Ron Howard's unrealized projects: Difference between revisions

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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.
[[File:Ron Howard Cannes 2018.jpg|thumb|right|Howard arriving at the [[2018 Cannes Film Festival]]]]
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.
 
==1980s==
===''Mr. Mom''===
{{main|Mr. Mom#Production}}
 
===''Rainbow Warrior''===
In the early 1980s, Howard planned to make a film surrounding the events of [[Greenpeace]] and their ship the ''[[Rainbow Warrior (1955)|Rainbow Warrior]]''.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Collis|first=Clark|url=https://ew.com/article/2015/12/10/heart-sea-ron-howard/|title=In the Heart of the Sea: How Ron Howard overcame his fear of the ocean to make the film|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|date=December 10, 2015|access-date=June 2, 2024}}</ref> "That ship had been impounded and captured by [[Spain]], and I wanted to do a movie about that, and their escape," Howard later said. "I couldn't get it off the ground." He later fulfilled his ambitions to make a movie set in the ocean with 2015's ''[[In the Heart of the Sea (film)|In the Heart of the Sea]]''.<ref>{{cite news|last=Scott|first=Nate|url=https://ftw.usatoday.com/2015/12/an-interview-with-ron-howard-the-nicest-heavy-hitter-in-hollywood|title=An interview with Ron Howard, the nicest heavy hitter in Hollywood|newspaper=[[USA Today#For the Win|For the Win]]|date=December 11, 2015|access-date=June 2, 2024}}</ref>
 
===''Superman IV: The Quest for Peace''===
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.<ref>{{cite web|title=SUPERMAN IV: THE QUEST FOR PEACE (1987)|url=https://catalog.afi.com/Film/57838-SUPERMAN-IVTHEQUESTFORPEACE?sid=25294c53-7642-454a-8c77-95a143365b5c&sr=6.600077&cp=1&pos=0|website=[[AFI Catalog of Feature Films]]|access-date=January 10, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Supervoid Cinema|title=Spider-Man Documentary • The Best 80's Movie Never Made • Cannon Films Spider-Man: The Movie|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BU3OfR986jk&t=18s|date=December 3, 2022|website=[[YouTube]]|access-date=January 10, 2023}}</ref>
 
==1990s==
===''The Postman''===
In the early 1990s, producer [[Wendy Finerman]] was developing ''[[The Postman (film)|The Postman]]'' for Howard to direct, with [[Eric Roth]] writing the script and [[Tom Hanks]] set to star.<ref>{{cite magazine|author=Archerd, Army|author-link=Army Archerd|url=https://variety.com/1992/voices/columns/hopkins-sinks-teeth-into-dracula-role-1117862326/|title=Hopkins sinks teeth into 'Dracula' role|magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=July 29, 1992|access-date=January 8, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|author=Archerd, Army|author-link=Army Archerd|url=https://variety.com/1993/voices/columns/spielberg-hanks-pairing-in-the-cards-1117862401/|title=Spielberg-Hanks pairing in the cards?|magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=December 15, 1993|access-date=January 8, 2025}}</ref> However, they were all booted off the project when [[Kevin Costner]] took over.
 
===''Hep''===
In January 1993, among the projects [[Imagine Entertainment]] were developing was ''Hep'', a "stylish, 1960s detective piece" conceived by Howard about a "slick" [[Los Angeles|L.A.]] [[Private investigator|private eye]] who must solve his partner's murder. [[Rockne O'Bannon]] was writing the screenplay based on Howard's idea.,<ref>{{cite magazine|author1=Eller, Claudia|author2=Marx, Andy|url=https://variety.com/1993/film/news/imagine-turns-attention-to-prod-n-103004/|title=Imagine turns attention to prod'n|magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=January 14, 1993|access-date=January 8, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/1993/film/news/imagine-bursting-with-development-work-106314/|title=Imagine bursting with development work|magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=April 28, 1993|accessdate=April 8, 2025}}</ref> [[John Byrum]] was hired to rewrite O'Bannon's script. The project was later retitled ''Johnny Diamond'', and [[Scott Rosenberg]] was brought on to pen a full rewrite of the script, with [[William Goldman]] overseeing the rewrite.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/1997/film/news/rosenberg-inked-to-polish-diamond-1116678494/|title=Rosenberg inked to polish 'Diamond'|website=www.variety.com|date=August 22, 1997|access-date=April 8, 2025}}</ref> The film was never made, with Howard nor with another director attached.
 
