Cancelled Live-Action Films [Archive]

Eleanor Hugbees

12-29-2009, 05:17 PM

Originally, The Jonny Quest movie was supposed to come out in 1995 with Richard Donner and Fred Dekker backing it. Unfortunately, it just went to development hell after the script was written. I have no idea what's going on with the most recent one.

So when you say live action films, does that mean any movie that was cancelled or just adaptions of cartoons and books that never came out?

If it's the former, then The Day The Clown Cried (1972) is a big one. It starred Jerry Lewis as a clown in a Nazi in a concentration camp who leads children to the gas chamber. It was supposed to be Oscar bait, but ended up being really awkward and creepy.

Storm Eagle

12-29-2009, 05:27 PM

The third Mortal Kombat film is canceled, yes? I actually hope it is, because they kept us waiting too damn long. Though perhaps it should be just a reboot at this point.

CaptainHero

12-29-2009, 07:17 PM

There was a film starring Jim Carrey and Ben Stiller called Used Guys being produced back in 2006 and was being set for a December 2007 release. It was going to be written and directed by Jay Roach of Meet the Parents and Austin Powers fame.

The film's plot was set in a future where men have been completely wiped out and women dominate the planet. Carrey & Stiller were going to play two "pleasure clones" who go on a search for the mystic 'Man-a-topia".

It sounded like a very funny sci-fi flick but the film was canned just before shooting when the budget escalated $100 million.

I did read back in May 2009 that Fox was considering dusting this project off and taking another stab at it though.

stephane dumas

12-29-2009, 07:39 PM

Long before Sam Raimi's adaptation of Spider-man in live-action movie. There was an aborted project of an adaptation live-action of our favorite web slinger then James Cameron wanted to direct. If the original studio who backed the idea didn't go into financial trouble, things could had been different.

There was also some live-action movie films who got cancelled when one member of the cast passed away during the filming. H.B. Halicki died during the filming of the sequel to the 1974 movie Gone in 60 Seconds.

sdp

12-29-2009, 08:00 PM

The third Mortal Kombat film is canceled, yes? I actually hope it is, because they kept us waiting too damn long. Though perhaps it should be just a reboot at this point.

Just like the second Spawn movie, every time you ask Mcfarlane or in this case Boon they mention the movie IS happening, and thats been going on for over ten years in both cases, so yeah....I do think we'll eventually see a new movie from both, especially since WB now owns MK, but don't expect it anytime soon.

KCJ506

12-29-2009, 09:02 PM

I remember back in 2001 Chris Tucker had a movie called The President that was scheduled for a 2004 release. I think it got canned because it would be too similar to Chris Rock's Head Of The State.

Long before Sam Raimi's adaptation of Spider-man in live-action movie. There was an aborted project of an adaptation live-action of our favorite web slinger then James Cameron wanted to direct. If the original studio who backed the idea didn't go into financial trouble, things could had been different.

After reading the script I have to say thank God that didn't get made. It was pure crap. He just didn't get the character of Peter Parker or Spider-man. There are two things he probably would have done better than Raimi: action and quips. Other than that, it would not have been pretty. His treatment with the villains would not have flown with the fanbase.

Matt Hazuda

12-29-2009, 09:13 PM

The Man Who Killed Don Quixote (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Man_Who_Killed_Don_Quixote) is kind of a big one. It was to be Terry Gilliam's movie version of the spanish tale, but the lead actor (who learned english just for the role) received a serious injury during filming and then a series of unfortunate events happened and basically destroyed the set, ending the production. The entire thing was filmed for the documentary, Lost in La Mancha (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lost_in_La_Mancha).

Robin2099

12-29-2009, 10:58 PM

Dolan's Cadillac was a movie that was originally going to star Sylvester Stallone and Kevin Bacon. But the project never got off the ground until someone else bought the rights to it.

The rights to Total Recall's original story originally belonged to Dino De'Laurentis. The movie was going to star Patrick Swayze and was going to shoot in Australia. However Dino went bankrupt and Arnold Schwarzenegger got Carlco to buy the rights so he could star in it.

There has been about three cancelled Alien vs Predator projects before the movie got off the ground with Paul Anderson.

There was supposed to be two new Highlander movies after Highlander:The Source was released. However poor reception killed the idea of forming a new trilogy around it.

the greenman

12-30-2009, 12:14 AM

After the success of Ray and Walk the Line there were supposed to be a bunch of musician biopics. Don Cheadle was approached about Miles Davis and I believe a script was written and ready for a Marvin Gaye film but only his later life and death starring Jesse L. Martin (Law & Order/Rent).

Also I believe the governator was attached to I Am Legend back in the 90's.

