Darren Aronofsky's unrealized projects

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Aronofsky in 2015

The following is a list of unproduced Darren Aronofsky projects in roughly chronological order. During his long career, American film director Darren Aronofsky has worked on a number of projects which never progressed beyond the pre-production stage under his direction. Some of these projects fell in "development hell" or were cancelled.

1990s[]

Ronin[]

Eleven days after the release of Pi, his first film, Aronofsky signed a deal with New Line Cinema in July 1998 to direct a film adaptation of Frank Miller's Ronin comic book series.[1] Frank Miller, the author of the comic book, was attached to write the script.[2] However, the project never materialized and Aronofsky left it to direct Requiem for a Dream.

2000s[]

Sector 7[]

On May 24, 2000, Aronofsky was announced to direct a film adaptation of David Wiesner's Sector 7 for Nickelodeon Movies. Eric Watson was attached to produce the film. However, the project finally fell into development hell,[3] and Aronofsky moved to other projects.

Batman: Year One[]

On September 21, 2000, Variety reported that Aronofsky had signed a deal with Warner Bros. to direct a fifth Batman film based on Frank Miller's acclaimed comic book Batman: Year One, with Miller attached to write the script, with Eric Watson attached to produce and with Aronofsky's frequent collaborator Matthew Libatique to work on it.[4][5] The film was intended to be a reboot of the film series,[6] after the failure of Batman & Robin in 1997, although Warner Bros. originally planned to release the film as a prequel of Tim Burton's Batman.[6] Christian Bale, who later portrayed Batman in Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight Trilogy was attached to star in the lead role.[7] Gillian B. Loeb was supposed to be the main antagonist of the film, replacing Carmine Falcone as the head of Gotham City's mafia.[8] Aronofsky also planned to film the movie in Ciudad Vieja, Montevideo, Uruguay.[9] However, on June 30, 2002, Aronofsky and Miller finally left the project due to other commitments.[10] A reboot of the Batman film series was finally released in 2005 as Batman Begins and directed by Christopher Nolan.

Flicker[]

On January 28, 2003, Aronofsky was reported to direct a film adaptation of Theodore Roszak's novel Flicker.[11][12] Fight Club screenwriter Jim Uhls was attached to write the script.[13] However, on February 15, 2006, Variety reported that Aronofsky left the project and moved to Universal Studios.[14]

Watchmen[]

In July 2004, Aronofsky was hired by Paramount Pictures to direct a film adaptation of Watchmen, with David Hayter as writer (who wrote the script in October 2001)[15] and with Lawrence Gordon, Lloyd Levin and Eric Watson as producers.[16] However, at the end, Aronofsky left the project due to scheduling contracts with The Fountain.[17] The film was eventually released in 2009 directed by Zack Snyder.

The Fighter[]

On March 26, 2007, Aronofsky announced that he was attached to direct The Fighter, a biographical film based on the life of professional boxer Micky Ward.[18] Scott Silver was attached to write the script.[19] However, on July 25, 2008, Collider reported that Aronofsky left the project in favor of directing the RoboCop remake.[20] The film was finally released in 2010 and directed by David O. Russell.

RoboCop[]

On July 9, 2008, The Hollywood Reporter reported that MGM was in talks with Aronofsky to direct the long time planned RoboCop remake[21] that was first announced in 2005. Sixteen days later, it was announced during the San Diego Comic-Con International 2008 that Aronofsky would direct the film with David Self attached to write it,[22] leaving the production of Paramount Pictures' The Fighter.[20] On June 12, 2009, it was reported that the film would be released in 2011.[23] However, in July 2009, during the San Diego Comic-Con, MGM reported that the project was slowing down due scheduling conflicts with Aronofsky.[24] Finally, on March 2, 2011, it was reported by Internet Movie Database that Brazilian director José Padilha would direct the film instead of Aronofsky.[25] The film was finally released in 2014 and directed by Padilha.

Breaking the Bank[]

On September 21, 2009, Darren Aronofsky was in talks to direct the Lee Murray biopic Breaking the Bank from a script by Kelly Williamson.[26] On May 4, 2012, Gareth Evans replaced Aronofsky as director and XYZ Films will produce and Universal Pictures as distribute the film.[27]

2010s[]

Jackie[]

In April 2010, it was announced that Rachel Weisz would star as the title character, with Aronofsky set to direct Jackie, from Noah Oppenheim's script.[28] However, both Weisz and Aronofsky dropped out after they ended their romantic relationship and Pablo Larrain took over directing the movie.[29]

Superman[]

On September 28, 2010, MTV News reported that Aronofsky was in talks with Warner Bros. to direct a reboot of the Superman film series, after the lukewarm reception of Superman Returns in 2006.[30] However, Aronofsky refused to direct it due his commitment with Wolverine 2.[31] A reboot of the Superman film series was finally released in 2013 as Man of Steel and directed by Zack Snyder.

