David Fincher's unrealized projects

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The following is a list of unproduced David Fincher projects in roughly chronological order. During his career, American film director David Fincher 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, were officially canceled, were in development limbo or would see life under a different production team.

1990s[]

The Sky Is Falling[]

Fincher was set to direct the film, a spec script written by Howard Roth and Eric Warren Singer about two priests who engage in a killing spree after discovering God is nonexistent. The film would ultimately fail to obtain a green-light.[1]

2000s[]

Catch Me If You Can[]

In April 2000, Fincher was attached to direct Catch Me If You Can over the course of a few months, but dropped out in favor of Panic Room.[2]

Chemical Pink[]

Fincher acquired the right to Katie Arnoldi's novel that took place in the bodybuilding world, with Art Linson producing and Fight Club novelist Chuck Palahniuk writing the screenplay. Fincher eventually exited the project, with Jonas Åkerlund taking over as director. The project would become dormant.[3][4]

Squids[]

Fincher, along with Art Linson, purchased the script written by David Ayer in April 2000, a coming-of-age story set on a nuclear submarine during the Cold War.[5] The film never developed further, and in 2012, Ayer spoke negatively on the script, stating it "sucked".[6]

They Fought Alone[]

Fincher entered discussions to direct the film in August 2000 about Col. Wendell Fertig, a soldier serving in the Philippines during World War II. The screenplay was written by William Nicholson.[7] Fincher reiterated his intent to direct in January 2009, revealing Robert Towne had been brought in to rewrite the screenplay, and Brad Pitt was wanted to portray Fretig.[8]

Seared[]

In November 2000, Fincher was set to direct an adaptation of Anthony Bourdain's memoir Kitchen Confidential, which Art Linson would produce, and Brad Pitt reportedly interested to star as well as Benicio del Toro. The project was set to film once Fincher completed Panic Room.[9][10] The book would instead be adapted for television as Kitchen Confidential starring Bradley Cooper as fictional version of Bourdain, which aired for one season in 2005, airing just four episodes.[11]

Hard Boiled[]

In 2001, Fincher was announced as directing an adaptation of Frank Miller's three issue comic book series that would see Nicolas Cage star in the lead role.[12]

Rendezvous with Rama[]

As early as 2001, Fincher was attached as director for an adaptation of the Arthur C. Clarke book, with Morgan Freeman attached to star.[13] Fincher stated in 2007 he still planned to direct,[14] but by 2008 he stated it was unlikely to be made as no script was written.[15] Fincher reiterated his desire to still make the film in 2010, but it was still down to the matter of finding the right script.[16] In December 2021, it was announced Denis Villeneuve would direct the adaptation for Alcon Entertainment, with Freeman involved as producer.[17]

Spider-Man[]

Fincher was amongst several directors approached to direct an adaptation of the Marvel Comics character that would eventually be directed by Sam Raimi. Fincher described in a 2011 interview concepts he wanted to do in the film, such as a ten minute title sequence tackling Peter Parker's backstory and featuring Green Goblin killing Gwen Stacy.[18]

Lords of Dogtown[]

Fincher was hired to replace musician Fred Durst on the skateboarding biopic in 2003, but exited over budget and philosophical differences with Sony Pictures. Catherine Hardwicke would eventually direct the final product.[19][20]

Mission: Impossible III[]

Fincher was sought out by Tom Cruise to serve as director for the third instalment of the Mission: Impossible franchise. Fincher was looking to make the film “really violent”.[21] However he would eventually pull out of the film, and said in a 2008 MTV interview “I think the problem with third movies is the people who are financing them are experts on how they should be made and what they should be. At that point, when you own a franchise like that, you want to get rid of any extraneous opinions. I'm not the kind of person who says, "Let's see the last two, I see what you're going for." You'll never hear me say, "Whatever is easiest for you”.[22]

The Black Dahlia[]

Prior to the 2006 film version directed by Brian De Palma, Fincher was going to adapt James Ellroy's novel into a 5-part miniseries budgeted at $80 million that would star Tom Cruise.[23][24]

Torso[]

Fincher was announced in 2006 to direct the adaptation of the Brian Michael Bendis and Marc Andreyko graphic of the same name about Eliot Ness and his investigation of the Cleveland Torso Murderer.[25] Fincher indicated that the film would not be a very faithful adaptation of the comic.[26] A cast of Matt Damon, Rachel McAdams, Casey Affleck and Gary Oldman was rumored to be attached prior to Paramount Pictures allowing the rights to the comic lapse in January 2009.[27][28]

The Killer[]

