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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

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Proteus

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In June 1998, it was reported in Variety that Aronofsky had struck a pay-or-play deal to direct the big-budget WWII sci-fi thriller Proteus as his next film, from a script he co-wrote with Lucas Sussman.[1] By 2000, Aronofsky had departed from the project, with David Twohy taking over as both director and co-writer. The resulting film, titled Below, credits Aronofsky as one of the writers.

Ronin

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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.[2] Frank Miller, the author of the comic book, was attached to write the script.[3] However, the project never materialized and Aronofsky left it to direct Requiem for a Dream.

2000s

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Sector 7

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On May 23, 2000, Aronofsky was announced to direct the animated film adaptation of David Wiesner's Sector 7 with Good Machine for Nickelodeon Movies. Eric Watson was attached to produce the film. However, the project finally fell into development hell,[4] and Aronofsky moved to other projects.

Batman: Year One

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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.[5][6] The film was intended to be a reboot of the film series,[7] 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.[7] Christian Bale, who later portrayed Batman in Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight Trilogy was attached to star in the lead role.[8] Gillian B. Loeb was supposed to be the main antagonist of the film, replacing Carmine Falcone as the head of Gotham City's mafia.[9] Aronofsky also planned to film the movie in Ciudad Vieja, Montevideo, Uruguay.[10] However, on June 30, 2002, Aronofsky and Miller finally left the project due to other commitments.[11] A reboot of the Batman film series was finally released in 2005 as Batman Begins and directed by Christopher Nolan.

Flicker

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

Watchmen

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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)[16] and with Lawrence Gordon, Lloyd Levin and Eric Watson as producers.[17] However, at the end, Aronofsky left the project due to scheduling contracts with The Fountain.[18] The film was eventually released in 2009 directed by Zack Snyder.

Song of Kali

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On February 17, 2006, Aronofsky was announced to direct a film adaptation of Dan Simmon's Song of Kali for Universal Pictures. Eric Watson was attached to produce the film. However, the project finally fell into development hell,[19] and Aronofsky moved to other projects.

Riverview

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On February 17, 2006, Aronofsky was announced to develop John McLaughlin's haunted New York City housing series Riverview for HBO. Eric Watson was attached to produce the series. However, the project finally fell into development hell,[19] and Aronofsky moved to other projects.

Black Flies

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In August 2006, Aronofsky was hired to direct the film adaptation of Shannon Burke’s Black Flies with Todd Kessler as writer and Paramount Pictures producing the film.[20] The film would eventually be directed by Jean-Stéphane Sauvaire under the title Asphalt City.

The Fighter

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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.[21] Scott Silver was attached to write the script.[22] However, on July 25, 2008, Collider reported that Aronofsky left the project in favor of directing the RoboCop remake.[23] The film was finally released in 2010 and directed by David O. Russell.

RoboCop

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On July 9, 2008, The Hollywood Reporter reported that MGM was in talks with Aronofsky to direct the long-planned RoboCop remake[24] that was first announced in 2005. Sixteen days later, it was announced during San Diego Comic-Con in 2008 that Aronofsky would direct the film with David Self attached to write it,[25] leaving the production of Paramount Pictures' The Fighter.[23] On June 12, 2009, it was reported that the film would be released in 2011.[26] However, in July 2009, during San Diego Comic-Con, MGM reported that the project was slowing down due scheduling conflicts with Aronofsky.[27] Finally, on March 2, 2011, it was reported by Internet Movie Database that Brazilian director José Padilha would direct the film instead of Aronofsky.[28] The film was finally released in 2014 and directed by Padilha.

Breaking the Bank

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On September 21, 2009, Darren Aronofsky was in talks to direct the Lee Murray biopic Breaking the Bank from a script by Kelly Williamson.[29] On May 4, 2012, Gareth Evans replaced Aronofsky as director and XYZ Films will produce and Universal Pictures as distribute the film.[30]

2010s

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Serena

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In February 2010, it was announced that Angelina Jolie would star in the film adaptation of Ron Rash’s Serena, with Aronofsky set to direct and Chris Kyles' script.[31] However, both Jolie and Aronofsky dropped out, leading to Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence to star, and Susanne Bier directed the adaptation.[32]

Jackie

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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.[33] However, both Weisz and Aronofsky dropped out after they ended their romantic relationship and Pablo Larrain took over directing the movie.[34]

The Tiger

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In May 2010, it was announced that Brad Pitt would star and produce the film adaptation of John Vaillant’s novel The Tiger, with Aronofsky set to direct and produce the film and Guillermo Arriaga writing the script.[35] However, both Pitt and Aronofsky dropped out as star and director, respectively, and Alexander Skarsgard and Dane DeHaan were attached to star and Myroslav Slaboshpytskyi took over directing the movie.[36]

Superman

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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.[37] However, Aronofsky refused to direct it due his commitment with Wolverine 2.[38] A reboot of the Superman film series was finally released in 2013 as Man of Steel and directed by Zack Snyder.

