Documentary on Mrs. Doubtfire in development by Chris Columbus
In 1993, the world was introduced to one of the most beloved comedies of all time - Mrs. Doubtfire. Starring the late and great Robin Williams, the film became the second-highest-grossing movie of the year with a worldwide gross of $441 million. Now, 29 years later, a documentary about the making of Mrs. Doubtfire is set to shed light on the unique and divine creative process of the beloved actor.
Directed by Chris Columbus, who also helmed the film, the documentary is said to focus on Williams' improvisation skills and the innovative methods he used to bring the character of Daniel Hillard, who disguises himself as an old British woman named Mrs. Euphegenia Doubtfire to get hired as his children's nanny, to life.
According to reports, approximately 972 boxes of footage from the film have been discovered, containing footage used in the final cut, outtakes, bloopers, and behind-the-scenes moments. This treasure trove of footage promises to offer a never-before-seen glimpse into the making of the iconic film.
Williams, who was known for his improvisation skills, would often shoot two to three takes that followed the script, then improvise and show off his creativity. This approach resulted in some of the film's most memorable moments, such as when Mrs. Doubtfire sings "The Lady in the Tavern" or when she performs a magic trick to win over the children.
Mrs. Doubtfire's success was not limited to the box office. The film won the Oscar for Best Makeup and the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy. Williams himself also took home the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy for his role in the film.
Despite the potential for a sequel, director Chris Columbus has no plans to make one. Instead, he is focusing on bringing the making of the original film to life through the documentary. With the 30th anniversary of Mrs. Doubtfire approaching in 2023, fans of the film can look forward to a deeper understanding of the creative process behind one of the most beloved comedies of all time.
In the meantime, Mrs. Doubtfire is available for streaming on Disney+, allowing a new generation of fans to discover the world's funniest nanny and the unique talent of Robin Williams.