Chris Columbus's unrealized projects

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Columbus in 2012

The following is a list of unproduced Chris Columbus projects in roughly chronological order. During his long career, American film director Chris Columbus has worked on a number of projects which never progressed beyond the pre-production stage under his direction. Some of these projects, are officially scrapped or linger in "development hell."

1980s[]

Indiana Jones and the Monkey King[]

In 1985, Columbus wrote a script for a third Indiana Jones film entitled Indiana Jones and the Monkey King.[1] Columbus' script included Indy taking a trip with his assistant Betsy to a secret city protected by soldier gorillas and governed by the evil Monkey King. According to Columbus, the script was written so that the story didn't appear too similar to the previous film Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.[2] However, at the end, Columbus' script was rejected and the film was finally released in 1989 under the title Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and directed by Steven Spielberg. In 2017 Columbus' script was adapted into a five-part live reading/audio drama on the Alcohollywood podcast.[3]

1990s[]

Fantastic Four[]

In 1995, Columbus wrote for 20th Century Fox a script for the long time planned Fantastic Four feature-length film.[4] The film was supposed to be released around the 2001 summer. Peter Segal was attached to direct it, but later, he dropped the project, so Raja Gosnell took the director's chair, but he dropped it after being hired by Warner Bros. to direct Scooby-Doo and its sequel. After this, director Peyton Reed entered into the project and wanted to cast Renée Zellweger as Invisible Woman.[5] The film was finally released in 2005, directed by Tim Story and written by Michael France and Mark Frost.

Galaxy High School[]

Plans for a live-action film adaptation of his own 1986 animated TV series Galaxy High was planned in partnership with John H. Williams of Vanguard Films, and reteamed with Chris Columbus to develop the big screen version of Galaxy High School. After various development deals with both DreamWorks and Paramount Pictures, So far nothing ever came out of it, either being scrapped or in development hell.

Daredevil[]

In 1997, Columbus was hired by Columbia Pictures to write a script for a Daredevil feature film.[6] Columbus' script was later leaked on Internet in 1999. Despite this, Columbia dropped the project and 20th Century Fox bought the rights.[7] The film was finally released in 2003 and was written and directed by Mark Steven Johnson.

Spider-Man[]

Main article: Spider-Man (2002 film)

Joseph Kahn revealed that Columbus was considered to direct a Spider-Man movie in 1998 to 1999 before Sam Raimi was hired.[8]

2000s[]

The Sub-Mariner[]

In July 2004, Columbus was hired to direct a film adaptation of Namor.[9] The film was supposed to be released in 2007,[10] however, in 2005, Columbus abandoned the project.[11]

live-action Dilbert film[]

On February 16, 2007, Columbus was in talks to direct a Dilbert film.[12] On May 26, 2010, Ken Kwapis was hired to direct the film, instead of Columbus.[13]

Ripley’s Believe It or Not film[]

In October 2008, Columbus pitched an idea for the Ripley’s Believe It or Not film that was approved by Jim Carrey and Paramount, scrapped the previous China-based storyline entirely, with plans for a 2011 release, and hoped that it would be the start of a Ripley's film series.[14] In January 2011, Eric Roth was hired to write the script, with Carrey and Columbus still attached. Ken Atchity and Chi-Li Wong joined the project as producers, alongside Jim Jacks and Sean Daniel and it is intended to be a fantasy film.[15][16]

2010s[]

The Graveyard Book[]

In May 2010, 1492 Pictures acquired the rights and was set to co-produce the adaptation of The Graveyard Book with CJ Entertainment.[17] But in April 2012, Walt Disney Pictures acquired the rights and hired Henry Selick to direct the movie.[18]

Carpe Demon[]

In May 2010, 1492 Pictures and CJ Entertainment were set to co-produce Carpe Demon, with Columbus writing the script.[17]

American Hello Ghost remake[]

On February 23, 2011, it was announced that Columbus will direct and produce the remake of Hello Ghost through his company, 1492 Pictures and Next Entertainment World.[19] On, June 30, 2011, Karen Croner was set to write the script.[20] On, June 13, 2013, Universal Pictures optioned the remake and Adam Sandler was set to star in and produce the film.[21]

Temple Stay[]

On May 14, 2011, it was announced that Columbus's 1492 Pictures and CJ Entertainment & Media will produce the action-adventure fantasy film Temple Stay with Dan and Kevin Hageman writing the script and JK Youn directing the film.[22]

The Cypress House[]

On June 2, 2011, it was announced that Columbus had acquired rights to adapt the Michael Koryta novel The Cypress House. Columbus would write the script, and produce with partners Michael Barnathan and Mark Radcliffe.[23]

American Troll Hunter remake[]

On June 10, 2011, it was announced that Columbus' company 1492 Pictures and CJ Entertainment & Media acquired rights to remake Trollhunter.[24] On, 20 September 2013, Neil Marshall was set to direct the remake.[25] On November 2016, the remake was cancelled.[26]

The Secret Lives Of Road Crews[]