Though it didn't get cancelled, From Dusk Till Dawn was originally slated to be the follow-up to Tales From the Crypt Presents: Demon Knight. I think the script was written for that franchise, but then Tarantino got hold of it and took it to the Weinsteins for Dimension. This is the reason the producers retaliated (if you can call it that) with their own vampire film TftC: Bordello of Blood.

Robin2099

12-30-2009, 01:48 AM

Though it didn't get cancelled, From Dusk Till Dawn was originally slated to be the follow-up to Tales From the Crypt Presents: Demon Knight. I think the script was written for that franchise, but then Tarantino got hold of it and took it to the Weinsteins for Dimension. This is the reason the producers retaliated (if you can call it that) with their own vampire film TftC: Bordello of Blood.

That actually reminds me that the third TFTC movie was never made due to the lackluster response to Bordello. It was called Fat Tuesday and set at Mardi Gras. Evenrually a third one was made but sat on the shelf for about six years.

BlackoutCreature

12-30-2009, 01:57 AM

There were about a half dozen versions of a new Superman movie proposed between 1987 and 2006, all got axed in various stages of production before Superman Returns finally got made. These range from Superman vs. Batman to a movie starring Nicolas Cage as Supes to the infamous Kevin Smith/"Giant Robot Spider" movie.

TMC1982

12-30-2009, 04:02 AM

I remember back in 2001 Chris Tucker had a movie called The President that was scheduled for a 2004 release. I think it got canned because it would be too similar to Chris Rock's Head Of The State.

After reading the script I have to say thank God that didn't get made. It was pure crap. He just didn't get the character of Peter Parker or Spider-man. There are two things he probably would have done better than Raimi: action and quips. Other than that, it would not have been pretty. His treatment with the villains would not have flown with the fanbase.

I remember back in 2001 Chris Tucker had a movie called The President that was scheduled for a 2004 release. I think it got canned because it would be too similar to Chris Rock's Head Of The State.

I recall hearing about Chris Tucker making a spy movie called Double 0 Soul. Mariah Carey was supposedly going to play the "Bond girl" of sorts. It's kind of a joke to think that since 1998 (11 going on 12 years ago), the only movies that Chris Tucker as appeared in have all been the three Rush Hour films.

Other canceled movies that I can think of off the top of my head:
*Batman Triumphant - It was going to be the third Batman directed movie from Joel Schumacher. It intended on being a lot darker (a la the Tim Burton films with Michael Keaton or the original cut of Batman Forever) than Batman & Robin. Apparently, Scarecrow was going to be the villain. Harley Quinn was also in line to make an appearance. She would've however, been the Joker's (or Jack Napier) illlegitimate daughter rather than his shrink turned partner in crime/lover on the run. The plans were ultimately junked when Batman & Robin tanked at the box office and with fans (clearing the way for the Christopher Nolan reboot in 2005).

*The third James Bond movie starring Timothy Dalton (rumored to be titled The Property of a Lady). Even though Licence to Kill underperformed at the American box office, plans were still under away (as Dalton I believe, was under contract to do three films) for what was initially believed to be a 1991 release. However, legal complications concerning ownership of the Bond franchise put the series on hold for six years. By the time things were finally settled, Dalton had enough and quit/retired/left, paving the way for Pierce Brosnan to step in.

Old Guy

12-30-2009, 04:40 AM

Long before Sam Raimi's adaptation of Spider-man in live-action movie. There was an aborted project of an adaptation live-action of our favorite web slinger then James Cameron wanted to direct.

Actually, it did. The 2002 Spider-Man IS the James Cameron version. Well, sort of. In the late `90s, Sony bought Cameron's Spider-Man script from MGM which owned it at the time. David Koepp was hired to re-write it. Sam Raimi was then hired as director. He ordered some more re-writes. Two other writers, Alvin Sargent and Ivan Raimi did polishes. Then, Cameron complained to the Writer's Guild when he didn't get ATLEAST a story credit. But they felt that too many changes were made. The only things that remained from Cameron's script were the organic webshooters and a genetically advanced spider as opposed to a radioactive one.

There are two things he probably would have done better than Raimi: action and quips.

And the visual effects. He would have hired ILM instead of sticking with Sony's in-house FX department.

the greenman

12-30-2009, 04:55 AM

*The third James Bond movie starring Timothy Dalton (rumored to be titled The Property of a Lady). Even though Licence to Kill underperformed at the American box office, plans were still under away (as Dalton I believe, was under contract to do three films) for what was initially believed to be a 1991 release. However, legal complications concerning ownership of the Bond franchise put the series on hold for six years. By the time things were finally settled, Dalton had enough and quit/retired/left, paving the way for Pierce Brosnan to step in.

