Ron Howard's unrealized projects
The following is a list of unproduced Ron Howard projects in roughly chronological order. During his long career, American film director Ron Howard has worked on several projects which never progressed beyond the pre-production stage under his direction. Some of these projects fell in development hell, were officially cancelled, were in development limbo or would see life under a different production team.
1990s[edit]
Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace[edit]
In the 1990s, Howard was one of three directors, including Robert Zemeckis and Steven Spielberg, in talks with George Lucas to direct Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, which Howard revealed on a 2015 episode of the Happy, Sad Confused podcast, stating that he found the offer too daunting, Lucas eventually ended up directing the film.[1]
Oh, the Places You'll Go![edit]
On September 17, 1998, Howard and Brian Grazer were attached to a film adaptation of Dr. Seuss children's book Oh, the Places You'll Go!, but were busy adapting the live-action adaptation of How the Grinch Stole Christmas!.[2] On November 11, 2021, it was announced that Jon M. Chu would direct an animated adaptation of the book for Warner Animated Group and J. J. Abrams' Bad Robot Productions.[3]
2000s[edit]
Some Like It Hot remake[edit]
According to the Unspooled podcast, Amy Nicholson found out that Howard was set to direct a remake of Billy Wilder's classic comedy Some Like It Hot in a Marilyn Monroe biography, and Scarlett Johansson, Ashton Kutcher, and Shia LaBeouf in Monroe, Tony Curtis, and Jack Lemmon’s roles, respectively, which Paul Sheer objected to the casting and the idea of cross-dressing movies.[4]
The Serpent and the Eagle[edit]
On September 16, 2002, it was reported that Howard was set to produce and possibly direct Hans Beimler and Robert Wolfe’s historical drama The Serpent and the Eagle about the relationship of Hernán Cortés and El Malinchi for Universal Pictures.[5]Howard ultimately chose to direct Cinderella Man instead.
Last Man Home[edit]
On March 20, 2006, Howard was set to direct Jamie Moss' first Gulf War spec script Last Man Home, about a soldier who is on a covert mission to find his AWOL brother, with Brian Grazer set to produce and Universal Pictures set to distribute the film.[6]
Changeling[edit]
Caché remake[edit]
On February 19, 2007, Howard was set to direct and produce the American remake of Michael Haneke’s psychological thriller Caché with Plum Pictures attached to produce and Universal Pictures set to distribute the remake.[7]
The Emperor's Children film[edit]
On July 17, 2007, Howard was set to direct and produce the film adaptation of Claire Messud’s novel The Emperor’s Children with Noah Baumbach writing the script and Universal Pictures set to distribute the film.[8]But in 2010, with Howard opting instead to direct The Dilemma, Baumbach replaced him as director, with Eric Bana, Keira Knightley and Richard Gere attached to star in the project; this production failed to materialize, and in July 2014, Lake Bell became attached to direct the project instead of Baumbach.[9][10]
The Church of Reggie TV pilot[edit]
On October 10, 2007, Howard was set to produce Chuck Tatham's religious comedy The Church of Reggie with Brian Grazer and David Nevins through Imagine Entertainment for Fox.[11]
The Strange Adventures of H.P. Lovecraft film[edit]
On March 25, 2009, Howard was set to produce and possibly direct the film adaptation of Mac Carter and Jeff Blitz’s graphic novel The Strange Adventures of H.P. Lovecraft with Carter writing the script and Universal Pictures set to distribute the film.[12]
The Lost Symbol[edit]
The Parsifal Mosaic[edit]
2010s[edit]
The Dark Tower[edit]
My Stroke of Insight[edit]
On October 1, 2010, Howard was set to direct and produce the film adaptation of neuroanatomist Jill Bolte Taylor’s memoir My Stroke of Insight for Sony Pictures, with Semi Chellas writing the script, Howard was reported as wanting Jodie Foster to star in the film.[13]
Amnesty[edit]
On April 28, 2011, it was reported that Howard was set to produce and direct Max Landis’ fantasy spy pitch Amnesty for Universal Pictures.[14]
Spy vs. Spy[edit]
On June 22, 2011, Howard was set to direct the film adaptation of the comic strip Spy vs. Spy with David Koepp writing the script.[15] But on April 29, 2020, Rawson Marshall Thurber took over writing and directing the movie with Howard attached as a producer only.[16]
