Paul Verhoeven's unrealized projects
The following is a list of unproduced Paul Verhoeven projects in roughly chronological order. During his long career, Dutch film director Paul Verhoeven 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
“Mistress of the Seas” film
On July 13, 1993, Verhoeven was attached to direct the film adaptation of John Carlova’s book “Mistress of the Seas” for Columbia Pictures with Geena Davis attached to star, but Verhoeven left the project because of creative differences and Davis would end up making Cutthroat Island instead.[1]
“Crusade”
On November 25, 1994, Verhoeven was attached to direct the historical epic “Crusade” for Carolco with Arnold Schwarzenegger attached to star and John Turturro and Jennifer Connelly were in talks, but Verhoeven left the project because of creative differences.[2]
practical effects-driven “Dinosaur film
2000s
“The White Queen film
On May 12, 2005, Verhoeven was interested in directing and producing the film adaptation of Boris Akunin’s novel The Winter Queen with Thomas Hedman and Alan Marshall producing the film through Seven Arts Entertainment and Future Film,[3] but on November 9, 2009, Verhoeven was replaced as the director by Fedor Bondarchuk.[4]
“The Thomas Crown Affair sequel
On November 12, 2007, Verhoeven was interested in directing the sequel to John McTiernan’s The Thomas Crown Affair remake, with Pierce Brosnan starring and producing with Beau St. Clair and Dino Conte for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer,[5] but on April 15, 2010, Verhoeven left the project.[6]
“The Surrogate” film
On May 28, 2009, Verhoeven was set to direct the film adaptation of Kathryn Mackel’s “The Surrogate,” with Halle Berry attached to star for 20th Century Fox,[7] which Verhoeven said in 2010 that the movie is in development,[8] but its fate is unknown after Disney's acquisition of 21st Century Fox was completed or the rights lapsed back to Mackel.[9].
2010s
“The Last Express” film
On April 13, 2010, Verhoeven was interested in directing the film adaptation of Jordan Mechner's video game The Last Express with Mechner writing the script.[10]
“The Hidden Force” film
On August 24, 2010, Verhoeven was set to direct the biographical film adaptation of Louis Couperus’ novel The Hidden Force with San Fu Maltha attached to produce the film and Gerard Soeteman would write the screenplay.[11]
Eternal
On October 14, 2010, it was announced that Verhoeven would direct the supernatural thriller Eternal for Sidney Kimmel Entertainment, however this attempt fell through.[12]
Jesus of Nazareth
On April 24, 2011, Verhoeven and his ICM representatives revealed that they were struggling to finance the film adaptation of Verhoeven’s secular novel Jesus of Nazareth,[13] but on June 19, 2012, Robert Avery was set to write the screenplay of Verhoeven’s secular novel Jesus of Nazareth,[14] and on August 13, 2013, Muse Production’s Chris Hanley was set to produce the film adaptation and Verhoeven switched from ICM to Resolution.[15]
References
- ^ John Evan Frook (July 13, 1993). "Verhoeven exits Col's 'Mistress of the Seas'". Variety. Retrieved January 24, 2023.
- ^ Pearlman, Cindy (November 25, 1994). ""Crusade" brings together unlikely comrades". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved January 24, 2023.
- ^ Kay, Jeremy (May 12, 2005). "Verhoeven readies Winter Queen". Screen Daily. Retrieved January 24, 2023.
- ^ Rosenberg, Gareth (April 15, 2010). "Bondarchuk Replaces Verhoeven On "Queen"". Dark Horizons. Retrieved January 24, 2023.
- ^ Siegel, Tatiana (November 12, 2007). "Verhoeven set for 'Crown' sequel". Variety. Retrieved January 24, 2023.
- ^ Rosenberg, Adam (April 15, 2010). "EXCLUSIVE: Paul Verhoeven No Longer Attached To Direct 'The Thomas Crown Affair 2'". MTV News. Retrieved January 24, 2023.
- ^ Kit, Borys (May 28, 2009). "Verhoeven on tap for 'Surrogate'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved January 24, 2023.
- ^ Rosenberg, Adam (April 10, 2010). "EXCLUSIVE: Paul Verhoeven Still Working On 'The Surrogate,' Has 'Discussed It All' With Halle Berry". MTV News. Retrieved January 24, 2023.
- ^ Georg Szalai; Paul Bond (March 19, 2019). "Disney Closes $71.3 Billion Fox Deal, Creating Global Content Powerhouse". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved January 24, 2023.
- ^ Rosenberg, Adam (April 13, 2010). "EXCLUSIVE: Paul Verhoeven Pushes Play On Video Game Adaptation Set In 1914". MTV News. Retrieved January 24, 2023.
- ^ Dave McNary (August 24, 2010). "Verhoeven to helm 'Hidden Force'". Variety. Retrieved January 24, 2023.
- ^ McNary, Dave (October 14, 2010). "Paul Verhoeven to direct 'Eternal'". Variety. Retrieved January 24, 2023.
- ^ Fleming Jr., Mike (April 24, 2011). "Hollywood & Religion: More Controversy To Come If New Films Anger The Faithful". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved January 24, 2023.
- ^ Fleming Jr., Mike (June 19, 2012). "Paul Verhoeven Finds Backing And A Writer For Controversial Jesus Christ Movie". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved January 24, 2023.
- ^ Fleming Jr., Mike (August 13, 2013). "Resolution Signs Paul Verhoeven". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved January 24, 2023.