The Wolverine[]

On October 13, 2010, SuperHeroHype.com reported that Aronofsky was in talks with 20th Century Fox to direct Wolverine 2, the sixth entry of the X-Men film series that started with X-Men and the planned sequel of Gavin Hood's poorly-received film X-Men Origins: Wolverine,[32] after X-Men director Bryan Singer turned down the offer of directing the film in March 2010.[33] Seven days later, Hugh Jackman confirmed via Vulture.com that Aronofsky would direct the film.[34] On November 13, 2010, Aronofsky confirmed via Upprox that the film would be titled now The Wolverine.[35] However, on March 17, 2011, The Hollywood Reporter reported that Aronofsky left the project because directing would have meant that he had to leave his country for a long time and be away from his family.[36] The film was finally released in 2013 and directed by James Mangold.

Machine Man[]

On October 26, 2010, Aronofsky reported that he would direct Max Barry’s novel Machine Man from a Mark Heyman script with Barry producing, for Mandalay Pictures.[37]

Hobgoblin[]

On March 16, 2011, one day before announcing his departure from The Wolverine film, Aronofsky reported via Deadline Hollywood that he would direct the pilot of a planned TV series entitled Hobgoblin for HBO. The series would have focused on the adventures of a group of magicians and con artists who use their powers of deception to defeat Adolf Hitler during World War II. Pulitzer Prize-winning author Michael Chabon and Chabon's wife Ayelet Waldman were attached to work on the project.[38] However, Screen Crush reported on June 18, 2013 that Aronofsky was pulled out from the project.[39]

Red Sparrow[]

On August 14, 2013, Deadline.com reported that Aronofsky was in talks to direct a film adaptation of Jason Matthews' spy novel Red Sparrow,[40] with Eric Warren Singer attached to write its script.[41] However, The Hollywood Reporter later reported on January 16, 2014, that Aronofsky had abandoned the project.[42] On June 9, 2014, it was announced that David Fincher would direct the film, although no release date was announced at the moment.[43] The film was eventually produced with Francis Lawrence directing.

MaddAddam TV series[]

On June 4, 2014, Deadline reported that Aronofsky will produce the TV series based on Margaret Atwood’s MaddAddam trilogy and potentially direct for HBO.[44] There have been no developments since.

Untitled artificial intelligence courtroom film[]

On July 17, 2017, Aronofsky reported that he will direct and produce a film from a Joe Epstein script, for Paramount Pictures,[45] which was revealed to be a courtroom drama that focuses on artificial intelligence.[46]

References[]

