Fan CastingAlex Proyas's Casper (1993)

For those who don't know, Alex Proyas, the director of The Crow (1994) was approached to direct the 1990s live action Casper movie. And described it as being more darker, less comedic and more deconstructism than the final product. He described his version to be inspired by his childhood favorite, The Wizard of Oz (1939) as a timeless, fantasy story that's also compelling and emotional for kids. But with a darker tone? So basically Return to Oz? Awesome!!!!! However he left as the last minute due to creative differences. But the new director had stated he already had concept art and models sent to him for the movie so it's possible Whipstaff and the ghosts were already based on Alex Proyas's vision. The house's strange design looks seamlessly if it was in The Crow. Although he didn't direct the movie, he claimed he saw the final product but felt the emotions came off forced and was a wasted opportunity for the studio to tell a more subtle and mature story like his movies are. And he went on to make Dark City instead. Shame. :( Side note: Casper was never intended to turn into a human at the end until the last minute by the new director on set. So this means there's no human Casper nor a red angel since that was also his idea.