Paramount Pictures and Fincher had teamed in November 2007 to make an adaptation of the Matz French comic book The Killer. Fincher would direct with Allesandro Camon writing the screenplay and Plan B Entertainment producing.[29] In 2021, it was reported that Netflix had started to develop the project, with Fincher set to direct a screenplay from Andrew Kevin Walker, and Michael Fassbender is attached to star.[30]

Heavy Metal[]

In 2008, it was announced Fincher was to produce a remake of the 1981 film, itself based on the Heavy Metal magazine. It was planned to feature eight or nine segments, with Fincher, James Cameron, Zack Snyder, Kevin Eastman, Tim Miller and Mark Osborne directing segments, and Guillermo del Toro and Gore Verbinski reported as expressing interest in taking part as well.[31][32][33] Tenacious D had written a song for the film, with Jack Black also set to appear in Osborne's segment.[34]

The project was initially at Paramount Pictures, but was dropped by the studio in 2008.[35] Eventually, Robert Rodriguez acquired the film rights to Heavy Metal, effectively cancelling Fincher's version.[36]

The Automatic Detective[]

Fincher acquired the rights to the A. Lee Martinez novel in July 2008, planning to make the film with Blur Studio.[37]

Chef[]

Fincher discussed in December 2008 a project he was looking to do set within the culinary arts world that would star Keanu Reeves.[38] In 2010, the project was considered "dead".[39] The film would eventually be released in 2015 as Burnt, directed by John Wells and starring Bradley Cooper.[40]

Black Hole[]

Fincher was at one point attached to direct Charles Burns (cartoonist) acclaimed graphic novel Black Hole (comics). Director Rick Famuyikwa later became attached. [41]

2010s[]

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea[]

It was announced by Fincher in 2010 that he was to direct a remake of the 1954 Disney film, with Scott Z. Burns writing the screenplay.[42] Filming was initially planned to begin in late 2012, with Brad Pitt eyed to star.[43][44] Pitt would decline the role, however.[45] The production received a $20 million incentive to film in Australia,[46] but Fincher would exit the project in July 2013, citing casting disagreements with Disney, as he wanted to cast Channing Tatum for the lead role, but Disney wanted Chris Hemsworth.[47][48]

Cleopatra[]

Fincher became attached to a new telling of the story of Cleopatra starring Angelina Jolie in March 2011.[49] Fincher confirmed his involvement later that year, stating Eric Roth was working on the screenplay and that he wasn't looking to make it in a typical sword-and-sandal style. [50] He left the project in August 2012.[51]

The Girl Who Played with Fire[]

Upon the December 2011 release of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, the American adaptation of the Stieg Larsson novel, Fincher revealed the plan was to make the sequels The Girl Who Played with Fire and The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets' Nest, "back to back."[52] The script for Who Played with Fire was revised by Steven Zaillian and Andrew Kevin Walker at various stages.[53][54] Upon the release of The Girl in the Spider's Web by David Lagercrantz, Sony Pictures elected to reboot the series instead with an adaptation of the new novel. It was released in 2018, directed by Fede Álvarez and starring Claire Foy. Fincher served as an executive producer.[55]

Utopia[]

Fincher became interested in making an American remake of the British television series Utopia in July 2013.[56] By February 2014, he teamed with author Gillian Flynn and began developing the series at HBO, which gave it a series order.[57][58] Fincher was set to direct all the episodes of the show's first season, with Flynn writing.[59][60] The series would have seen Rooney Mara, Colm Feore, Eric McCormack, Dallas Roberts, Jason Ritter, Brandon Scott, and Agyness Deyn star, however due to budget issues HBO cancelled the project in August 2015.[61] Fincher stated in an October 2017 interview that it was specifically a disagreement over $9 million.[62] The series was picked up by Amazon Studios in 2018, with Flynn remaining onboard as creator, executive producer and showrunner.[63] The two other television series in the deal between Fincher and HBO, titled Shakedown and Videosyncrazy, were also cancelled.

Jobs[]

Fincher entered early talks to direct a biopic about Apple Inc. co-founder Steve Jobs in February 2014.[64] However he would bow out in April over contractual disputes.[65]

Strangers on a Train[]

It was reported in January 2015 that Fincher was to re-team with Gone Girl actor Ben Affleck and screenwriter Gillian Flynn on a modern update of Alfred Hitchcock's 1951 film for Warner Bros.[66] In a July 2015 interview, Flynn remarked all three individuals were "overcommitted" at the time.[67]

World War Z 2[]

Fincher was hired to direct the sequel to 2013's World War Z in June 2017, with filming arranged to begin in June 2019 before Paramount Pictures cancelled the project in February 2019.[68][69] A cited reason for the cancellation was China imposing a ban on films featuring zombies and ghosts.[70]

