History of Wolfgang Petersen in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 16, 2025

Wolfgang Petersen was a German film director, screenwriter, and producer recognized for his work in both German and American cinema. He gained international acclaim for directing "Das Boot," a gripping World War II submarine film, which earned him two Academy Award nominations. Petersen directed a diverse range of successful films, including the fantasy adventure "The NeverEnding Story," the sci-fi drama "Enemy Mine," and action thrillers like "In the Line of Fire," "Outbreak," and "Air Force One." He also directed disaster films like "The Perfect Storm" and "Poseidon," as well as the historical epic "Troy."

March 1941: Wolfgang Petersen Born

In March 1941, Wolfgang Petersen, the future film director, screenwriter, and producer, was born.

1953: Petersen Attended Gelehrtenschule des Johanneums

In 1953, Petersen began attending the Gelehrtenschule des Johanneums in Hamburg.

1960: Petersen Left Gelehrtenschule des Johanneums

In 1960, Petersen left the Gelehrtenschule des Johanneums in Hamburg.

1966: Petersen Attended Film and Television Academy

In 1966, Petersen began attending the Film and Television Academy in Berlin.

1969: The Poseidon Adventure Novel

In 1969, Paul Gallico wrote the novel "The Poseidon Adventure" which Petersen would later adapt into a film.

1970: Petersen Left Film and Television Academy

In 1970, Petersen concluded his studies at the Film and Television Academy in Berlin.

1972: The Poseidon Adventure Film

In 1972, The Poseidon Adventure was first adapted for film.

1974: One or the Other of Us Released

In 1974, Petersen's first theatrical feature film, the psychological thriller One or the Other of Us, was released.

1977: Reifezeugnis Tatort Episode

In 1977, Petersen directed the Tatort episode Reifezeugnis (Maturity Certificate) with Nastassja Kinski.

1977: Die Konsequenz Film

In 1977, Petersen directed the film Die Konsequenz, which faced controversy for its depiction of homosexual love.

1978: Petersen Married Maria Borgel

In 1978, Petersen married his assistant, Maria Borgel.

1981: Das Boot Released

In 1981, Das Boot was released, receiving two Academy Award nominations.

1982: Das Boot Release

In early 1982, Das Boot was released, receiving highly positive reviews and several Academy Award nominations.

1984: The NeverEnding Story Released

In 1984, The NeverEnding Story was released.

1985: Enemy Mine Release

In 1985, Enemy Mine was released, but it did not achieve critical or box office success.

1986: Petersen Moved to Los Angeles

In 1986, Petersen moved to Los Angeles.

1993: In the Line of Fire Released

In 1993, In the Line of Fire was released.

1995: Outbreak Released

In 1995, Outbreak was released.

1997: Air Force One Released

In 1997, Air Force One was released.

1998: Petersen Became an Established Hollywood Director

By 1998, Petersen had established himself as a Hollywood director, gaining the power to re-release Das Boot and direct star-studded action-thrillers.

March 2000: Petersen Pulled out of Harry Potter

In March 2000, Petersen withdrew from directing Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.

2000: The Perfect Storm Release

In 2000, Petersen directed The Perfect Storm.

2004: Troy Release

In 2004, Petersen directed Troy.

May 2006: Poseidon Release

In May 2006, Petersen's film Poseidon was released by Warner Bros.

2006: Petersen Considers Adapting Paprika

In 2006, Petersen considered doing a live-action adaption of the anime film, Paprika.

2006: Poseidon Released

In 2006, Poseidon was released.

2008: Petersen No Longer Directing Ender's Game

Although hired to direct the film adaptation of Ender's Game, that was scheduled for release in 2008, Petersen later "moved on" from the project.

2016: Vier gegen die Bank Release

In 2016, Petersen returned to directing with Vier gegen die Bank, his first German-language film since 1981.

August 2022: Wolfgang Petersen's Death

In August 2022, Wolfgang Petersen died of pancreatic cancer at his home in Brentwood, Los Angeles.

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