Darren Aronofsky's unrealized projects
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/29/OIFF_2015-07-17_193547_-_Darren_Aronofsky.jpg/170px-OIFF_2015-07-17_193547_-_Darren_Aronofsky.jpg)
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 not so good 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 direct it 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
- ^ Benedict Carver,Dan Cox (1998-07-21). "Aronofsky draws on comic". Variety. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
- ^ Linder, Brian (2000-10-16). "The Bat-Men Speak". IGN. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
- ^ "Coming Attractions". Archived from the original on 2001-04-10. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
- ^ Dana Harris (2000-09-21). "WB sends 'Pi' guy into the Bat Cave". Variety. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
- ^ Andrew O. Thompson (2000-11-07). "Matthew Libatique". Variety. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
- ^ a b Linder, Brian (2000-12-06). "Aronofsky Talks Batman: Year One...Again". IGN. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
- ^ Adam Smith (July 2005). "The Original American Psycho". Empire. pp. 74–80, 82, 84, 87.
- ^ "BATMAN YEAR ONE By Frank Miller". Leonscripts.users5.50megs.com. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
- ^ McKnight, Brent (2016-03-04). "Why Darren Aronofsky's Batman Movie Never Happened, According To Frank Miller". Cinemablend. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
- ^ Dana Harris (2002-06-30). "WB: fewer pix, more punch". Variety. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
- ^ Dana Harris (2003-01-28). "Regency new home for 'Pi' guy". Variety. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
- ^ "Unproduced and Unfinished Films: An Ongoing Film Comment project". Film Comment. 2015-04-07. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
- ^ Dana Harris (2003-09-18). "'Hard' time for 'Fight' duo". Variety. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
- ^ Gabriel Snyder (2006-02-15). "'Pi' guy getting into U". Variety. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
- ^ "Movie Reviews, Trailers, Interviews, Wikis & Posters for Movies". IGN. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
- ^ "Hollywoodreporter.com". Archived from the original on 2006-01-05. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
- ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2010-01-17. Retrieved 2006-09-23.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - ^ Pamela McClintock; Michael Fleming (2007-03-26). "Aronofsky in talks to direct 'Fighter'". Variety. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
- ^ Michael Fleming; Tatiana Siegel (2007-09-20). "Brad Pitt laces up for 'Fighter'". Variety. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
- ^ a b Steve 'Frosty' Weintraub (2008-07-25). "It's Official! Darren Aronofsky Will Build A Better ROBOCOP". Collider. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
- ^ Fernandez, Jay A. (2008-07-09). "MGM likes 'Dawn' at the 'Cabin'". Archived from the original on 2008-07-10. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
- ^ "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.
- ^ Gary Susman. "Aronofsky's Robocop Delayed Until 2011". Io9.gizmodo.com. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
- ^ "MGM Looking For A New Robocop Director? Searchlight Wants Aronofsky's Black Swan - /Film". Slashfilm.com. 2009-07-15. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
- ^ "Jose Padilha in Talks to Direct Robocop Remake". IMDb.com. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
- ^ Goldberg, Matt (September 21, 2009). "Darren Aronofsky Stages a Heist". Collider. Retrieved January 28, 2020.
- ^ Fleming Jr, Mike (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.
- ^ Rich, Katey (April 14, 2010). "Rachel Weisz To Play Jackie Kennedy For Darren Aronofsky". Cinema Blend. Retrieved June 15, 2016.
- ^ Robinson, Joanna (May 14, 2015). "Natalie Portman Will Be the Latest Actress to Play Jackie Kennedy". Vanity Fair. Retrieved June 15, 2016.
- ^ "Darren Aronofsky Rumored For 'Superman' Reboot". MTV. 28 September 2010. Retrieved 3 March 2017.
- ^ "Darren Aronofsky 'Absolutely' Wanted To Direct 'Man Of Steel'". MTV. 31 March 2014. Retrieved 3 March 2017.
- ^ "Darren Aronofsky in Talks for Wolverine 2". SuperHeroHype. 2010-10-13. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
- ^ "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.
- ^ What to Stream Now. "Hugh Jackman Promises Aronofsky's Wolverine 2 Will Be 'Thoughtful,' 'Meaty'". Vulture. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
- ^ "Darren Aronofsky confirms a new title for 'Wolverine 2'". Uproxx.com. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
- ^ "Darren Aronofsky Bows Out as 'Wolverine' Director". The Hollywood Reporter. 17 March 2011. Retrieved 3 March 2017.
- ^ Fleming Jr., Mike (26 October 2010). "Darren Aronofsky Welds To 'Machine Man'". Deadline. Retrieved 24 April 2019.
- ^ Andreeva, Nellie (16 June 2011). "Darren Aronofsky Joins Magic World War II Drama Series In Development At HBO". Deadline. Retrieved 3 March 2017.
- ^ "HBO Passes on Darren Aronofsky WW2 Magic Drama 'Hobgoblin,' FX Reportedly Considers". Screencrush. 18 June 2013. Retrieved 3 March 2017.
- ^ Fleming, Mike (2013-08-14). "Darren Aronofsky In Talks For Fox Espionage Tale 'Red Sparrow'". Deadline. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
- ^ Oliver Lyttelton (23 May 2016). "From A-Z: A Guide To The Lost & Unmade Films Of David Fincher". IndieWire. Retrieved 3 March 2017.
- ^ Borys Kit (16 January 2014). "Darren Aronofsky Will Not Direct 'Red Sparrow'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 3 March 2017.
- ^ Rodrigo Perez (13 May 2016). "David Fincher & Rooney Mara Possibly Reteaming For 'Red Sparrow' Adapted By 'American Hustle' Screenwriter". IndieWire. Retrieved 3 March 2017.
- ^ Andreeva, Nellie (4 June 2014). "Darren Aronofsky Adapting Futuristic 'MaddAddam' Book Trilogy As HBO Series". Deadline. Retrieved 24 April 2019.
- ^ Fleming Jr., Mike (17 July 2010). "Paramount Buys Joe Epstein Script For Darren Aronofsky". Deadline. Retrieved 17 May 2019.
- ^ Sneider, Jeff (17 July 2010). "Darren Aronofsky to Direct courtroom drama centered on artificial intelligence for Paramount". The Tracking Board. Retrieved 17 May 2019.