References[]

  1. ^ From A-Z: A Guide To The Lost & Unmade Films Of David Fincher
  2. ^ Michael Fleming (April 4, 2000). "'Noon' strikes twice at Spyglass for 3 scribes". Variety. Archived from the original on October 21, 2012. Retrieved June 29, 2008.
  3. ^ Chemical Pink
  4. ^ From A-Z: A Guide To The Lost & Unmade Films Of David Fincher
  5. ^ ‘U-571’s’ Ayer sells ‘Squids’
  6. ^ The Cop Whisperer
  7. ^ Fincher soldiers on to direct ‘Alone’
  8. ^ Fincher Talks 'Benjamin Button' and VFX
  9. ^ Indelible cooking up ‘Seared’ for New Line
  10. ^ The Stax Report: Script Review of Seared
  11. ^ Critic's Notebook: Before Bradley Cooper Got 'Burnt,' He Cooked in 'Kitchen Confidential'
  12. ^ Frank Miller’s ‘Hard Boiled’ Is Getting a Movie and Tom Hiddleston May Star
  13. ^ "Rendezvous with Rama". Revelations Entertainment Web site. Archived from the original on 11 December 2008. Retrieved 7 March 2009.
  14. ^ "David Fincher and Quint talk about everything from A(lien3) to Z(odiac)!!!". AICN. Archived from the original on 19 March 2009. Retrieved 7 March 2009.
  15. ^ David Fincher’s Rendezvous With Rama is Not Happening
  16. ^ Exclusive: David Fincher Talks ‘Social Network’, ‘Zodiac’, His Filmmaking Process, and More
  17. ^ Kroll, Justin (December 15, 2021). "Denis Villeneuve To Direct 'Rendezvous With Rama' For Alcon Entertainment". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved December 16, 2021.
  18. ^ David Fincher reveals the operatic title sequence for his Spider-Man movie that never was
  19. ^ FRED DURST REPLACED BY DAVID FINCHER ON 'LORDS OF DOGTOWN' PROJECT
  20. ^ “Dogtown” director had the right roots
  21. ^ "Fincher in frame for Mission: Impossible 3". TheGuardian.com. 12 April 2002. Archived from the original on 2017-03-30. Retrieved 2020-07-08.
  22. ^ DAVID FINCHER DISCUSSES REUNION WITH BRAD PITT, POSSIBLE 'FIGHT CLUB' MUSICAL
  23. ^ 2 men, 1 obsession: the quest for justice
  24. ^ David Fincher & James Ellroy Plotting 1950s Noir Series For HBO
  25. ^ David Fincher Finds Torso Untouchable
  26. ^ DAVID FINCHER ON HIS 'TORSO' ADAPTATION, 'NESS': 'IT'S A PRETTY COMPLETE REIMAGINING'
  27. ^ Paramount Lets Rights To David Fincher’s ‘Torso’ Lapse
  28. ^ ‘Torso’ Creator Says Movie “Isn’t Dead Yet,” While Fincher Turns Towards TV
  29. ^ Paramount, Fincher catch ‘Killer’
  30. ^ Kroll, Justin (2021-02-24). "David Fincher Reunites With His 'Seven' Screenwriter For Feature Adaptation Of 'The Killer' At Netflix; Michael Fassbender Circling Lead Role". Deadline. Retrieved 2021-02-26.
  31. ^ "David Fincher to Produce and Co-Direct Animated Heavy Metal Film". 14 March 2008. Archived from the original on 2019-03-22. Retrieved 2020-07-08.
  32. ^ "Fincher Brings Mettle To Passion Project". 12 March 2010. Archived from the original on 2019-03-22. Retrieved 2020-07-08.
  33. ^ "Zack Snyder, Guillermo del Toro and Gore Verbinski to Direct Heavy Metal!?". 4 September 2008. Archived from the original on 2019-03-22. Retrieved 2020-07-08.
  34. ^ David Fincher to Re-Build HEAVY METAL in 3D with James Cameron and Zack Snyder
  35. ^ "David Fincher's 'Heavy Metal' remake a no-go at Paramount". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on 2019-03-22. Retrieved 2020-07-08.
  36. ^ Comic-Con ’11: Robert Rodriguez Talks Acquiring ‘Heavy Metal’ Rights, ‘Sin City 2’ & More
  37. ^ Fincher Options The Automatic Detective
  38. ^ EXCLUSIVE: DAVID FINCHER REVEALS INGREDIENTS FOR KEANU REEVES FILM 'CHEF'
  39. ^ Exclusive: David Fincher Talks ‘Social Network’, ‘Zodiac’, His Filmmaking Process, and More
  40. ^ Review: Bradley Cooper's ‘Burnt’ Is Little More Than Gordon Ramsay Propaganda
  41. ^ "David Fincher Sucked into Black Hole".