On September 23, 2011, it was announced that Columbus's 1492 Pictures will produce the action comedy film The Secret Lives Of Road Crews for Paramount Pictures.[27]

Killer Pizza[]

On November 8, 2011, Columbus's 1492 Pictures will produce Adam Green's adaptation of Greg Taylor's book Killer Pizza with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer set to distribute the film.[28]

The Rifleman reboot[]

On November 8, 2011, Columbus's 1492 Pictures was set to produce a television reboot of The Rifleman for CBS.[29]

How to Live Safely in a Science Fictional Universe[]

On December 2, 2011, Columbus's 1492 Pictures will produce the adaptation of Charles Yu's book How to Live Safely in a Science Fictional Universe with Brendan Bellomo set to make his directorial debut with the film.[30]

Home Front[]

On March 30, 2012, it was announced that Columbus will direct and produce and adapt the Kristin Hannah novel Home Front through 1492 Pictures.[31]

Calico Joe[]

On June 4, 2012, it was announced that Columbus will direct and produce and adapt the John Grisham novel Calico Joe through 1492 Pictures.[32] On October 15, 2020, George Clooney, Grant Heslov, and Bob Dylan took over the film adaptation from Columbus and 1492 Pictures.[33]

Creepy[]

On July 12, 2012, it was announced at Comic-Con that Columbus will produce and write a segment of the anthology film based on the magazine Creepy.[34]

Young Sherlock Holmes remake[]

On November 19, 2012, Paramount Pictures announced that Columbus will produce the remake of Young Sherlock Holmes through 1492 Pictures with Evan Spiliotopoulos writing the script.[35]

House of Secrets film[]

The film rights to Columbus and Ned Vizzini's House of Secrets trilogy have been picked up by Rise Entertainment, along with Columbus's 1492 Pictures was going to adapt the series from Columbus' initial screenplay with principal photography slated to begin in January 2014.[36]

Mrs. Doubtfire sequel[]

On April 16, 2014, it was announced that Columbus will direct a sequel to Mrs. Doubtfire with David Berenbaum writing the script and Robin Williams was set to reprise the role of Daniel Hilliard/Mrs. Doubtfire.[37] The film was cancelled because of Williams' death.[38]

SS Exodus[]

On August 28, 2014, it was announced that Columbus's 1492 Pictures and Crystal City Entertainment will produce the film adaptation of John Grauel's self-titled autobiography SS Exodus with Mark Friedman writing the script.[39]

Jane Steele[]

On March 21, 2016, it was announced that Columbus's 1492 Pictures along with Ocean Blue Entertainment & Prescience and Altus Media will produce the film adaptation of Lyndsay Faye's novel Jane Steele.[40]

Fannie Lou Hamer biopic[]

On July 13, 2017, it was announced that Columbus's 1492 Pictures will produce the Fannie Lou Hamer biopic with Gregory Allen Howard writing the script.[41]

Five Nights at Freddy's[]

On February 12, 2018, it was announced that Columbus would write, direct, and produce a film adaptation of the horror video game franchise Five Nights at Freddy's for Blumhouse Productions.[42] In an interview with Collider on September 29, 2021, producer Jason Blum revealed that Columbus was no longer working on the film.[43]

References[]

