Why Did “The Never Ending Story” Take So Long to Get a Sequel

For many fans of 80s fantasy films, The Never Ending Story holds a special place in their hearts. It was more than just a movie; it was an experience, a magical adventure that transcended the screen and transported viewers into a world full of mystery, magic, and wonder. However, when The Never Ending Story II: The Next Chapter was finally released, many fans were left disappointed, particularly due to the absence of its original stars, Barrett Oliver and Noah Hathaway. Why did it take so long to make a sequel? And why didn’t these beloved actors return? Let’s dive into the mystery and explore the circumstances that shaped the sequel, along with how these casting decisions impacted fans’ experience of the film.

The Long Wait: Why Did the Sequel Take So Long?

To truly understand the delay between The Never Ending Story and its sequel, we must first recognize that creating a sequel to such an iconic film was no simple feat. Released in 1984, The Never Ending Story was adapted from the first half of the 1979 novel Die Unendliche Geschichte by Michael Ende. The movie was celebrated for its ambitious special effects, memorable characters, and, most of all, its ability to capture the magical essence of childhood imagination.

Given its success, one might assume that a sequel would quickly follow. However, a variety of production challenges, including funding issues, creative disagreements, and rights negotiations, caused significant delays. Furthermore, the second half of Michael Ende’s novel is notably darker and more complex than the first, which made adapting it into a family-friendly film particularly challenging. This raised the stakes for filmmakers, who had to balance the tone of the original with the weightier themes of the novel’s second half.

Casting Changes: The Disappearance of Barrett Oliver and Noah Hathaway

When The Never Ending Story II: The Next Chapter finally hit theatres in 1990, fans were disappointed to find that the original actors who brought Bastian and Atreyu to life Barrett Oliver and Noah Hathaway were nowhere to be found. Instead, the roles were recast with Jonathan Brandis taking on the character of Bastian and Kenny Morrison stepping in as Atreyu.

For many, the absence of these actors was a jarring and unwelcome surprise. After all, The Never Ending Story wasn’t just a film; it was a deeply emotional journey for those who connected with the characters on a personal level. Barrett Oliver’s portrayal of Bastian, the shy, bookish boy who discovers his inner strength, resonated with countless fans who saw themselves in him. Similarly, Noah Hathaway’s portrayal of Atreyu as the courageous yet vulnerable warrior made him a standout character that viewers admired and rooted for.

But why didn’t these actors return for the sequel?

Barrett Oliver: From Stardom to Scientology

Barrett Oliver was one of Hollywood’s most promising child actors in the 1980s, known for his performances in films like D.A.R.Y.L. and Cocoon. However, his acting career abruptly slowed down after the release of The Never Ending Story. According to reports, Oliver became deeply involved with the Church of Scientology during this time, which may have played a significant role in his decision to step away from acting.

While there has been speculation about the exact reasons for his departure from Hollywood, some sources suggest that his dedication to Scientology led him to distance himself from the industry. In the years that followed, Oliver reportedly joined the Sea Org, a branch of Scientology that requires its members to commit to extensive labour and strict conditions. His involvement with the Sea Org likely made it impossible for him to continue pursuing his acting career.

Today, Barrett Oliver has left the public eye and now works as a photographer specializing in historical printing techniques. While his decision to leave Hollywood may have left fans longing for his return as Bastian, it’s clear that his journey took him in a very different direction.

Noah Hathaway: A Brief Hollywood Career and Beyond

Noah Hathaway, who played the iconic character Atreyu, also chose not to return for the sequel. Like Oliver, Hathaway had a relatively short-lived acting career, despite achieving widespread fame for his role in The Never Ending Story. After his breakout role as Atreyu, Hathaway acted in a few more films and TV shows before stepping away from acting altogether in the late 1980s.

While it’s unclear exactly why Hathaway didn’t reprise his role as Atreyu in The Never Ending Story II, it’s possible that he chose to leave Hollywood to focus on other interests. In interviews, Hathaway has spoken about how physically demanding the role of Atreyu was, particularly during scenes involving horseback riding and stunts. His injuries on set might have influenced his decision to distance himself from acting in later years.

In more recent years, Hathaway has made occasional appearances at fan conventions and has expressed his gratitude for the enduring legacy of The Never Ending Story. However, his decision not to return for the sequel left many fans feeling that the magic of the original film was lost.

A Misstep? The Casting of Kenny Morrison and Jonathan Brandis

With the departure of Barrett Oliver and Noah Hathaway, the filmmakers had the difficult task of finding replacements who could fill their shoes. Jonathan Brandis, known for his roles in Ladybugs and SeaQuest DSV, was cast as Bastian, while Kenny Morrison was chosen to play Atreyu.

While both actors delivered solid performances, they faced an uphill battle in winning over fans of the original film. Many viewers felt that Brandis, while talented, couldn’t capture the same emotional vulnerability that Barrett Oliver had brought to the role of Bastian. Similarly, Morrison’s portrayal of Atreyu was criticized for lacking the depth and charisma that Hathaway had brought to the character.

In hindsight, the decision to recast these iconic roles was perhaps one of the key reasons why The Never Ending Story II didn’t resonate with fans in the same way as the original. The absence of Oliver and Hathaway created a disconnect that made it difficult for viewers to fully immerse themselves in the world of Fantasia once again.

Would Back to Back Filming Have Worked?

One of the major criticisms of The Never Ending Story II was its disjointed feel compared to the first film. This raises an interesting question: would the sequel have been more successful if it had been filmed back-to-back with the original?

In many ways, filming both parts of the story simultaneously would have made sense. After all, the novel was split into two distinct halves, and filming the sequel right after the original could have maintained the same cast, tone, and energy that made the first film so beloved. However, given the production challenges and the complexities of adapting the second half of the book, this approach may have been difficult to execute.

The long-awaited sequel to The Never Ending Story ultimately left many fans feeling disappointed, largely due to the absence of its original stars and the creative challenges of adapting the darker themes of the book’s second half. Barrett Oliver and Noah Hathaway’s decision not to return was a major blow, as their portrayals of Bastian and Atreyu had become deeply ingrained in the hearts of fans.

While The Never Ending Story II may not have lived up to the magic of the original, it remains a fascinating chapter in the history of fantasy cinema. The story behind its production and the careers of its stars offer a glimpse into the complexities of filmmaking, casting, and the unpredictable nature of Hollywood.