Speaking of BOND films, Tarantino pitched the idea of Casino Royale first. He wanted to keep Pierce Brosnan and give the Bond girl role to, of course, Uma Thurman. But lady Broccoli stole the idea and did these terrible reboots. Oh well.

CaptainHero

12-30-2009, 06:41 PM

Actually, it did. The 2002 Spider-Man IS the James Cameron version. Well, sort of. In the late `90s, Sony bought Cameron's Spider-Man script from MGM which owned it at the time. David Koepp was hired to re-write it. Sam Raimi was then hired as director. He ordered some more re-writes. Two other writers, Alvin Sargent and Ivan Raimi did polishes. Then, Cameron complained to the Writer's Guild when he didn't get ATLEAST a story credit. But they felt that too many changes were made. The only things that remained from Cameron's script were the organic webshooters and a genetically advanced spider as opposed to a radioactive one.

And the visual effects. He would have hired ILM instead of sticking with Sony's in-house FX department.

Most people who have read Cameron's Spider Man script have said it was horrible.

SpiderScooby

12-30-2009, 06:53 PM

Mike Myers wrote a script for a Scooby Doo movie{which he was going to play Shaggy}. Thank god that never happened. And some say the Scooby Doo movie we got was bad...

Storm Eagle

12-30-2009, 06:59 PM

There was a film starring Jim Carrey and Ben Stiller called Used Guys being produced back in 2006 and was being set for a December 2007 release. It was going to be written and directed by Jay Roach of Meet the Parents and Austin Powers fame.

The film's plot was set in a future where men have been completely wiped out and women dominate the planet. Carrey & Stiller were going to play two "pleasure clones" who go on a search for the mystic 'Man-a-topia".

One of those types of movies, eh? I wouldn't be heartbroken in the least that something like that got the ax.

Dantheman

12-30-2009, 07:04 PM

I remember reading that there were plans for a sequel to Animal House, where the Deltas were to reunite in San Francisco in 1967 (The Summer of Love) for Larry Kroger's wedding to a hippie girl.

For some reason, it got canceled (I think Universal saw how More American Graffiti did at the box office and decided another film covering similar ground would fare as well).

80's guy

12-30-2009, 07:23 PM

Old Guy

12-30-2009, 07:24 PM

lady Broccoli stole the idea

I'm pretty sure the idea to adapt Casino Royale wasn't new. In fact, it was adapted in 1967.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/e/e7/007CasinoRoyaleUS1sheet.jpghttp://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/c/ce/Bouchet%26Niven2.jpghttp://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/c/c6/Evelyn_Tremble.jpg

did these terrible reboots.

The Casino Royale we got was better than anything Tarantino would have done.

Most people who have read Cameron's Spider Man script have said it was horrible.

It was amusing to say the least. He wasn't going for a family-friendly Spider-Man. He had Spider-Man having sex with Mary Jane at the edge of a building. He had Peter Parker cursing at the villains. Schwarzenegger was gonna be Doc Ock. So, it would have been really over-the-top and funny. A guilty pleasure.

CaptainHero

12-30-2009, 07:35 PM

One of those types of movies, eh? I wouldn't be heartbroken in the least that something like that got the ax.

Stiller has given us some pretty great comedy, mostly when he borders on stranger fare (Tropic Thunder, Zoolander).

Plus, the mash up of Stiller and Carrey would guarantee a pretty big comedy movie.

It could easily have turned out bad, but the strange premise sounded like it had quite a lot of potential.

Storm Eagle

12-30-2009, 08:01 PM

Stiller has given us some pretty great comedy, mostly when he borders on stranger fare (Tropic Thunder, Zoolander).

Plus, the mash up of Stiller and Carrey would guarantee a pretty big comedy movie.

It could easily have turned out bad, but the strange premise sounded like it had quite a lot of potential.
I just simply don't care for plots like that. I'm a Jim Carrey fan, but not even the fact that he's involved makes it any better for me.

TnAdct1

12-30-2009, 08:36 PM

Mike Myers wrote a script for a Scooby Doo movie{which he was going to play Shaggy}. Thank god that never happened. And some say the Scooby Doo movie we got was bad... Of course, that didn't mean Mike Myers wouldn't have a Scooby-Doo moment in one of his films (Wayne's World, anyone?).

Rho

12-31-2009, 05:37 AM

I also remember there was supposed to be a Drake & Josh theatrical film where they go to New York.

Also, the Napoleon Dynamite sequel, but that's still workable... and wanted. By me, at least. :p

ToonFaithful

12-31-2009, 08:58 AM

I also remember there was supposed to be a Drake & Josh theatrical film where they go to New York.

