Mrs. Doubtfire director Chris Columbus SHOOTS DOWN any talk of an NC-17 rated version of the film

There has been recent chatter on social media about there being four versions of the classic comedy-drama film, Mrs. Doubtfire (1993), including PG, PG-13, R, and the explicit, NC-17.

In the days since the tweet went out, people have had mixed thoughts about the idea of a Rated NC-17 (No children under 17) version, since the original PG-13, starring Robin Williams in the titular role, was so successful at the box office. 

Director Chris Columbus is now setting the record straight about the possibility of there being alternative edits of Mrs. Doubtfire.

The family comedy follows a divorced actor (Williams), who disguises himself as a female housekeeper to spend time with his children, when his former wife gets custody of them as part of their split.

It went on to become the number two earning movie of 1993 as Rated PG-13, which means there may be some material inappropriate for children under 13.

In recent days, a viral tweet referenced an old 2015 interview where Columbus talked about having four cuts of the movie due to Williams’ penchant for improv on the set.

It turns out the legendary actor and comedian did numerous takes of a scene after doing the scripted version. 

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly on Friday, Columbus, 62, shot down any talk of an NC-17 rated version, but he did confirm there’s enough footage to work with for three separate cuts, including one that is R-rated.

‘The reality is that there was a deal between Robin and myself, which was, he’ll do one or two, three scripted takes. And then he would say, “Then let me play,”‘ the famed director explained.

‘And we would basically go on anywhere between 15 to 22 takes; I think 22 being the most I remember.’

Columbus recalled in wonder over how Williams would create new lines and versions for every take, which sometimes would involve vulgarity.

‘He would sometimes go into territory that wouldn’t be appropriate for a PG-13 movie, but certainly appropriate and hilariously funny for an R-rated film. I only [previously] used the phrase NC-17 as a joke. There could be no NC-17 version of the movie,’ the Pennsylvania native made clear.

The director also added that while Williams’ improvisational skills led to enough footage to make ‘three or four’ versions of the film, he doesn’t have any plans to make them, with the exception of one potential project.  

‘I would be open to maybe doing a documentary about the making of the film, and enabling people to see certain scenes re-edited in an R-rated version,’ Columbus revealed before sharing a big disclaimer.

‘The problem is, I don’t recall most of it. I only know what’s in the movie at this point because it’s been a long time. But I do remember it was outrageously funny material.’

Earning $441.3 million at the worldwide box office on a $25 million budget, Mrs. Doubtfire was the second-highest-grossing film of 1993, just behind Jurassic Park, which raked-in $914,691,118.

The comedy, which also stars Sally Field, Pierce Brosnan and Harvey Fierstein, also has the distinction of being the highest-grossing cross-dressing film of all time.