The Wolverine

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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,[39] after X-Men director Bryan Singer turned down the offer of directing the film in March 2010.[40] Seven days later, Hugh Jackman confirmed via Vulture.com that Aronofsky would direct the film.[41] On November 13, 2010, Aronofsky confirmed via Upprox that the film would be titled now The Wolverine.[42] 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.[43] The film was finally released in 2013 and directed by James Mangold.

Machine Man

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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.[44]

Hobgoblin

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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.[45] However, ScreenCrush reported on June 18, 2013 that Aronofsky was pulled out from the project.[46]

Human Nature

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In May 2011, it was announced that Aronofsky was in talks to direct Joe Welsh’s sci-fi script Human Nature, with George Clooney in talks to star and Akiva Goldsman producing the film for Warner Bros. Pictures.[47]

The General

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On April 17, 2012, Aronofsky reported that he would direct an Unforgiven-style George Washington movie The General, from a script by Adam Cooper and Bill Collage with Paramount Pictures in negotiations to develop the film.[48]

Red Sparrow

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On August 14, 2013, Deadline reported that Aronofsky was in talks to direct a film adaptation of Jason Matthews' spy novel Red Sparrow,[49] with Eric Warren Singer attached to write its script.[50] However, The Hollywood Reporter later reported on January 16, 2014, that Aronofsky had abandoned the project.[51] On June 9, 2014, it was announced that David Fincher would direct the film, although no release date was announced at the moment.[52] The film was eventually produced with Francis Lawrence directing.

MaddAddam TV series

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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.[53] There have been no developments since.

Untitled artificial intelligence courtroom film

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On July 17, 2017, Aronofsky reported that he will direct and produce a film from a Joe Epstein script, for Paramount Pictures,[54] which was revealed to be a courtroom drama that focuses on artificial intelligence.[55]

2020s

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Adrift

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In 2021, it was reported that Jared Leto would re-team with Aronofsky to star in Adrift, with Jason Blum producing. The film was based on a short story by Koji Suzuki, with Aronofsky and Luke Dawson on board to write the script.[56]

Untitled Elon Musk biopic

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In 2023, a biopic about Elon Musk, mainly based on Walter Isaacson's Elon Musk biography released earlier that year, was announced to be in development at A24, with Aronofsky directing and producing through Protozoa Pictures.[57][58]

