The Guardian has published an oral history of the Harry Potter film franchise, and among the reminiscences is one intriguing revelation: The first screenwriter approached to adapt J.K. Rowling’s books for the big screen was Richard Curtis, the mastermind behind Four Weddings and a Funeral, Love Actually, and Notting Hill. (Curtis was keen to take the job if his Four Weddings helmer Mike Newell would direct, but Newell didn’t come onboard until the fourth film.) Also notable: When Steven Spielberg was approached to make the first movie, he recommended Haley Joel Osment for the lead, and when Steve Kloves was adapting the last book, the screenwriter hinted to Warner Bros. that the sprawling tome could fit three movies, though WB ultimately decided on two. Still, Richard Curtis! Hermione may have been thisclose to an “I’m just a Muggle-born standing in front of a wizard asking him to love her†monologue. [Guardian UK]