Under the Banner of Heaven[edit]
On July 19, 2011, it was reported that Howard was set to direct a film adaptation of Jon Krakauer's 2003 novel Under the Banner of Heaven for Warner Bros., which eventually became the Hulu miniseries of the same name, for which Howard and Grazer served as executive producers.[17][18]
364[edit]
On September 8, 2011, it was reported that Howard was set to produce and direct David Guggenheim’s superhero drama script 364 about a guy with superpowers one day every year for Universal Pictures.[19]
The Imitation Game[edit]
On October 11, 2011, it was reported that Howard was interested in directing Graham Moore’s script The Imitation Game about Alan Turing with Leonardo DiCaprio in talks to star, but Morten Tyldum ended up directing the film with Benedict Cumberbatch portraying Turing.[20]
Doc Holiday TV pilot[edit]
On November 21, 2011, it was reported that Howard was set to direct the pilot episode of Akiva Goldsman’s biographical Western series based on Mary Doria Russell’s novel Doc, written by Adam Cooper and Bill Collage for HBO.[21]
Conquest TV series[edit]
On July 30, 2012, it was reported that Howard was set to direct and produce through Imagine Entertainment José Rivera’s historical Aztec series Conquest for Showtime.[22]
All I've Got[edit]
On January 17, 2013, Howard was set to direct the English-language film All I’ve Got after J. J. Abrams left to write and direct Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens.[23]But on April 19, 2016, Marielle Heller took over directing the movie from Howard, with Daisy Ridley attached to star and was entitled Kolma.[24]
The Graveyard Book[edit]
On January 22, 2013, Howard was set to direct the film adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s novel The Graveyard Book for Walt Disney Pictures.[25]But on July 19, 2022, Marc Forster took over directing the movie from Howard.[26]
Mena[edit]
On February 8, 2014, it was reported that Howard was set to direct Gary Spinelli's script Mena about drug trafficker Barry Seal for Universal, which eventually became the Doug Liman film American Made, starring Tom Cruise.[27][28]
The Jungle Book[edit]
On February 14, 2014, it was reported that Howard was set to direct an adaptation of Rudyard Kipling's 1894 classic The Jungle Book for Warner Bros., which eventually became the Andy Serkis film Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle.[29]
The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair[edit]
On April 23, 2014, it was reported that Howard was set to direct a film adaptation of Joël Dicker's 2014 novel The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair for Warner Bros., which eventually became the Epix miniseries of the same name.[30]
Tiger & Bunny[edit]
On October 9, 2015, Howard and Grazer would co-produce the live-action film adaptation of the anime Tiger & Bunny as a co-production with All Nippon Entertainment Works and Bandai Namco Pictures.[31]But on June 3, 2022, Bandai Namco Holdings confirmed that a live-action English-language TV series will be made without Imagine Entertainment.[32]
The Girl Before[edit]
On November 27, 2015, it was reported that Howard was attached to direct the film adaptation of J.P. Delaney’s novel The Girl Before and produce through Imagine Entertainment, which eventually became the TV series of the same name.[33]
Pinocchio[edit]
On February 17, 2016, it was reported that Howard was possibly going to direct an adaptation of Pinocchio with Robert Downey Jr. set to produce and portray Geppetto.[34]
Seveneves[edit]
Zelda[edit]
On October 21, 2016, it was reported that Howard was possibly going to direct Emma Frost’s script Zelda about the socialite Zelda Fitzgerald with Jennifer Lawrence set to produce and portray Zelda.[35]
The Warehouse[edit]
On April 30, 2018, it was reported that Imagine Entertainment had won the film rights to the Rob Hart novel The Warehouse, with plans to develop the project for Howard to direct.[36]
Canary[edit]
On June 21, 2018, it was announced that Imagine Entertainment had acquired the rights to produce screenwriter Zach Dean's pitch Canary, a female-led science fiction story, with the intention of developing the project as a directing vehicle for Howard.[37]
2020s[edit]
The Fixer[edit]
On January 10, 2020, Howard was set to direct and produce The Fixer, a political thriller about a failed assassination attempt on Fidel Castro for Paramount Pictures.[38]