References

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  1. ^ Petrikin, Chris (June 5, 1998). "Big deal for Aronofsky". Variety. Retrieved October 30, 2024. {{cite magazine}}: Cite magazine requires |magazine= (help)
  2. ^ Benedict Carver,Dan Cox (1998-07-21). "Aronofsky draws on comic". Variety. Archived from the original on 2016-12-01. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
  3. ^ Linder, Brian (2000-10-16). "The Bat-Men Speak". IGN. Archived from the original on 2019-12-12. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
  4. ^ Fleming Jr., Michael (May 23, 2000). "Nick, Machine count to '7'". Variety. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  5. ^ Dana Harris (2000-09-21). "WB sends 'Pi' guy into the Bat Cave". Variety. Archived from the original on 2019-12-12. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
  6. ^ Andrew O. Thompson (2000-11-07). "Matthew Libatique". Variety. Archived from the original on 2019-12-12. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
  7. ^ a b Linder, Brian (2000-12-06). "Aronofsky Talks Batman: Year One...Again". IGN. Archived from the original on 2012-11-05. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
  8. ^ Adam Smith (July 2005). "The Original American Psycho". Empire. pp. 74–80, 82, 84, 87.
  9. ^ "BATMAN YEAR ONE By Frank Miller". Leonscripts.users5.50megs.com. Archived from the original on 2017-01-15. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
  10. ^ McKnight, Brent (2016-03-04). "Why Darren Aronofsky's Batman Movie Never Happened, According To Frank Miller". Cinemablend. Archived from the original on 2016-12-01. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
  11. ^ Dana Harris (2002-06-30). "WB: fewer pix, more punch". Variety. Archived from the original on 2019-12-12. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
  12. ^ Dana Harris (2003-01-28). "Regency new home for 'Pi' guy". Variety. Archived from the original on 2016-12-01. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
  13. ^ "Unproduced and Unfinished Films: An Ongoing Film Comment project". Film Comment. 2015-04-07. Archived from the original on 2017-03-21. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
  14. ^ Dana Harris (2003-09-18). "'Hard' time for 'Fight' duo". Variety. Archived from the original on 2016-12-01. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
  15. ^ Gabriel Snyder (2006-02-15). "'Pi' guy getting into U". Variety. Archived from the original on 2016-12-01. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
  16. ^ "Movie Reviews, Trailers, Interviews, Wikis & Posters for Movies". IGN. Archived from the original on 2020-01-24. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
  17. ^ "Hollywoodreporter.com". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on 2006-01-05. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
  18. ^ "Archived copy". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on 2010-01-17. Retrieved 2006-09-23.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  19. ^ a b Staff Writers (February 17, 2006). "Universal Pictures signs production agreement with Aronofsky and Watson". Screen Daily. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  20. ^ Green, Willow (August 4, 2006). "Black Flies Attracts Darren Aronofsky". Empire. Archived from the original on November 21, 2022. Retrieved November 21, 2022.
  21. ^ Pamela McClintock; Michael Fleming (2007-03-26). "Aronofsky in talks to direct 'Fighter'". Variety. Archived from the original on 2017-03-13. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
  22. ^ Michael Fleming; Tatiana Siegel (2007-09-20). "Brad Pitt laces up for 'Fighter'". Variety. Archived from the original on 2017-06-29. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
  23. ^ a b Steve 'Frosty' Weintraub (2008-07-25). "It's Official! Darren Aronofsky Will Build A Better ROBOCOP". Collider. Archived from the original on 2011-03-20. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
  24. ^ Fernandez, Jay A. (2008-07-09). "MGM likes 'Dawn' at the 'Cabin'". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on 2008-07-10. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
  25. ^ "Comic Con Rumour Control: Aronosky on Robocop, Ratner on God of War, Proyas off Silver Surfer". Film Junk. 2008-07-25. Archived from the original on 2017-07-29. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
  26. ^ Gary Susman (12 June 2009). "Aronofsky's Robocop Delayed Until 2011". Io9.gizmodo.com. Archived from the original on 2016-12-01. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
  27. ^ "MGM Looking For A New Robocop Director? Searchlight Wants Aronofsky's Black Swan - /Film". /Film. 2009-07-15. Archived from the original on 2017-07-29. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
  28. ^ "Jose Padilha in Talks to Direct Robocop Remake". IMDb.com. Archived from the original on 2016-01-16. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
  29. ^ Goldberg, Matt (September 21, 2009). "Darren Aronofsky Stages a Heist". Collider. Archived from the original on January 8, 2020. Retrieved January 28, 2020.
  30. ^ 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. Archived from the original on January 8, 2020. Retrieved January 28, 2020.
  31. ^ Kit, Borys (February 28, 2010). "Jolie, Aronofsky eyeing 'Serena' adaptation". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on November 21, 2022. Retrieved November 21, 2022.