  1. ^ Anders, Charlie Jane. "100 Wonderful and Terrible Movies That Never Existed".
  2. ^ "The Lost Scripts, Part I: Indiana Jones and the Monkey King". 26 July 2012.
  3. ^ "Indiana Jones". Alcohollywood.com.
  4. ^ Archerd, Army (13 July 1995). "Columbus seeing red after 'Nine' reviews".
  5. ^ "9 Things Fox Got Right With Their 1996 Fantastic Four Script...That We Never Got to See – The Robot's Voice". 11 February 2015.
  6. ^ Stax (26 April 2001). "Daredevil: The Man Without Ed".
  7. ^ "Movie Reviews, Trailers, Interviews, Wikis & Posters for Movies – IGN".
  8. ^ Anderton, Ethan (July 30, 2015). "Trivia: Chris Columbus Almost Directed 'Spider-Man' Instead of Sam Raimi". Slash Film. Retrieved November 10, 2020.
  9. ^ Brodesser, Claude (3 December 2004). "Columbus off to sea". Variety.
  10. ^ "Marvel's Film Slate From 3rd Quarter Report". SuperHeroHype. 28 October 2004.
  11. ^ "Chris Columbus Passes on Sub-Mariner". SuperHeroHype. 12 November 2005.
  12. ^ Sean (February 16, 2007). "Chris Columbus Prepping Dilbert Live Action Movie". Film Junk. Retrieved January 28, 2020.
  13. ^ Rowles, Dustin (May 26, 2010). "Exclusive: Ken Kwapis to Direct Live-Action Dilbert Movie". Pajaba. Retrieved January 28, 2020.
  14. ^ Michael Fleming Jr.; Tatiana Siegel (October 23, 2008). "Chris Columbus in talks for 'Ripley's': Paramount wants director for long-delayed film". Variety. Retrieved January 28, 2020.
  15. ^ McNary, Dave (January 1, 2011). "Eric Roth takes on Ripley project: Jim Carrey remains attached to topline". Variety. Retrieved January 28, 2020.
  16. ^ Castro, Adam-Troy (December 14, 2012). "Director Chris COLUMBUS on Why a Fantasy Version of Ripley Will Work". SYFY Wire. Retrieved January 28, 2020.
  17. ^ a b Goldberg, Matt (May 28, 2010). "1492 Pictures and CJ Entertainment to Produce THE GRAVEYARD BOOK and Other Projects". Collider. Retrieved April 20, 2021.
  18. ^ "Henry Selick To Direct Neil Gaiman's 'The Graveyard Book' In Disney Deal". Deadline Hollywood. April 27, 2012. Retrieved April 20, 2021.
  19. ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (February 23, 2011). "Chris Columbus To Remake 'Hello Ghost'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 7, 2020.
  20. ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (June 30, 2011). "Karen Croner To Script 'Hello Ghost' Remake For Chris Columbus To Direct". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 7, 2020.
  21. ^ Kit, Borys (June 13, 2013). "Adam Sandler and Chris Columbus Teaming Up for 'Hello Ghost' (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved February 7, 2020.
  22. ^ McNary, Dave (May 14, 2011). "1492 and CJ plan 'Temple' stay". Variety. Retrieved February 7, 2020.
  23. ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (June 2, 2011). "Chris Columbus And 1492 Acquire 'The Cypress House'". Deadline. Retrieved September 17, 2021.
  24. ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (June 10, 2011). "Norwegian Fright Film 'Troll Hunter' In Remake Deal With Chris Columbus' 1492 And CJ Entertainment". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved January 28, 2020.
  25. ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (20 September 2013). "Neil Marshall Set To Helm 'Troll Hunter' Redo". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved January 28, 2020.
  26. ^ Rife, Katie (11 November 2016). "That Troll Hunter remake isn't happening after all". The A.V. Club. Retrieved January 28, 2020.
  27. ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (September 23, 2011). "Chris Columbus Joins Paramount's 'The Secret Lives Of Road Crews'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved April 20, 2021.
  28. ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (November 8, 2011). "MGM Ordering Up 'Killer Pizza'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 7, 2020.
  29. ^ Rose, Lacey (November 8, 2011). "Chris Columbus to Reboot Western 'The Rifleman' at CBS". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved April 5, 2021.
  30. ^ Miller, Daniel (December 2, 2011). "Chris Columbus' Production Company Acquires Sci-Fi Novel (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved April 5, 2021.
  31. ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (March 30, 2012). "Novelist Kristin Hannah's 'Home Front' Sparks Chris Columbus, While 'The Things We Do For Love' Moves Abigail Breslin". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 7, 2020.
  32. ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (June 4, 2012). "Chris Columbus To Helm John Grisham Baseball Novel 'Calico Joe'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 7, 2020.
  33. ^ Kroll, Justin (October 15, 2020). "George Clooney Boards Adaptation Of John Grisham's 'Calico Joe'; Smokehouse Will Produce Along With Bob Dylan's Grey Water Park Banner". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved November 10, 2020.
  34. ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (July 12, 2012). "Comic-Con: Chris Columbus, Braun Brothers Plot CREEPY Magazine Feature". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 7, 2020.
  35. ^ Foreman, Liza (November 19, 2012). "'Young Sherlock Holmes' Tracking Down 'Lion King' Writer (Exclusive)". The Wrap. Retrieved February 7, 2020.
  36. ^ Block, Alex Ben (August 20, 2013). "Chris Columbus' 1492 Pictures Signs 5-Year Deal With Rise Entertainment". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved January 28, 2020.
  37. ^ Kit, Borys (April 16, 2014). "'Mrs. Doubtfire' Sequel in the Works at Fox 2000 (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved January 28, 2020.
  38. ^ Sperling, Nicole (August 11, 2014). "Robin Williams leaves behind four upcoming films". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved January 28, 2020.
  39. ^ Ford, Rebecca (August 28, 2014). "SS Exodus Voyage of Holocaust Survivors Getting Film Treatment (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved February 7, 2020.
  40. ^ Jaafar, Ali (March 21, 2016). "Chris Columbus' 1492 Pictures Acquires Hot Novel 'Jane Steele'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved April 5, 2021.
  41. ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (July 13, 2017). "Gregory Allen Howard To Script Tale Of Civil Rights Icon Fannie Lou Hamer For 1492". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved April 20, 2021.
  42. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (February 12, 2018). "Chris Columbus To Write & Direct 'Five Nights At Freddy's' For Blumhouse". Deadline. Retrieved February 19, 2022.
  43. ^ Foutch, Haleigh (September 29, 2021). "'Five Nights at Freddy's Movie: Jason Blum Reveals Chris Columbus Is No Longer Directing, but the Film Is Still Happening". Collider. Retrieved February 19, 2022.
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