Sam Mendes's unrealised projects
 | This article, Sam Mendes's unrealised projects, has recently been created via the Articles for creation process. Please check to see if the reviewer has accidentally left this template after accepting the draft and take appropriate action as necessary.
Reviewer tools: Inform author |
The following is a list of unproduced Sam Mendes projects in roughly chronological order. During his long career, British film director Sam Mendes has worked on many projects that never progressed beyond the pre-production stage under his direction. Some of these projects fell into development hell, were officially cancelled, were in development limbo or would see life under a different production team.
2010s
The Voyeur's Motel
In April 2016, it was announced that DreamWorks Pictures had acquired the film rights to the Gay Talese novel and article The Voyeur's Motel, with Mendes directing and producing.[1] In November, the project was scrapped despite a draft being produced by Krysty Wilson-Cairns, after Mendes became aware of the documentary Voyeur and watched a cut with Wilson-Cairns.[2]
James and the Giant Peach
In August 2016, it was announced that Mendes had entered talks to direct a live-action adaptation of the Roald Dahl novel James and the Giant Peach for Walt Disney Pictures, with Nick Hornby in talks to write the screenplay. The film marked Disney's second film adaptation of the novel after the 1996 animated film adaptation directed by Henry Selick.[3] In May 2017, it was announced that Mendes was no longer involved with the project, choosing instead to direct Disney's live-action Pinocchio instead.[4]
Beautiful Ruins
In September 2016, it was announced that Mendes would produce and potentially direct a film adaptation of Jess Walter's 2012 novel Beautiful Ruins for Fox 2000 Pictures, with Noah Harpster and Micah Fitzerman-Blue writing the screenplay.[5] By April 2018, Mendes had stepped down as director and would instead serve as producer, with David Frankel entering talks to direct the project.[6] By June 2020, the project had moved to Amblin Partners with Niki Caro now directing the adaptation, Mark Hammer and Chiara Atik writing, and Mendes remaining involved as a producer.[7]
My Favorite Thing Is Monsters
In April 2017, it was announced that Mendes was in talks to produce and possibly direct the film adaptation of the Emil Ferris graphic novel My Favorite Thing Is Monsters for Sony Pictures.[8]
Pinocchio remake
In May 2017, it was announced that Mendes had entered talks to direct a live-action remake of the 1940 animated film Pinocchio for Walt Disney Pictures, with Chris Weitz writing the screenplay.[4] Mendes exited the project in November.[9] The film was eventually directed by Robert Zemeckis and released on Disney+ on September 8, 2022.[10][11]
Offers
The Hunger Games
In September 2010, Deadline Hollywood reported that Mendes was one of the three initial favorites to direct the film adaptation of The Hunger Games for Lionsgate, alongside David Slade and Gary Ross.[12]
References
- ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (14 April 2016). "DreamWorks, Sam Mendes Win Gay Talese's 'The Voyeur's Motel'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 6 June 2024.
- ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (23 November 2016). "Sam Mendes, DreamWorks Drop Gay Talese 'Voyeur's Motel' Movie After Being Blindsided By Documentary". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 6 June 2024.
- ^ McNary, Dave (25 August 2016). "Sam Mendes in Talks to Direct Disney's Live-Action 'James and the Giant Peach'". Variety. Retrieved 6 June 2024.
- ^ a b Kroll, Justin (22 May 2017). "Sam Mendes in Early Talks to Direct 'Pinocchio' Live-Action Reboot". Variety. Retrieved 6 June 2024.
Mendes will no longer direct the "James and the Giant Peach" remake for Disney, which he was attached to less than a year ago.
- ^ Siegel, Tatania (28 September 2016). "Sam Mendes to Produce, Potentially Direct 'Beautiful Ruins' at Fox 2000 (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 6 June 2024.
- ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (19 April 2018). "David Frankel In Talks To Direct Jess Walter Novel Adaptation 'Beautiful Ruins' For Fox 2000". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 6 June 2024.
- ^ Vlessing, Etan (30 June 2020). "'Mulan' Director Niki Caro to Helm 'Beautiful Ruins' for Amblin Partners". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 6 June 2024.
- ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (4 April 2017). "Sam Mendes In Early Talks For 'My Favorite Thing Is Monsters'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 6 June 2024.
- ^ Galuppo, Mia (13 November 2017). "Sam Mendes Exits Disney's Live-Action 'Pinocchio'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 6 June 2024.
- ^ Kroll, Justin (18 October 2019). "Robert Zemeckis in Talks to Direct Live-Action 'Pinocchio' for Disney (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved 6 June 2024.
- ^ Spangler, Todd (31 May 2022). "'Pinocchio' Live-Action Remake Premiere Date Set on Disney+". Variety. Retrieved 6 June 2024.
- ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (7 September 2010). "Three More Directors Circle 'Hunger Games'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 6 June 2024.