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Scott Derrickson's unrealized projects

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The following is a list of unproduced Scott Derrickson projects in roughly chronological order. During his long career, American film director Scott Derrickson 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 canceled, were in development limbo or would see life under a different production team.

1990s

Darkness Falling

On March 15, 1999, Derrickson and Paul Harris Boardman co-write the screenplay Darkness Falling, with Bryan Singer attached to produce with Columbia Pictures set to distribute.

2000s

Future Tense

On April 17, 2001, Derrickson and Paul Harris Boardman co-write the World War 3 screenplay Future Sense based a story by Wagner James Au, with Derrickson attached to direct, Sean O’Keefe and Dave Cohen producing through Artist Production Group with Studiocanal set to distribute.

The Mystic

On April 17, 2001, Derrickson and Paul Harris Boardman co-write the screenplay The Mystic, with Derrickson attached to direct, and Dimension Films set to distribute.

Ghosting

On April 17, 2001, Derrickson and Paul Harris Boardman co-write the screenplay Ghosting, with Derrickson attached to direct and Dimension Films set to distribute.

Mindbender

On April 17, 2001, Derrickson and Paul Harris Boardman co-write the screenplay Mindbender, with Derrickson attached to direct, with Platinum Dunes producing and Dimension Films set to distribute.

Paradise Lost

In 2006, Derrickson was announced to direct a live-action film version of John Milton's epic poem Paradise Lost for Legendary Entertainment. Milton's 17th century poem, which follows Lucifer's failed rebellion in heaven and subsequent role in Adam and Eve's fall from grace, was adapted by Philip de Blasi and Byron Willinger. "The screenplay takes aspects of the entire arc," Derrickson explained, "What it encompasses is still a fraction of the poem and has to be, because you could make a 50-hour miniseries out of it if you wanted to. But it really covers, end-to-end, the basic events of the poem." In 2010, Alex Proyas was attached to direct Paradise Lost instead of Derrickson, which led to Derrickson sharing concept art done for his version of the film in 2016.

The Birds remake

In 2008, it was reported that Derrickson would co-write with Boardman and direct a remake of Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds for Universal Pictures with Michael Bay producing, and Naomi Watts starring as Melanie Daniels. In 2013, Derrickson stated that he had been asked to do a rewrite on the project on "what feels like 10 years ago", and that it was likely not going forward in the future.

The Miso Soup

Also in 2008, it was announced that German director Wim Wenders would direct an adaptation of In the Miso Soup, scripted by Derrickson and Philippe Carcassonne, and eying to shoot in spring 2011. Derrickson had previously conceived the story for Wenders' 2004 film Land of Plenty.

Hyperion Cantos

In January 2009, Derrickson was set to direct Hyperion Cantos for Warner Bros. and Graham King, with Trevor Sands penning the script, planning to adapt the novels Hyperion and The Fall of Hyperion into one film.

The Substitute remake

On October 1, 2009, it was reported that Derrickson was going to direct an American remake of the Danish sci-fi film The Substitute for Sam Raimi's production company, Ghost House Pictures. Derrickson co-wrote the film's script with frequent writing partner Paul Harris Boardman.

The Living

On October 18, 2009, Derrickson was tapped by Lakeshore Entertainment to direct the suspense thriller The Living, based on a story he pitched along with Paul Harris Boardman. The film's plot was not revealed.

2010s

Goliath

In January 2011, Derrickson was in talks with Relativity Media to helm Goliath, a retelling of the Biblical tale of David and Goliath on a "heightened 300 level". The script, penned by the screenwriting team J. D. Payne and Patrick McKay, was reported to have been made into a "period action movie made with contemporary sensibilities." In August that year, Dwayne Johnson was in talks to portray Goliath and Relativity offered the role of David to Taylor Lautner.

Two Eyes Staring remake

In October 2011, Derrickson was reported to direct Charlize Theron in a remake of the Dutch horror thriller Two Eyes Staring, from a script he wrote with Paul Harris Boardman.

Thunderstruck TV pilot

In November 2011, AMC picked up a TV pilot written by Derrickson and Paul Harris Boardman titled Thunderstruck, about an alien spacecraft that appears in a small Montana town. Derrickson was reported to be directing the series' pilot episode.

The Breathing Method

A film adaptation of the Stephen King novella The Breathing Method was announced as being in development at Blumhouse in October 2012, with Derrickson directing, from a screenplay by Scott Teems. In December 2019, the project was again announced, with the film being marked as his "return to horror" after he finished his work on Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Derrickson was reported to give the adaptation another shot after the release of his film The Black Phone.

