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.
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.
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.
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.
Mentioned in this timeline
Los Angeles California's most populous city and Southern California's hub...
A star is a self-gravitating luminous plasma spheroid exemplified by...
A bank is a regulated financial institution licensed to accept...
Harry Potter is a series of seven fantasy novels by...
Fire is a rapid oxidation process specifically combustion that releases...
Trending
4 hours ago Busy Philipps Reveals Surgery to Remove Rare Malignant Brain Tumor
4 hours ago General Randy George Faces Fallout Over Kid Rock Investigation and Pentagon Power Struggles
4 hours ago Ismaïla Sarr Faces Intense Transfer Interest From Galatasaray, Al-Hilal, and Liverpool
4 hours ago Bill Gates Issues Urgent Warning Regarding Potential Dangers and Job Disruptions of Artificial Intelligence
4 hours ago Raheem Sterling Faces Dangerous Driving and Nitrous Oxide Possession Charges
5 hours ago Usha Vance Responds to Abdul El-Sayed Amid JD Vance Political Controversy
Popular
Michael Joseph Jackson the King of Pop was a highly...
Cristiano Ronaldo widely considered one of the greatest footballers captains...
Bernie Sanders is a prominent American politician and the senior...
George Soros is a Hungarian-American investor and philanthropist with a...
Mark Zuckerberg is an American businessman and programmer best known...
Tupac Shakur also known as Pac and Makaveli was a...