Robert Zemeckis' unproduced projects
The following is a list of unproduced Robert Zemeckis projects in roughly chronological order. During his long career, American film director Robert Zemeckis has worked on several projects which never progressed beyond the pre-production stage. Some of these projects fell in development hell, were officially cancelled, were in development limbo or would see life under a different production team.
1970s[edit]
Growing Up[edit]
In the late 1970s, Zemeckis and his writing partner Bob Gale were approached by Steven Spielberg to write a small, low-budget film about Spielberg's own childhood in Arizona that he could quickly make before shooting on 1941. Growing Up, alternately titled Clearwater and After School, was described as a "foul-mouthed, R-rated comedy about 12-year-olds". The film was set to shoot in May 1978, but Spielberg backed out.[1]
1980s[edit]
Cocoon[edit]
Before the release of Romancing the Stone, Zemeckis was attached to direct Cocoon, and had spent a year working on it. Due to the commercial failure of his previous two films, Zemeckis was replaced by Ron Howard.[2]
Carpool[edit]
In 1986, filmmaker Brian De Palma was slated to direct a film from a script written by Zemeckis and Bob Gale titled Carpool, to be produced by Steven Spielberg.[3] The film was never made.
The Shadow[edit]
1990s[edit]
Last Action Hero[edit]
In 1992, Zemeckis was under consideration to direct Last Action Hero starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, after director John McTiernan had turned the film down the first time.[4]
Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace[edit]
In the 1990s, Zemeckis was one of three directors, including Ron Howard and Steven Spielberg, in talks with George Lucas to direct Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace. Howard revealed on a 2015 Happy Sad Confused podcast episode that the task was too daunting for the three of them, and Lucas ended up directing it himself.[5]
Alvin and the Chipmunks[edit]
In 1997, Zemeckis was slated to direct a live action Alvin and the Chipmunks film, with Steven Spielberg producing for Universal Pictures.[6] However, by 2000, the estate of Ross Bagdasarian Sr. filed suit against Universal for which development on the film was cancelled.[7] A live action/CGI film was ultimately released by 20th Century Fox in 2007.
The Fermata[edit]
2000s[edit]
Macabre remake[edit]
In 2000, it was reported that Zemeckis was slated to direct a remake of William Castle's Macabre through his and producer Joel Silver's three-picture Dark Castle deal with Warner Bros., budgeted at $15–20 million. The film would have been the follow-up to the company's remake of Castle's 13 Ghosts. The Macabre remake was said to be shot in a "rough style" reminiscent of the films produced by the Dogma 95 filmmakers collective.[8]
Gump & Co.[edit]
Curtis LeMay[edit]
In the early 2000s, John Milius was writing a script for a biopic about U.S. Air Force general Curtis LeMay, which Zemeckis would have directed.[9]
The Corrections[edit]
Yellow Submarine remake[edit]
The Nutcracker[edit]
On November 26, 2009, Zemeckis had signed on to produce and direct the motion capture animated film adaptation of E.T.A. Hoffmann’s The Nutcracker through ImageMovers Digital for Walt Disney Pictures.[10] On July 21, 2016, Universal Pictures revived the adaptation, which may or may not use motion capture, with Zemeckis only set to produce the film and Evan Spiliotopoulos was hired to write the script.[11] There have been no further updates since.
2010s[edit]
Dark Life[edit]
The Wizard of Oz remake[edit]
On November 16, 2010, Warner Bros announced that Zemeckis planned to remake The Wizard of Oz with the original script, but Zemeckis left the project.[12]
How to Survive a Garden Gnome Attack[edit]
On April 14, 2011, Zemeckis had signed on to produce and potentially direct the live-action/animated hybrid film adaptation of Chuck Sambuchino's book How to Survive a Garden Gnome Attack along with The Gotham Group and Sony Pictures Animation.[13] In November that year, Chad Damiani and JP Lavin were hired to write the script.[14]
Replay[edit]
On April 29, 2011, Zemeckis was set to direct the film adaptation of Replay after Ben Affleck left the project.[15] On October 3, 2012, Greg Berlanti was set to direct the film adaptation.[16]
Major Matt Mason[edit]
Here There Be Monsters[edit]
On July 26, 2011, Zemeckis was attached to direct the Brian Helgeland-scripted Here There Be Monsters, a fictionalized account of the career of British naval officer John Paul Jones, who ran afoul of a sea monster.[17]
Taking Flight[edit]
On August 6, 2012, Zemeckis was set to direct the biographical crime drama Taking Flight about Colton Harris-Moore, for 20th Century Fox after David Gordon Green dropped out of the project.[18] However, the film fell into development hell and its fate is unknown after Disney's acquisition of 21st Century Fox was completed.[19]