Also, the Napoleon Dynamite sequel, but that's still workable... and wanted. By me, at least. :p
Yeah, I remember I was on the Internet trying to see if they're would be anymore D&J episodes and then I found that. I guess they replaced it with Merry Christmas D&J...

stephane dumas

12-31-2009, 09:43 AM

Of course, that didn't mean Mike Myers wouldn't have a Scooby-Doo moment in one of his films (Wayne's World, anyone?).

Speaking if Mike Myers, wasn't once some rumors of Wayne's World III to be filmed?

Zorak Masaki

12-31-2009, 01:37 PM

I heard last year that work on a 4th naked gun film (for a dtv release) was being started, but i havent heard anything about it since. Also, wasnt there supposed to be a Gen13 movie as well?

CyclonatorZ

12-31-2009, 06:18 PM

BlackoutCreature

01-01-2010, 02:17 AM

TMC1982

01-01-2010, 02:55 AM

The Original Fantastic Four movie in 1994 never release in theater, but sold as bootlegs video.

The Revenge of the Nerds remake, cancel after negative views and the WGA strike.

Ernest the Pirate, unfinish because of the death of the actor Jim Varney.

That Fantastic Four movie was never meant to be released in theaters (or at all period) in the first place (albeit, the actors didn't know it at the time). It was regarded as an "ashcan copy". This means that the studio that held the rights at the time made it (despite the admittedly poor quality/low budget) in order to keep a hold of them (so that they can eventually make a better quality movie).

And speaking of Mike Myers, I remember that he was going to make a movie based on his Dieter (that quirky German talk show host) character on SNL. But I guess, he didn't like where the script was going. He ultimately made The Cat in the Hat because he was still under contract to make a movie for Universal.

There was going to be a movie based on The Adventures of Pete & Pete. But I guess, Nickelodeon didn't like that idea (I don't know all of the details). This was eventually transformed into the movie Snow Day.

the greenman

01-01-2010, 04:23 AM

I don't know if these are really canceled movies or movies that just never got past the drawing board, but at one point there were major rumors on a 4th Austin Powers movie. The first version i heard was that Elizabeth Hurley, Heather Graham and Beyonce would all return looking for Austin to pick his favorite, a second version involved Demi Moore as the "Powers girl" for the movie. Haven't heard anything about it in years though.

Also, at one point after Matrix: Revolutions, there was talk about a new Bill & Ted reunion movie and that Keanu Reeves was all aboard for it. Besides this brief rumor a few years back though i don't think this went anywhere.

On these two. Entertainment Tonight reported on the 4th Austin Powers movie, and while I've never heard of that first one, Moore was mentioned as a "Power's Girl" along with Jennifer Lopez. Of course after the dismal reviews and lack of success of the 3rd, it didn't happen.

As for Bill & Ted 3. Reeves said he'd love to do one, but not anytime soon. He wanted to do it when both of them were older married with children and try to travel back in time. The idea actually sounds interesting if you think about it. Also, the actor who played "TED"? coud direct it since he's a director now. The only thing is, we haven't heard anything about this since George Carlin passed away, so. . .

And speaking of Mike Myers, I remember that he was going to make a movie based on his Dieter (that quirky German talk show host) character on SNL. But I guess, he didn't like where the script was going. He ultimately made The Cat in the Hat because he was still under contract to make a movie for Universal.

Actually he was forced to do that film cause he bailed out of the contract made by Ron Howard and Brian Grazer's company. It didn't have too much to do with Universal.

Blackstar

01-01-2010, 09:13 AM

As for Bill & Ted 3. Reeves said he'd love to do one, but not anytime soon. He wanted to do it when both of them were older married with children and try to travel back in time. The idea actually sounds interesting if you think about it. Also, the actor who played "TED"? could direct it since he's a director now. The only thing is, we haven't heard anything about this since George Carlin passed away, so. . .

That would be Alex Winter, and he played Bill, not Ted.

Zorak Masaki

01-01-2010, 09:21 AM

That Fantastic Four movie was never meant to be released in theaters (or at all period) in the first place (albeit, the actors didn't know it at the time). It was regarded as an "ashcan copy". This means that the studio that held the rights at the time made it (despite the admittedly poor quality/low budget) in order to keep a hold of them (so that they can eventually make a better quality movie).
.

Then why did the studio allow Marvel to hype up the movie in Bullpen Bulletins columns of the time and make a trailer if they were never going to release it in the first place?

