Director Ron Howard Doesn't 'Go Back and Watch' His Own Movies — and Hasn't SeenSplashin a 'Long Time' (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Ron Howard.Photo:Amy Sussman/WireImage

Amy Sussman/WireImage

Ron Howarddoesn’t often reflect on his own portfolio — and hasn’t seen one of his most beloved films in some time.

The director opened up about whether or not he watches his work whilechatting with PEOPLEabout his beloved 1984 comedySplash.

“Frankly, I don’t go back and watch my movies, so it’s been a long time since I’ve seen [Splash],” Howard, 70, said when asked about scenes from the 40-year-old film he feels are underrated.

Moments from creating the film starringDaryl Hannah,Tom HanksandJohn Candy, though, come to mind quickly: “Making the movie was so much fun.”

“We just laughed every day,” Howard recalled. “It was such a buoyant, romantic, funny combination of story values and situations.”

Howard’s career started in acting, with him first portraying Opie onThe Andy Griffith Showbefore taking the role of Richie Cunningham in the ABC seriesHappy Daysin the ’70s.

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Howard has not acted in some time, save for serving asArrested Development’s narrator — but would be open to it under specific circumstances.

Bryce Dallas Howard and Ron Howard.Frazer Harrison/Getty

Frazer Harrison/Getty

During a 2022 appearance onVariety’sAwards Circuitpodcast, Howard said his daughterBryce Dallas Howard"probably" could convince him to take on an on-screen role.

“It would probably be Bryce directing something and saying, ‘Dad, I really need you to come in and do this,’ or ‘You have to.’ Either of those would probably get me in the makeup chair and in front of the camera,” he said at the time.

source: people.com