Chaos Walking[edit]
Billy Ray TV series[edit]
On September 24, 2013, it was reported that Zemeckis was set executive produce Clifton Campbell's television series Billy Ray and direct the pilot episode for Fox.[20]
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane[edit]
The King[edit]
On August 29, 2018, Zemeckis was set to direct The King about Kamehameha I, with Randall Wallace writing the script and Dwayne Johnson set to star at Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema.[21]
Offers[edit]
Superman reboot[edit]
On November 1, 2010, Zemeckis was offered to direct a Superman reboot, but passed on it which led to Man of Steel.[22]
The Flash[edit]
On May 16, 2017, Zemeckis was offered to direct The Flash.[23]
As producer[edit]
Who Discovered Roger Rabbit[edit]
The Cobra Event[edit]
On September 19, 1997, Zemeckis was slated to produce the film adaptation of Richard Preston's novel The Cobra Event for DreamWorks Pictures.[24]
Borgia[edit]
On November 2, 2005, Zemeckis had signed on to produce Neil Jordan's historical drama Borgia through ImageMovers, which eventually became a TV series on Showtime.[25]
Measle and the Wrathmonk[edit]
Airman[edit]
Calling All Robots[edit]
On March 26, 2008, Michael Dougherty was set to direct the animated sci-fi adventure film Calling All Robots with Zemeckis producing the film through ImageMovers Digital for Walt Disney Pictures.[26]
Stoneheart[edit]
Timeless[edit]
On September 29, 2010, Warner Bros announced that Zemeckis would produce Mike Thompson's time-travel script Timeless through ImageMovers.[27]
Animated American[edit]
On May 17, 2011, Zemeckis was slated to produce the live-action/animated hybrid film Animated American for Disney with Rob Edwards writing the script.[28]
Fort: Prophet of the Unexplained[edit]
Demonologist[edit]
On February 22, 2012, Universal Pictures announced plans for a film adaptation of Andrew Pyper’s Demonologist, with Zemeckis producing the film through ImageMovers.[29]
The Magic Catalogue[edit]
On October 8, 2012, Disney announced that Jason Fuchs will write Chris Appelhans’s original sci-fi adventure story The Magic Catalogue and Zemeckis set to produce the film with his ImageMovers production team.[30]
Rose[edit]
On August 5, 2013, Zemeckis was set to produce Nathaniel Halpern's script Rose through ImageMovers for Focus Features.[31]
The Execution of Noa P. Singleton[edit]
On August 21, 2013, Zemeckis was set to produce the film adaptation of Elizabeth L. Silver’s novel The Execution of Noa P. Singleton through ImageMovers.[32]
The Gafin Academy[edit]
On June 8, 2016, Zemeckis was set to co-produce the film The Gafin Academy with Voltage Films, John & Drew Dowdle set to direct, and Aaron Rapke and Stewart Kaye adapting Danny King’s novel School for Scumbags.[33]
Untitled Genghis Khan tomb hunting film[edit]
On August 15, 2017, Zemeckis was set to produce an untitled Genghis Khan tomb hunting film for Universal Pictures, with Evan Spiliotopoulos writing the script and Dwayne Johnson set to produce and potentially star.[34]
The Jetsons live-action TV series[edit]
Steel Soldiers[edit]
On February 6, 2018, Zemeckis was set to produce the sci-fi action film Steel Soldiers with Ken Kaufman writing the script.[35]
The Cove TV series[edit]
On September 10, 2018, it was reported that Zemeckis would executive produce Chad Fiveash and James Stoteraux's television series The Cove for The CW.[36]
Be More Chill[edit]
On October 20, 2018, it was reported that Zemeckis would've produced the film adaptation of Joe Iconis' musical adaptation of the novel Be More Chill through ImageMovers, but Shawn Levy and Greg Berlanti acquired the project.[37]
References[edit]
- ^ Lyttelton, Oliver (October 14, 2015). "The Lost & Unmade Projects Of Steven Spielberg". IndieWire. Retrieved March 24, 2024.
- ^ King, Susan (March 30, 2019). "'Romancing the Stone' at 35: How Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner Survived Gators, Rain, and Studio Expectations". Variety. Retrieved December 25, 2022.
- ^ "WHOAAAAAA..." Chicago Tribune. February 10, 1986.
- ^ "AFI|Catalog - Last Action Hero". AFI Catalog of Feature Films. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
- ^ Chitwood, Adam (November 25, 2015). "'Star Wars: The Phantom Menace' Was Offered to Ron Howard, Robert Zemeckis". Collider. Retrieved October 6, 2021.
- ^ Beck, Marilyn; Jenel Smith, Stacy (June 19, 1997). "Spielberg Ready to Work with Robert Zemeckis" (Subscription required). Santa Maria Times. Retrieved November 10, 2018 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Family of Chipmunks' Originator Files Suit Against Universal Studios". Los Angeles Times. September 12, 2000. Retrieved February 11, 2024.
- ^ Harris, Dana (May 10, 2000). "Silver, Zemeckis go Dark in Castle 'Macabre' redo". Variety. Retrieved April 14, 2024.