  42. ^ EXCLUSIVE: DAVID FINCHER CONFIRMS THAT WORK CONTINUES ON '20,000 LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA'
  43. ^ Davis, Edward (January 9, 2012). "Sony Officially Plans To Make 'Dragon Tattoo' Sequels, But David Fincher Is Looking To Direct '20,000 Leagues' Instead". IndieWire. Archived from the original on June 5, 2013. Retrieved January 9, 2015.
  44. ^ "Fincher scopes out Brad Pitt for '20,000 Leagues'". 19 October 2012. Archived from the original on 2017-10-29. Retrieved 2020-07-12.
  45. ^ Brad Pitt 'turns down David Fincher's 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea'
  46. ^ Disney’s ‘20,000 Leagues Under the Sea’ Confirmed For Australia Shoot
  47. ^ Davis, Edward (July 17, 2013). "Exclusive: Andrew Kevin Walker Rewriting 'Dragon Tattoo' Sequel; David Fincher's '20,000 Leagues' Is Dead". IndieWire. Archived from the original on July 20, 2013. Retrieved January 9, 2015.
  48. ^ Jagernauth, Kevin (September 15, 2014). "David Fincher Says Differences Over Casting And Disney's Corporate Culture Stalled '20,000 Leagues Under The Sea'". Indie Wire. Archived from the original on September 18, 2014. Retrieved January 9, 2015.
  49. ^ 'Cleopatra' Conversation Turns To David Fincher
  50. ^ DAVID FINCHER DISCUSSES REUNION WITH BRAD PITT, POSSIBLE 'FIGHT CLUB' MUSICAL
  51. ^ David Fincher Exits ‘Cleopatra’ With Angelina Jolie; Sony Searches For New Director With Eye On Ang Lee
  52. ^ Weintraub, Steve (December 18, 2011). "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo Sequels Likely Shooting Back to Back". Collider. Archived from the original on March 4, 2020. Retrieved September 9, 2014.
  53. ^ Dragon Tattoo Sequel Delayed
  54. ^ ‘Girl With the Dragon Tattoo’ Sequel Revived With ‘Se7en’ Writer Andrew Kevin Walker
  55. ^ 'The Girl in the Spider's Web' director explains how 'The Crown' convinced him Claire Foy should be his lead, and why he hopes some people will leave the movie 'pissed'
  56. ^ David Fincher Interested In Producing Remake Of Brit TV Series ‘Utopia’ For HBO
  57. ^ David Fincher and ‘Gone Girl’ Writer Gillian Flynn Are Adapting the British Series ‘Utopia’ for HBO
  58. ^ David Fincher’s HBO Show ‘Utopia’ Gets Series Order, ‘Gone Girl’ Author Gillian Flynn On Board
  59. ^ David Fincher Will Direct The Entire First Season Of HBO’s ‘Utopia’ In 2015
  60. ^ ‘Gone Girl’ Author Gillian Flynn Penning First Season Of David Fincher’s HBO Show ‘Utopia’
  61. ^ "David Fincher's 'Utopia' With Rooney Mara Is Dead At HBO, 'Videosyncrazy' Might Be DOA Too". 8 August 2015. Archived from the original on 2016-08-29. Retrieved 2020-07-08.
  62. ^ David Fincher Explains the Real Reason His $9 Million HBO Series Never Happened
  63. ^ "Amazon Orders 'Utopia' Drama Series From Gillian Flynn Based On UK Format". 19 April 2018. Archived from the original on 2018-04-19. Retrieved 2020-07-08.
  64. ^ David Fincher in Early Talks to Direct Steve Jobs Film for Sony (Exclusive)
  65. ^ David Fincher Exits Steve Jobs Biopic
  66. ^ ‘Gone Girl’s Ben Affleck, David Fincher, Gillian Flynn Plot ‘Strangers On A Train’ Redo At Warner Bros
  67. ^ “We’ll See”: Gillian Flynn Says Don’t Wait For That ‘Strangers On A Train’ Remake With David Fincher & Ben Affleck
  68. ^ "World War Z 2: Paramount Boss Confirms David Fincher & Brad Pitt". Screen Rant. 23 June 2017. Archived from the original on 2017-09-13. Retrieved 2020-07-08.
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  70. ^ "Zombie Films at Cannes: What's Up With All the Undead?". The Hollywood Reporter. 18 May 2019. Archived from the original on 2019-05-20. Retrieved 2020-07-08.
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