Deus Ex

In November 2012, CBS Films had hired Derrickson and C. Robert Cargill to write an adaptation of the acclaimed video game Deus Ex, with Derrickson on board to direct. The film reportedly would have borrowed heavily from the more origin-oriented Deus Ex: Human Revolution. In a 2014 interview, Derrickson stated that his involvement with Doctor Strange is what had halted further development on the film. Fragments of the film's script were later shared by USA Today in 2022.

When Gravity Fails

As of 2013, a film adaptation of George Alec Effinger's 1986 novel When Gravity Fails was in development with Derrickson and writer C. Robert Cargill on board to write the script. In a 2016 interview, Cargill announced on Double Toasted that the project was probably in turnaround.

Untitled The Outer Limits film

In June 2014, Derrickson was reported to reunite with C. Robert Cargill once again to write a big screen take on the 1960s sci-fi TV series The Outer Limits for MGM. The duo were allegedly going to adapt the season 2 episode "Demon with a Glass Hand" into a feature film script.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

Main article: Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

After the success of Doctor Strange, in December 2018, Derrickson committed to directing the second installment, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, with Benedict Cumberbatch, Benedict Wong, and Rachel McAdams reprising their respective roles of Dr. Stephen Strange, Wong, and Christine Palmer. Marvel was beginning to search for a writer, with The Hollywood Reporter stating that the script would be written throughout 2019 for a planned filming start in early 2020 and a potential release in May 2021. Derrickson wanted the sequel to be the first scary MCU film and explore more of the gothic and horror elements from the comic books than the first installment did. In January 2020, Derrickson stepped away from the project, citing creative differences between himself and Marvel Studios and not wanting to compromise on a film that was different from what he wanted to make.

Snowpiercer TV pilot

Main article: Snowpiercer (TV series)

In January 2017, a series adaptation of the 2013 film Snowpiercer was reported to be in development with Derrickson attached to direct the pilot episode, with filming initially scheduled to begin in mid-March. By September 25, Derrickson announced that production for the series had officially commenced. In February 2018, Graeme Manson was tapped to be the new showrunner, later requesting for reshoots as a part of the project's "new vision". In June, Derrickson tweeted that he would be forgoing his option to direct "the extreme reshoots", citing Josh Friedman's original 72-page script as "the best ever read" and his already-shot feature-length pilot as being some of his best work. Reshoots were later overseen by director James Hawes. None of Derrickson's footage was used.

Locke & Key TV pilot

In April 2017, Derrickson was slated to direct the pilot for a second attempt at a television-series adaptation of the Locke & Key horror comic series. Later, in July, it was reported that Andy Muschietti was replacing Derrickson as the pilot's director, as Derrickson was forced to drop out of the production due to a scheduling conflict. On March 27, 2018, it was reported that Hulu had passed on the pilot and declined to order it to series.

Kill Creek TV series

In August 2018, a television adaptation of the horror novel Kill Creek was reported to be in development at Showtime as an hour-long drama. Derrickson was set to direct the series and serve as an executive producer alongside Misha Green, Adam Gomolin, Andrew Lazar and Elisa Ellis.

2020s

Bermuda

In March 2020, it was announced that Derrickson had been hired to write and direct Skydance Media's Bermuda Triangle action-adventure, Bermuda, starring Chris Evans, but on September 19, 2023, Marc Webb took over the project.

Labyrinth sequel

In May 2020, Derrickson was announced as the director of a sequel to Jim Henson's 1986 film Labyrinth. Maggie Levin was reported to collaborate with Derrickson on the film's script. The following year, the film's original star Jennifer Connelly revealed that she "had conversations" about being involved in the Labyrinth sequel but was unsure about what was going to happen.

The Handover

In 2021, Derrickson, Timo Tjahjanto and C. Robert Cargill began writing a Christmas-set script set in the future, revealed to be titled The Handover. Tjahjanto described the project as "ultra violent, ultra absurd, ultra over the top and ultra heartwarming." The feature was never produced.