KCJ506

01-01-2010, 09:49 AM

What about the Venom spin-off that Marvel supposedly was planning? I haven't heard anything about it for a while, and with how poorly Venom was recieved in Spiderman 3, I'm wondering if they haven't canceled it by now.

Actually this is still in development. I hope this happens. Not because I actually want Venom to have his own movie, but because Carnage will most likely be in it and maybe people will stop suggesting for future SM movies. I'd much rather see him in this than stealing the spotlight from better classic villains.

Robin2099

01-01-2010, 10:52 AM

Then why did the studio allow Marvel to hype up the movie in Bullpen Bulletins columns of the time and make a trailer if they were never going to release it in the first place?

Because no one involved knew that the movie wasn't going to be released. That's why the studio commissioned Roger Corman to make the movie for $1.5 million.

CaptainHero

01-01-2010, 11:06 AM

Of course after the dismal reviews and lack of success of the 3rd, it didn't happen.

Actually he was forced to do that film cause he bailed out of the contract made by Ron Howard and Brian Grazer's company. It didn't have too much to do with Universal.

Goldmember was actually a huge hit and held the highest opening weekend for a comedy for quite some time. I think it ended up grossing around $240 million in the US. The fact we haven't had a fourth Austin Powers is confusing considering the last film's massive success.

CyclonatorZ

01-01-2010, 01:03 PM

Actually this is still in development. I hope this happens. Not because I actually want Venom to have his own movie, but because Carnage will most likely be in it and maybe people will stop suggesting for future SM movies. I'd much rather see him in this than stealing the spotlight from better classic villains.

Really? Cause the most recent news article that I found when searching for it said that nothing really has materialized yet. *shrugs*

SpiderScooby

01-01-2010, 03:12 PM

Really? Cause the most recent news article that I found when searching for it said that nothing really has materialized yet. *shrugs*Yes. There was a Venom movie in delvopment many many years ago that was canned. Then after Spider-man 3, Sony said they were planning a Venom spin off. Supposedily the script is being "rewritten"

BlackoutCreature

01-01-2010, 09:06 PM

Goldmember was actually a huge hit and held the highest opening weekend for a comedy for quite some time. I think it ended up grossing around $240 million in the US. The fact we haven't had a fourth Austin Powers is confusing considering the last film's massive success.
While a financial success, it was still met with mixed reviews critically with most people I've talked to feeling that most of its jokes felt rehashed. I'm guessing someone behind the movies (other then Mike Meyers who seemed really in favor of it) felt it was best if they couldn't come up with something truly original for the forth then just not to do it instead of putting out a mediocre movie that would kill the franchise.

CaptainHero

01-01-2010, 10:26 PM

While a financial success, it was still met with mixed reviews critically with most people I've talked to feeling that most of its jokes felt rehashed. I'm guessing someone behind the movies (other then Mike Meyers who seemed really in favor of it) felt it was best if they couldn't come up with something truly original for the forth then just not to do it instead of putting out a mediocre movie that would kill the franchise.

I remember hearing the plot for the fourth film was supposed to consist of Scott Evil taking over for his father while Dr. Evil teamed up with Austin Powers.

That sounds like the most original idea for a Powers movie out of all the sequels, I would think Mike Myers would be dying to make another one after the horrifying Love Guru.

BlackoutCreature

01-01-2010, 10:39 PM

I remember hearing the plot for the fourth film was supposed to consist of Scott Evil taking over for his father while Dr. Evil teamed up with Austin Powers.

That sounds like the most original idea for a Powers movie out of all the sequels, I would think Mike Myers would be dying to make another one after the horrifying Love Guru.
Original plot maybe, original jokes though is the thing. Remember, Austin Powers is a comedy, not an action movie, it sells based on how funny it is and you can only do the same jokes so many times before they're just not funny anymore. Goldmember was pushing it to begin with, I doubt plugging Scott Evil into Dr Evil's place would've done much to freshen them up.

As for Myers, from what I read all those years ago he very much wanted to do another Austin Powers movie. I'm guessing there were other people who felt the idea had run its course.

CaptainHero

01-02-2010, 06:10 PM

Original plot maybe, original jokes though is the thing. Remember, Austin Powers is a comedy, not an action movie, it sells based on how funny it is and you can only do the same jokes so many times before they're just not funny anymore. Goldmember was pushing it to begin with, I doubt plugging Scott Evil into Dr Evil's place would've done much to freshen them up.

As for Myers, from what I read all those years ago he very much wanted to do another Austin Powers movie. I'm guessing there were other people who felt the idea had run its course.

I'm not so sure if I believe the studio execs killed another Austin Powers, if they were to make a fourth film, it would most likely make a ton of money. And studio execs could care less about the quality of a film if it's making them money.