. For children it kinda made us look at parents slightly different just as Maggie and Jack. But I too would like to see the cut scenes.

Critics don't always know shit. This is a fond memory and a lot of folks favorite movie version of all time. Doesn't matter if it wasn't a big hit with critics then. :)

I always thought Hook was a magical movie. It captured my imagination and i still like it alot. Strange hearing it didn't do better in theaters.

I feel that Spielberg took the critical response too personally which only added to anxiety he experienced during production. It wouldn’t have been any better as a musical. He was too concerned with his reputation as the king of blockbusters than standing with all the incredibly talented and hard working people that made Hook the movie that we know and love.

I was today years old when I learned that there are people who didn't love this movie... Ru-fi-o!

I'm just gonna say, it might have succeeded were it released as a double feature with The Lottery starring Bette Midler.

I liked this movie when I first saw it more than 30 years ago when I was 12 years old. It stuck with me through my teenage years and through my adult years. It remains one of my favorite movies of all time.

This movie teaches us more about growing up than the original ever could

Classic to me, those sets are still pretty incredible.

I like how MacDonald’s inadvertently helped their rival film - Hook was released the same year as Terminator 2. In the commercial for the Hook happy meal, you see a kid playing with the Hook Toys saying “Hasta La Vista Captain Hook”!

I went to see Hook when it came out in theaters. I really enjoyed it as a kid. I remember most of the kids I know went to see it and everyone loved it. We acted like the Lost Boys in school, which I am sure annoyed our teachers. :) I didn’t realize until I became an adult that this movie was considered a failure. No one I knew growing up didn’t like it. Even as adults now we all still love it. I would absolutely buy a 3hr version of this movie to see the cut scenes. Maggie’s character really did need to be fleshed out, and seeing more of the Lost Boys would be great! I feel like this movie will get more appreciation as time goes on, because it really was an interesting take on Peter Pan, and those sets were truly amazing! It would be awesome in they could be turned into a feature at an amusement park.

I just turned 38 and vividly recall seeing hook in theaters when it came out when I was 6 and it blew my imagination away. It was one of the most magical things I’d ever seen. So despite it not being what Spielberg wanted, I’m sure I speak for many that the impact it had on us kids at the time of release was indelible in the best way. Also one weird personal fact; when I just moved to LA, I decided to watch Hook one night for the first time in years, then the next day got news that Robin Williams had just passed. Almost like the universe wanted everyone to remember him just before he officially left us. Thank you for this amazing video.

I'm 34 now, and it touches a heart string that Hook is still one of my favorite movies of all time, was originally conceived when he was about the same age as me now.

To this day, Hook is still one of my all time favorite movies of all time. Man...I miss Robin Williams =(

I agree with everyone in here. This is an absolute MASTERPIECE. A true TOUR DE FORCE. I watched this approximately a million times in my childhood........and THEN I became a father. I recently watched this movie with my son after like 10 years of not seeing it. It's extremely difficult to describe the profound meaning in the film after having a child. I couldn't keep my eyes dry for like at least 1/4 of the scenes. I identify strongly with adult Peter........I'm admittedly a workaholic and watching Peter progress back into Pan and finding his children again, his sense of PLAY, vulnerability etc.... really affected me greatly. It truly is a film for all ages. You can glean meaning no matter the age. I love this move.

This movie defined my childhood, and nothing is going to change that. Especially not some egotistical, overpaid movie critics who lack imagination to create anything by themselves.

Honestly this movie IS a classic in my eyes, saw it countless times when i was a kid and even now as an adult i think is great

When we were waiting for our second son to be born, my mother came to stay with us while we waited ... and waited ... and during this long waiting period (and the week following when our new son was in the NICU), my mom patiently sat while “big brother” got to watch a new movie we got for him. Yes, it was Hook, and he watched it over, and over, and over...he was mesmerized by it. Grandma even made him a Peter Pan outfit for Halloween. People thought he was Robin Hood which was frustrating! So Hook thus holds a special place in our family’s memory.

I love this. As a kid I tought it was the best Peter Pan story, but hit me hardest when I got kids....

I never knew Spielberg made this movie, I love it so much so nostalgic ❤

This movie is pure unadulterated kino, and one of Spielberg's best works. I never understood the hate for the film, I think the critics just had it out for Spielberg and were going to badmouth whatever film he put out.

Meanwhile lil Dante is gonna have to wait some years for HONOR. Rufio is the sleeper hit character.

Hook was brilliant. I watched it so many times as a 90s kid. It's disappointing to hear that it wasn't received well at the time.

The Set-up before becoming Peter Pan I remember was amazing, I loved when Old Wendy is trying to make Peter remember and opens up the book which many of us would have read by that time and musical omnious score of adventure at the background....man!! so good!!

I've got major nostalgia goggles for this movie. I love the sets, and the overall feeling of it. I still say "what about schmee?" all the time. Bangarang!!!

I absolutely LOVE this movie and if they ever did come out with a 4 hour long complete bonus edition. I would sit there and happily watch it.

To me, this film is an absolute classic. Im 39 now but I loved this film in my adolescent years and still do. Hopefully that extended cut will see the light of day

I am genuinely surprised that we haven't gotten a Hook musical yet

Interesting, I don’t know anyone who has seen Hook who didn’t love it.

Hook is the most underrated movies of all time.

But I love Hook? It’s a Masterpiece! It’s one of the only films that I honestly wished had been longer. Hope that extended version comes out someday.

As a kid, I thought this movie was one of the best movies ever made. It still holds a place in my heart.

Just throwing this out there: this movie has the best soundtrack.

as a 90s kid, Hook holds a special place in my heart, i'll always see it as one of the best movies ever :P

I have heard somewhere that after this movie when Spielberg did Schindler list or saving private Ryan. These movies are very important to Spielberg and often he became down cause of the story behind those movies. He called robin up and asked him if he could make him laugh again. And of course after a while he was not down anymore. Robin always could make anyone laugh. He was THE GREATEST. ❤️

I don't care what anyone says. "Hook" will always be my "Wizard of Oz"! Also, those deleted scenes expanding on the characters sound so interesting. They should definitely release an extended cut.

I absolutely hate when deleted scenes aren't included as DVD/Blu-ray bonus features. Even back then they realized the value of preserving this stuff, so there is absolutely no reason why these aren't available to the public.

This was really interesting. I never knew about Hook's troubled production or that it wasn't received well at the time of its release. Seeing them build the sets was amazing. I was also surprised at the title since I thought that it was a classic. It isn't a perfect film by any means and while I haven't seen the movie in ages, the complaints about the pacing make sense. But I've never heard that much hate towards Hook. Even before Robin Williams sadly passed on, I usually heard a lot of praise for Hook. It could be a generational thing or the movie has been put more on a pedestal over the years, but I thought it was generally considered one of Robin Williams' classic movies.

I actually saw hook in the theater.....thanks to my parents....I loved it then and love it now.

I loved this movie and would do anything to see an uncut version of it. 3 to 4 hours long would be great :)