Kenneth Branagh's unrealized projects
The following is a list of unproduced Kenneth Branagh projects in roughly chronological order. During his long career, British filmmaker Kenneth Branagh 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
The Betty Schimmel Story biopic
On December 21, 1998, Branagh was set to star in and direct “The Betty Schimmel Story,” a biopic about Robert Schimmel’s parents survival during the Holocaust, with Ivan Fila and Greg Poirier writing the screenplay, Wendy Finerman and Agi Orsi producing the film, and DreamWorks Pictures set to distribute the movie, but never materalized.[1]
2010s
The Boys in the Boat film
On March 3, 2011, Branagh was set to direct the feature film adaptation of Daniel James Brown’s biographical novel The Boys in the Boat, with Jody Hofflund executive producing the film for The Weinstein Company,[2] which George Clooney ended up directing instead.[3]
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society film
On August 4, 2011, Branagh was set to direct the feature film adaptation of Annie Barrows and Mary Ann Shaffer’s novel The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, with Dan Roos writing the screenplay, Paula Mazur and Mitchell Kaplan producing the film for Fox 2000,[4] which became Mike Newell’s film for Netflix.[5]
Italian Shoes film
On November 27, 2011, Branagh was set to direct the feature film adaptation of Henning Mankell’s novel “Italian Shoes,” with Richard Cottan writing the screenplay, Yellow Bird and Left Bank Pictures producing the film and expected to start filming in late 2012 or early 2013.[6]
Keeper of the Diary
On May 12, 2017, Branagh was in talks to direct Sam Franco and Evan Kilgore’s screenplay “Keeper of the Diary,” as well as star as Anne Frank’s father Otto and produce with Judy Hofflund, for Searchlight Pictures to distribute.[7]
A Gentleman in Moscow TV series
On April 3, 2018, Branagh was set to star in and produce the television series adaptation of Amor Towles’ novel A Gentleman in Moscow, which became the miniseries of the same name by Paramount+ with Showtime.[8]
2020s
Bee Gees biopic
On March 10, 2021, Branagh was set to direct a biopic about the Bee Gees, with Ben Elton writing the screenplay, Graham King producing along with Steven Spielberg & Barry Gibb and Paramount Pictures set to distribute the film,[9] which eventually became a Ridley Scott movie.[10]
Offers
Harry Potter sequels
On July 22, 2002, Branagh was offered to direct Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, as well as the sequels, for Warner Bros. Pictures.[11]
References
- ^ Andrew Hindes; Chris Petrikin (December 21, 1998). "'Betty' for Branagh". Variety. Retrieved August 8, 2024.
- ^ Abrams, Rachel (March 3, 2011). "Weinsteins acquire Olympic rowing tale". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved August 8, 2024.
- ^ Katz, Brandon (March 7, 2020). "Exclusive: George Clooney Set to Direct 'The Boys in the Boat'". Observer. Retrieved August 8, 2024.
- ^ Rachel Abrams; Justin Kroll (August 4, 2011). "Branagh sets sail for 'Guernsey' with Fox". Variety. Retrieved August 8, 2024.
- ^ Jaafar, Ali (February 5, 2016). "Rosamund Pike Circling 'Guernsey' With Director Mike Newell". Deadline Hollywod. Retrieved August 8, 2024.
- ^ Dawtrey, Adam (November 27, 2011). "A trio with Brio". Variety. Retrieved August 8, 2024.
- ^ Andreeva, Nellie (May 12, 2017). "Kenneth Branagh To Helm, Star As Otto Frank In 'Keeper Of The Diary'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved August 8, 2024.
- ^ White, Peter (April 3, 2018). "Kenneth Branagh To Star & Produce eOne's TV Adaptation Of 'A Gentleman In Moscow'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved August 8, 2024.
- ^ Rubin, Rebecca (March 10, 2021). "Kenneth Branagh to Direct Bee Gees Biopic for Paramount". Variety. Retrieved August 8, 2024.
- ^ Stephan, Katcy (February 15, 2024). "Ridley Scott in Talks to Direct Bee Gees Film at Paramount". Variety. Retrieved August 8, 2024.
- ^ Susman, Gary (July 22, 2002). "Harry Potter gets a new director". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved August 8, 2024.
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