‘The NeverEnding Story’ Celebrates 40 Years: Insights on Casting “Real Kids” and Upcoming Reboot

On July 20, 1984, Warner Bros. debuted director Wolfgang Petersen’s grand fantasy film, adapted from Michael Ende’s German novel. The story follows Bastian Bux, an isolated boy played by Barret Oliver, who discovers a magical book that transports him to a fantastical world.

There, he meets warrior Atreyu (Noah Hathaway) and the Childlike Empress (Tami Stronach) and must assist them in saving their realm from the destructive Nothing, aided by the Luck Dragon Falkor.

While the film performed modestly at the domestic box office, it gained a strong following in Petersen’s home country, Germany, and has since become a cult classic. The success of The NeverEnding Story led to two sequels and a feature reboot currently in development.

Although the three young stars are best remembered for this film, Stronach, who shifted to a career in modern dance, has returned to acting for the first time in four decades with Man and Witch, a family-friendly fantasy released in select theaters in July.

In interviews with The Hollywood Reporter, Stronach and casting director Penny Perry reminisced about the serendipitous events that led to Stronach landing her role at age 10. They also discussed Stronach’s favorite moments from the film, her decision to decline the 1990 sequel, and her views on See-Saw Films acquiring rights to develop a new film series.

When reflecting on The NeverEnding Story, Perry recalls Wolfgang Petersen’s kindness and dedication to creating a film his grandchildren could enjoy. Stronach expresses amazement at the film’s lasting impact and feels honored to be part of something so cherished, perhaps aided by the presence of a Luck Dragon.