  32. ^ Jagernauth, Kevin (January 30, 2012). "Darren Aronofsky & Angelina Jolie Out & Susanne Bier, Bradley Cooper & Jennifer Lawrence Are In For 'Serena'". IndieWire. Archived from the original on July 31, 2021. Retrieved June 15, 2016.
  33. ^ Rich, Katey (April 14, 2010). "Rachel Weisz To Play Jackie Kennedy For Darren Aronofsky". CinemaBlend. Archived from the original on May 13, 2016. Retrieved June 15, 2016.
  34. ^ Robinson, Joanna (May 14, 2015). "Natalie Portman Will Be the Latest Actress to Play Jackie Kennedy". Vanity Fair. Archived from the original on April 12, 2016. Retrieved June 15, 2016.
  35. ^ Siegel, Tatiana (May 11, 2010). "Brad Pitt, Darren Aronofsky eye 'Tiger'". Variety. Archived from the original on September 5, 2013. Retrieved June 15, 2016.
  36. ^ D’Alessandro, Anthony (May 13, 2022). "'The Tiger': Myroslav Slaboshpytskyi To Direct Alexander Skarsgard & Dane DeHaan In Feature Take Of John Vaillant Book – Cannes". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on November 21, 2022. Retrieved November 21, 2022.
  37. ^ "Darren Aronofsky Rumored For 'Superman' Reboot". MTV. 28 September 2010. Archived from the original on 1 December 2016. Retrieved 3 March 2017.
  38. ^ "Darren Aronofsky 'Absolutely' Wanted To Direct 'Man Of Steel'". MTV. 31 March 2014. Archived from the original on 2 December 2016. Retrieved 3 March 2017.
  39. ^ "Darren Aronofsky in Talks for Wolverine 2". SuperHeroHype. 2010-10-13. Archived from the original on 2017-07-31. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
  40. ^ "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. Archived from the original on 2017-05-06. Retrieved 3 March 2017.
  41. ^ What to Stream Now. "Hugh Jackman Promises Aronofsky's Wolverine 2 Will Be 'Thoughtful,' 'Meaty'". Vulture. Archived from the original on 2020-07-15. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
  42. ^ "Darren Aronofsky confirms a new title for 'Wolverine 2'". Uproxx.com. Archived from the original on 2016-12-01. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
  43. ^ "Darren Aronofsky Bows Out as 'Wolverine' Director". The Hollywood Reporter. 17 March 2011. Archived from the original on 21 August 2020. Retrieved 3 March 2017.
  44. ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (26 October 2010). "Darren Aronofsky Welds To 'Machine Man'". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on 24 April 2019. Retrieved 24 April 2019.
  45. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (16 June 2011). "Darren Aronofsky Joins Magic World War II Drama Series In Development At HBO". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on 31 March 2017. Retrieved 3 March 2017.
  46. ^ "HBO Passes on Darren Aronofsky WW2 Magic Drama 'Hobgoblin,' FX Reportedly Considers". Screencrush. 18 June 2013. Archived from the original on 12 February 2015. Retrieved 3 March 2017.
  47. ^ Jagernauth, Kevin (May 9, 2011). "Darren Aronofsky Eyes Sci-Fi Pic 'Human Nature' With George Clooney Linked To Star". IndieWire. Archived from the original on November 22, 2022. Retrieved November 22, 2022.
  48. ^ Josh L. Dickley; Jeff Sneider (April 17, 2012). "Par eyes Aronofsky's Washington pic". Variety. Archived from the original on November 21, 2022. Retrieved November 21, 2022.
  49. ^ Fleming, Mike (2013-08-14). "Darren Aronofsky In Talks For Fox Espionage Tale 'Red Sparrow'". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on 2017-02-02. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
  50. ^ Oliver Lyttelton (23 May 2016). "From A-Z: A Guide To The Lost & Unmade Films Of David Fincher". IndieWire. Archived from the original on 4 May 2017. Retrieved 3 March 2017.
  51. ^ Borys Kit (16 January 2014). "Darren Aronofsky Will Not Direct 'Red Sparrow'". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on 7 April 2017. Retrieved 3 March 2017.
  52. ^ Rodrigo Perez (13 May 2016). "David Fincher & Rooney Mara Possibly Reteaming For 'Red Sparrow' Adapted By 'American Hustle' Screenwriter". IndieWire. Archived from the original on 1 December 2016. Retrieved 3 March 2017.
  53. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (4 June 2014). "Darren Aronofsky Adapting Futuristic 'MaddAddam' Book Trilogy As HBO Series". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on 24 April 2019. Retrieved 24 April 2019.
  54. ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (17 July 2010). "Paramount Buys Joe Epstein Script For Darren Aronofsky". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on 17 May 2019. Retrieved 17 May 2019.
  55. ^ Sneider, Jeff (17 July 2010). "Darren Aronofsky to Direct courtroom drama centered on artificial intelligence for Paramount". The Tracking Board. Archived from the original on 17 May 2019. Retrieved 17 May 2019.
  56. ^ Kroll, Justin (January 28, 2021). "Hot Package: 'Requiem For A Dream' Reunion As Jared Leto And Darren Aronfosky Team On 'Adrift' With Jason Blum Producing". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  57. ^ "What I'm Hearing: The NEXT Strike, Elon the Movie & Disney's Slasher Strategy". Puck. Heat Media. 10 November 2023. Retrieved 10 November 2023.
  58. ^ Vlessing, Etan (November 10, 2023). "Elon Musk Biopic in the Works at A24, Darren Aronofsky to Direct". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on November 10, 2023. Retrieved November 10, 2023.
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