- ^ P., Ken (May 7, 2003). "An Interview with John Milius". IGN. Retrieved November 2, 2023.
- ^ Rowles, Dustin (November 26, 2009). "Robert Zemeckis to Uglimate The Nutcracker". Pajiba. Retrieved October 15, 2021.
- ^ Rowles, Dustin (July 21, 2016). "Evan Spiliotopoulos Tapped To Write "The Nutcracker" For Robert Zemeckis And Universal (EXCLUSIVE)". The Tracking Broad. Retrieved October 15, 2021.
- ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (November 16, 2010). "Warner Bros Wants Zemeckis For 'Wizard Of Oz' Remake Based On Original MGM Script". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved December 19, 2022.
- ^ Snieder, Jeff (April 14, 2011). "Sony Animation, Zemeckis dig 'Gnome'". Variety. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
- ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (November 7, 2011). "Robert Zemeckis Sets Writers For 'Garden Gnome Attack' Film". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
- ^ Brodesser-Akner, Claude (April 29, 2011). "Robert Zemeckis Heading Back to the Future With Replay". Vulture. Retrieved October 6, 2021.
- ^ Foreman, Liza (October 3, 2012). "Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas Project 'Replay' in Play at WB". The Wrap. Retrieved November 29, 2022.
- ^ Fischer, Russ (July 26, 2011). "Robert Zemeckis In Talks To Direct Brian Helgeland-Scripted 'Here There Be Monsters'". /Film. Retrieved November 25, 2023.
- ^ McNary, Dave (August 6, 2012). "Robert Zemeckis Boards Fox's 'Barefoot Bandit' Film (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved October 4, 2021.
- ^ Georg Szalai; Paul Bond (March 19, 2019). "Disney Closes $71.3 Billion Fox Deal, Creating Global Content Powerhouse". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved November 30, 2022.
- ^ Marechal, AJ (September 24, 2013). "Fox Developing Drama with 'Back to the Future' Writer Robert Zemeckis". Variety. Retrieved October 6, 2021.
- ^ Mike Fleming Jr.; Anita Busch (August 29, 2018). "Dwayne Johnson To Play Kamehameha In 'The King;' Robert Zemeckis Directs Script By 'Braveheart's Randall Wallace For Warner Bros & New Line". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved December 3, 2022.
- ^ Wigler, Josh (November 1, 2010). "Robert Zemeckis On 'Superman' Reboot: 'I Passed On That Faster Than A Speeding Bullet'". MTV News. Retrieved December 19, 2022.
- ^ Kroll, Justin (May 16, 2017). "'The Flash': Robert Zemeckis, Matthew Vaughn Vying for Directing Job". Variety. Retrieved October 6, 2021.
- ^ Cox, Dan (September 19, 1997). "Studios on 'Cobra' hunt". Variety. Retrieved October 6, 2021.
- ^ Fleming, Michael (November 2, 2005). "Betting big on 'Borgia'". Variety. Retrieved October 6, 2021.
- ^ Graser, Marc (March 26, 2008). "Michael Dougherty calls 'All Robots'". Variety. Retrieved October 15, 2021.
- ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (September 29, 2010). "Robert Zemeckis Plots Return To Live Action — And Time Travel". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved January 6, 2023.
- ^ Kroll, Justin (May 17, 2011). "'Princess' scribe lands pic pair". Variety. Retrieved September 26, 2021.
- ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (February 22, 2012). "Universal Buys Novel Manuscript 'Demonologist' For ImageMovers". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved September 28, 2021.
- ^ Marc Graser; Jeff Snieder (October 8, 2012). "Jason Fuchs to write 'Magic Catalogue' for Disney". Variety. Retrieved September 28, 2021.
- ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (August 5, 2013). "Focus Features Acquires ImageMovers-Produced Script 'Rose'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved September 28, 2021.
- ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (August 21, 2013). "ImageMovers Acquires 'The Execution Of Noa P. Singleton: A Novel' For ImageMovers". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved October 6, 2021.
- ^ Hipes, Patrick (June 8, 2016). "John Erick Dowdle & Drew Dowdle To Helm Heist Pic 'The Gafin Academy'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved October 6, 2021.
- ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (August 15, 2017). "Uni Lands Evan Spiliotopoulos Genghis Khan Tomb Hunt Script, Dwayne Johnson Exec Producer". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved October 6, 2021.
- ^ McNary, Dave (February 6, 2018). "Robert Zemeckis, STX, Alibaba Partner on Sci-Fi Film 'Steel Soldiers'". Variety. Retrieved October 6, 2021.
- ^ Otterson, Joe (September 10, 2018). "Robert Zemeckis to Produce Drama in Development at CW From 'Vampire Diaries' Duo". Variety. Retrieved October 6, 2021.
- ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (October 20, 2018). "Shawn Levy & Greg Berlanti Chosen To Team On Movie Version Of Broadway-Bound 'Be More Chill'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved December 19, 2022.