Offers[edit]
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace[edit]
According to the AFI Catalog of Feature Films, Howard was offered the opportunity to direct Superman IV: The Quest for Peace by Christopher Reeve, but The Cannon Group, Inc. hired Sidney J. Furie to direct instead.[39][40]
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty remake[edit]
On July 11, 1997, Howard was in talks to direct and produce a new adaptation of James Thurber’s short story "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" through Imagine Entertainment for New Line Cinema, with Jim Carrey attached to star, but made EDtv instead, the project ultimately became the 2013 film directed by Ben Stiller and released by 20th Century Fox.[41]
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone[edit]
In November 2021, while appearing on The Graham Norton Show, Howard revealed he had been approached to direct Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, but rejected the offer, telling Norton that, as he had just completed production on How the Grinch Stole Christmas, he did not want to do another fantasy film.[42]
Be More Chill[edit]
On October 20, 2018, it was reported that Howard's Imagine Entertainment was in the running to acquire the film adaptation of Joe Iconis' musical adaptation of the novel Be More Chill, but Shawn Levy and Greg Berlanti acquired the project instead.[43]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ Chitwood, Adam (November 25, 2015). "'Star Wars: The Phantom Menace' Was Offered to Ron Howard, Robert Zemeckis". Collider. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
- ^ Variety Staff (September 17, 1998). "Hoffmann nabs 'Flawless,' more Seuss on loose". Variety. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
- ^ Kroll, Justin (November 11, 2021). "Jon M. Chu Tapped To Direct Adaptation of Dr. Seuss 'Oh, The Places You'll Go!' For Warner Animation Group And Dr. Seuss Enterprises, Bad Robot Producing". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved June 30, 2023.
- ^ Amy Nicholson; Paul Sheer (October 2, 2019). "Some Like It Hot". Earwolf. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
- ^ Fleming, Michael (September 16, 2002). "Howard eyes Mexican tale 'Eagle' for U". Variety. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
- ^ Pamela McClintock; Nicole LaPorte (March 20, 2006). "'Home' fire burning for U, Imagine". Variety. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
- ^ Diane Garrett; Steven Zeitchik (February 19, 2007). "Howard decodes 'Cache'". Variety. Retrieved September 8, 2023.
- ^ Kroll, Justin (July 17, 2007). "Howard ready to father 'Children'". Variety. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
- ^ Sneider, Jeff (March 23, 2010). "Exclusive: Knightley, Bana, Gere Join 'Emperor's Children'". The Wrap. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
- ^ Kit, Borys (July 19, 2014). "Lake Bell to Direct Adaptation of 'Emperor's Children' for Imagine Entertainment". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
- ^ Snieder, Michael (October 10, 2007). "Fox believes in 'Church of Reggie'". Variety. Retrieved October 25, 2023.
- ^ Graser, Marc (March 25, 2009). "Universal, Imagine team on 'Strange'". Variety. Retrieved February 20, 2024.
- ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (October 1, 2010). "Ron Howard Wants To Direct Jodie Foster". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
- ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (April 28, 2011). "Max Landis, Ron Howard Team Up On 'Amnesty' Pitch". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
- ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (June 22, 2011). "Ron Howard, David Koepp Team Up For 'Spy Vs. Spy'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
- ^ Snieder, Jeff (April 29, 2020). "Exclusive: Rawson Marshall Thurber in Talks to Direct 'Spy vs. Spy' Movie for WB and Imagine". Collider. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
- ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (July 19, 2011). "Warner Bros Acquiring Jon Krakauer's 'Under The Banner Of Heaven' For Ron Howard And Dustin Lance Black". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
- ^ White, Peter (June 24, 2021). "Andrew Garfield & Daisy Edgar-Jones To Star In Limited Series 'Under The Banner Of Heaven' For FX From Dustin Lance Black". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved June 30, 2023.
- ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (September 8, 2011). "Universal Acquires David Guggenheim Pitch '364' For Ron Howard To Direct". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
- ^ Finke, Nikki (October 11, 2011). "Warner Bros Buys Spec Script About Math Genius Alan Turing For Leonardo DiCaprio". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
- ^ Andreeva, Nellie (November 21, 2011). "Akiva Goldsman Inks Overall Deal With HBO, Sets Up Western Drama About Doc Holliday With Ron Howard Attached To Direct". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
- ^ Andreeva, Nellie (July 30, 2012). "Showtime & Imagine Team For Aztec Drama Directed By Ron Howard & Penned By Jose Rivera". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
- ^ Brodesser-Akner, Claude (January 17, 2013). "Exclusive: Ron Howard Getting All I've Got From J.J. Abrams's Bad Robot at Paramount". Vulture. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
- ^ Busch, Anita (April 19, 2016). "Daisy Ridley Reteaming With J.J. Abrams For 'Kolma'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
- ^ Borys Kit; Tatiana Siegel (January 22, 2013). "Ron Howard in Talks to Direct Disney's 'Graveyard Book' (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
- ^ Kroll, Justin (July 19, 2022). "Marc Forster And Producing Partner Renée Wolfe Developing Adaptation Of Neil Gaiman's 'The Graveyard Book' At Disney". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
- ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (February 8, 2014). "Universal Closes $1 Million Spec Deal For 'Mena,' 80s Drug Tale Ron Howard Will Direct". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
- ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (January 14, 2015). "'Edge' Guys Tom Cruise, Doug Liman Eye Drug Pilot Tale 'Mena'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved July 25, 2023.
- ^ Tatiana Siegel; Borys Kit (February 14, 2014). "Ron Howard in Talks to Direct Warner Bros.' 'The Jungle Book' (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
- ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (April 23, 2014). "Warner Bros Acquires Global Book Sensation 'The Truth About The Harry Quebert Affair,' Ron Howard To Direct". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
- ^ Frater, Patrick (October 9, 2015). "Imagine Ent., Japan's ANEW Partner For 'Tiger & Bunny' Adaptation". Variety. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
- ^ Frater, Patrick (June 3, 2022). "'Tiger & Bunny' Adaptation Takes Shape as SK Global Options Anime Property". Variety. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
- ^ Kroll, Justin (November 27, 2015). "'The Perfect Wife' Book Deal Another Perfect Fit For Imagine". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
- ^ Ramos, Dino-Ray (February 17, 2016). "{Exclusive} Ron Howard Set To Direct Robert Downey Jr.'s "Pinocchio", Replacing Paul Thomas Anderson". The Tracking Board. Retrieved January 24, 2023.
- ^ Kroll, Justin (October 21, 2016). "Jennifer Lawrence to Play Zelda Fitzgerald in Biopic From Ron Howard". Variety. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
- ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (April 30, 2018). "Imagine's Brian Grazer Lands 'The Warehouse' Book Auction As Directing Vehicle For 'Han Solo's Ron Howard". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved July 25, 2023.
- ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (June 21, 2018). "Imagine Buys Zach Dean Pitch 'Canary' As Ron Howard Directing Vehicle". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved July 25, 2023.
- ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (January 10, 2020). "Ron Howard Set By Paramount To Direct 'The Fixer,' Plot To Kill Fidel Castro". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
- ^ "SUPERMAN IV: THE QUEST FOR PEACE (1987)". AFI.com. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
- ^ Supervoid Cinema (December 3, 2022). "Spider-Man Documentary • The Best 80's Movie Never Made • Cannon Films Spider-Man: The Movie". YouTube. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
- ^ Variety Staff (July 11, 1997). "Howard mulls 'Mitty'". Variety. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
- ^ Green, Alex (November 5, 2021). "Ron Howard: I turned down offer to direct the first Harry Potter film". Irish Independent. Retrieved December 9, 2023.
I'd read the books and they were fantastic but, in all honesty, I had just finished the Grinch. That was fun and fascinating, but an unbelievably challenging and difficult production so I didn't want to be in the fantasy world for another few years.
- ^ 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 January 10, 2023.