References

  1. Cox, Dan (March 15, 1999). "Phoenix going 'Urban' again with sequel deal". Variety. Retrieved November 13, 2024.
  2. ^ Lyons, Charles (April 17, 2001). "Duo sells 'Tense' sci-fi pitch". Variety. Retrieved November 13, 2024.
  3. McNary, Dave (April 19, 2006). "'Paradise' revisited". Variety. Retrieved April 23, 2023.
  4. Adler, Shawn (July 23, 2008). "Scott Derrickson Says His 'Paradise Lost' Film Might Lead To Sympathy For The Devil". MTV. Retrieved April 23, 2023.
  5. Sneider, Jeff (September 16, 2010). "Alex Proyas to Direct 'Paradise Lost' for Legendary Pictures". The Wrap. Retrieved December 15, 2024.
  6. Miska, Brad (June 27, 2016). "Pssst, Wanna See Lucifer From the Now Defunct 'Paradise Lost'?!". Bloody Disgusting. Retrieved April 23, 2023.
  7. R, Dustin (December 2, 2009). "Exclusive: An Update on The Birds Remake". Pajiba.
  8. Wax, Alyse (February 21, 2013). "Exclusive: Scott Derrickson on 'Sinister' and the 'Poltergeist' and 'The Birds' Remakes". FEARnet. Archived from the original on February 24, 2013. Retrieved November 29, 2024.
  9. Jagernauth, Kevin (August 11, 2010). "First Look At Wim Wenders 3D Dance Film 'Pina' Plus Details On His Next Film 'Miso Soup' Based On The Book By Ryu Murakami". The Playlist. Retrieved November 17, 2024.
  10. Fleming, Michael (Jan 29, 2009). "Scott Derrickson to direct 'Hyperion'". Variety. Archived from the original on 2015-07-22. Retrieved 2012-12-10.
  11. Graser, Mark (October 1, 2009). "Spooky haunts family audiences". Variety. Retrieved April 23, 2023.
  12. McNary, Dave (October 18, 2009). "Lakeshore taps 'The Living' director". Variety. Retrieved April 23, 2023.
  13. Kit, Borys; McClintock, Pamela (January 7, 2011). "EXCLUSIVE: 'Exorcism of Emily Rose' Director Scott Derrickson Taking on 'Goliath'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved April 23, 2023.
  14. Chitwood, Adam (August 31, 2011). "Dwayne Johnson in Talks for GOLIATH, Taylor Lautner Offered the Role of David?". Collider. Retrieved November 13, 2024.
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  22. Brew, Simon (August 21, 2014). "Scott Derrickson interview: Deliver Us From Evil, Deus Ex, reactions". Den of Geek. Retrieved April 23, 2023.
  23. McKeand, Kirk (April 6, 2022). "Behind the script of the canceled Deus Ex movie". USA Today. Retrieved April 23, 2023.
  24. Hoare, James (March 22, 2013). "When Gravity Fails film is "cool and weird and awesome"". SciFiNow. Retrieved October 22, 2016.
  25. Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine: EXCLUSIVE! DOCTOR STRANGE WRITER "C. ROBERT CARGILL" - Double Toasted Interview. YouTube.
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  27. ^ Borys, Kit (December 11, 2018). "Scott Derrickson Returning to Direct 'Doctor Strange' Sequel (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved June 14, 2023.
  28. Donnelly, Matt (July 20, 2019). "'Doctor Strange' Sequel Billed as First MCU Horror Film at Comic-Con". Variety. Retrieved June 14, 2023.
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  34. Goldberg, Leslie (June 29, 2018). "Snowpiercer' Director Quits After Blasting New Showrunner's "Radically Different Vision"". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved June 14, 2023.
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  38. Andreeva, Nellie; Petski, Denise (August 23, 2018). "Showtime Developing Horror Series 'Kill Creek' Based On Novel With Misha Green & Scott Derrickson". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved September 2, 2023.
  39. Kroll, Justin (March 4, 2020). "Scott Derrickson to Direct Skydance's 'Bermuda' With Chris Evans Circling Lead (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved October 17, 2020.
  40. Couch, Aaron (September 19, 2023). "Marc Webb to Direct Skydance's Bermuda Triangle Movie". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  41. Fleming, Mike (May 26, 2020). "Scott Derrickson Set To Direct 'Labyrinth' Sequel For TriStar Pictures; Maggie Levin To Write Script". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved May 26, 2020.
  42. Radish, Christina (February 1, 2021). "Jennifer Connelly on 'Snowpiercer' Season 2 and Why 'Labyrinth' Is Still "Really Special" to Her". Collider. Archived from the original on February 1, 2021. Retrieved October 8, 2021.
  43. Hamman, Cody (August 9, 2021). "The Handover: Timo Tjahjanto & Scott Derrickson's violent Christmas story". JoBlo.com. Retrieved November 17, 2024.

External links

Scott Derrickson's unrealized projects at IMDb

Films directed by Scott Derrickson
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