  1. ^ Benedict Carver,Dan Cox (1998-07-21). "Aronofsky draws on comic". Variety. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
  2. ^ Linder, Brian (2000-10-16). "The Bat-Men Speak". IGN. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
  3. ^ "Coming Attractions". Archived from the original on 2001-04-10. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
  4. ^ Dana Harris (2000-09-21). "WB sends 'Pi' guy into the Bat Cave". Variety. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
  5. ^ Andrew O. Thompson (2000-11-07). "Matthew Libatique". Variety. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
  6. ^ a b Linder, Brian (2000-12-06). "Aronofsky Talks Batman: Year One...Again". IGN. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
  7. ^ Adam Smith (July 2005). "The Original American Psycho". Empire. pp. 74–80, 82, 84, 87.
  8. ^ "BATMAN YEAR ONE By Frank Miller". Leonscripts.users5.50megs.com. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
  9. ^ McKnight, Brent (2016-03-04). "Why Darren Aronofsky's Batman Movie Never Happened, According To Frank Miller". Cinemablend. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
  10. ^ Dana Harris (2002-06-30). "WB: fewer pix, more punch". Variety. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
  11. ^ Dana Harris (2003-01-28). "Regency new home for 'Pi' guy". Variety. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
  12. ^ "Unproduced and Unfinished Films: An Ongoing Film Comment project". Film Comment. 2015-04-07. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
  13. ^ Dana Harris (2003-09-18). "'Hard' time for 'Fight' duo". Variety. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
  14. ^ Gabriel Snyder (2006-02-15). "'Pi' guy getting into U". Variety. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
  15. ^ "Movie Reviews, Trailers, Interviews, Wikis & Posters for Movies". IGN. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
  16. ^ "Hollywoodreporter.com". Archived from the original on 2006-01-05. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
  17. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2010-01-17. Retrieved 2006-09-23.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  18. ^ Pamela McClintock; Michael Fleming (2007-03-26). "Aronofsky in talks to direct 'Fighter'". Variety. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
  19. ^ Michael Fleming; Tatiana Siegel (2007-09-20). "Brad Pitt laces up for 'Fighter'". Variety. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
  20. ^ a b Steve 'Frosty' Weintraub (2008-07-25). "It's Official! Darren Aronofsky Will Build A Better ROBOCOP". Collider. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
  21. ^ Fernandez, Jay A. (2008-07-09). "MGM likes 'Dawn' at the 'Cabin'". Archived from the original on 2008-07-10. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
  22. ^ "Comic Con Rumour Control: Aronosky on Robocop, Ratner on God of War, Proyas off Silver Surfer". Film Junk. 2008-07-25. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
  23. ^ Gary Susman. "Aronofsky's Robocop Delayed Until 2011". Io9.gizmodo.com. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
  24. ^ "MGM Looking For A New Robocop Director? Searchlight Wants Aronofsky's Black Swan - /Film". Slashfilm.com. 2009-07-15. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
  25. ^ "Jose Padilha in Talks to Direct Robocop Remake". IMDb.com. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
  26. ^ Goldberg, Matt (September 21, 2009). "Darren Aronofsky Stages a Heist". Collider. Retrieved January 28, 2020.
  27. ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (May 4, 2012). "'The Raid' Helmer Gareth Evans Conspiring With Universal On MMA Fighter-Turned-Bank Robber Tale 'Breaking The Bank'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved January 28, 2020.
  28. ^ Rich, Katey (April 14, 2010). "Rachel Weisz To Play Jackie Kennedy For Darren Aronofsky". Cinema Blend. Retrieved June 15, 2016.
  29. ^ Robinson, Joanna (May 14, 2015). "Natalie Portman Will Be the Latest Actress to Play Jackie Kennedy". Vanity Fair. Retrieved June 15, 2016.
  30. ^ "Darren Aronofsky Rumored For 'Superman' Reboot". MTV. 28 September 2010. Retrieved 3 March 2017.
  31. ^ "Darren Aronofsky 'Absolutely' Wanted To Direct 'Man Of Steel'". MTV. 31 March 2014. Retrieved 3 March 2017.
  32. ^ "Darren Aronofsky in Talks for Wolverine 2". SuperHeroHype. 2010-10-13. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
  33. ^ "Bryan Singer on 'X-Men: First Class': It's got to be about Magneto and Professor X | Hero Complex – movies, comics, pop culture – Los Angeles Times". Herocomplex.latimes.com. 2010-03-18. Retrieved 3 March 2017.
  34. ^ What to Stream Now. "Hugh Jackman Promises Aronofsky's Wolverine 2 Will Be 'Thoughtful,' 'Meaty'". Vulture. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
  35. ^ "Darren Aronofsky confirms a new title for 'Wolverine 2'". Uproxx.com. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
  36. ^ "Darren Aronofsky Bows Out as 'Wolverine' Director". The Hollywood Reporter. 17 March 2011. Retrieved 3 March 2017.
  37. ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (26 October 2010). "Darren Aronofsky Welds To 'Machine Man'". Deadline. Retrieved 24 April 2019.
  38. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (16 June 2011). "Darren Aronofsky Joins Magic World War II Drama Series In Development At HBO". Deadline. Retrieved 3 March 2017.
  39. ^ "HBO Passes on Darren Aronofsky WW2 Magic Drama 'Hobgoblin,' FX Reportedly Considers". Screencrush. 18 June 2013. Retrieved 3 March 2017.
  40. ^ Fleming, Mike (2013-08-14). "Darren Aronofsky In Talks For Fox Espionage Tale 'Red Sparrow'". Deadline. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
  41. ^ Oliver Lyttelton (23 May 2016). "From A-Z: A Guide To The Lost & Unmade Films Of David Fincher". IndieWire. Retrieved 3 March 2017.
  42. ^ Borys Kit (16 January 2014). "Darren Aronofsky Will Not Direct 'Red Sparrow'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 3 March 2017.
  43. ^ Rodrigo Perez (13 May 2016). "David Fincher & Rooney Mara Possibly Reteaming For 'Red Sparrow' Adapted By 'American Hustle' Screenwriter". IndieWire. Retrieved 3 March 2017.
  44. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (4 June 2014). "Darren Aronofsky Adapting Futuristic 'MaddAddam' Book Trilogy As HBO Series". Deadline. Retrieved 24 April 2019.
  45. ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (17 July 2010). "Paramount Buys Joe Epstein Script For Darren Aronofsky". Deadline. Retrieved 17 May 2019.
  46. ^ Sneider, Jeff (17 July 2010). "Darren Aronofsky to Direct courtroom drama centered on artificial intelligence for Paramount". The Tracking Board. Retrieved 17 May 2019.
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