===''Clipped''===
In July 1993, it was reported that Howard was developing a pitch called ''Clipped'' for his [[Imagine Entertainment]] production banner, which was being eyed as a vehicle for [[Steve Martin]]. Howard described it as "a contemporary comedy which explores the human psyche in an entertaining and exciting way. A guy gets a paper clip stuck in his brain, and as it moves around, it stimulates different lobes of his brain, whether it's his willpower, or his ability to censor." [[Charlie Peters]] was to write the script.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Fleming|first=Michael|url=https://variety.com/1993/voices/columns/dish-she-said-he-said-warner-bros-said-adios-108753/|title=Dish; She said, he said — Warner Bros. said adios|magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=July 15, 1993|access-date=January 27, 2025}}</ref>
 
===''The Chamber''===
{{main|The Chamber (1996 film)#Production history}}
 
===''Into Thin Air''===
In 1995, after ''[[Apollo 13 (film)|Apollo 13]]'', Howard was said to be interested in directing two [[Thriller film|thrillers]] as his next films; ''[[Ransom (1996 film)|Ransom]]'', and an unrealized project called ''Into Thin Air'', scripted by [[Henry Bean]].<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Archerd|first=Army|url=https://variety.com/1995/voices/columns/howard-ponders-projects-post-apollo-1117862656/|title=Howard ponders projects post-'Apollo'|magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=March 6, 1995|access-date=June 2, 2024}}</ref>
 
===''Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace''===
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.<ref>{{cite web|first=Adam|last=Chitwood|title='Star Wars: The Phantom Menace' Was Offered to Ron Howard, Robert Zemeckis|url=https://collider.com/star-wars-episode-1-ron-howard-steven-spielberg-robert-zemeckis/|date=November 25, 2015|website=[[Collider (website)|Collider]]|access-date=January 10, 2023}}</ref>
 
===''Dark Horse''===
In 1996, Howard was attached to direct [[John Travolta]] in a film called ''Dark Horse'' which allegedly follows a politician running for President who'll stop at nothing to get what he wants. The project languished in [[development hell]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://corona.bc.ca/films/details/darkhorse.html|title=Coming Attractions - Dark Horse|publisher=[[IGN]]|date=July 12, 1998|access-date=April 13, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19990223213616/http://corona.bc.ca/films/details/darkhorse.html|archive-date=February 23, 1999|url-status=dead}}</ref>
 
===''The Secret Life of Walter Mitty''===
In July 1997, it was reported that [[New Line Cinema]] was in talks with Howard to direct a new adaptation of [[James Thurber]]'s short story "[[The Secret Life of Walter Mitty]]", with [[Jim Carrey]] attached to star in the lead role.<ref>{{cite magazine|author=Variety Staff|title=Howard mulls 'Mitty'|url=https://variety.com/1997/film/news/howard-mulls-mitty-1116676941/|date=July 11, 1997|magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|access-date=January 10, 2023}}</ref>
 
===''The Pretenders''===
In October 1997, it was reported that Howard had shown interest in directing ''The Pretenders'', a [[Western film|Western]] [[Epic film|epic]] with a contemporary edge, that told a story of greed and corruption among the powerful robber barons of 1873 [[San Francisco]]. [[Eric Warren Singer]] wrote the screenplay, with [[Matthew McConaughey]] and [[Brad Pitt]] in talks to play cousins who make a trek west to San Francisco from their [[Kentucky]] home, in a pairing said to be reminiscent of ''[[Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid]]''.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Petrikin|first=Chris|url=https://variety.com/1997/film/news/mcconaughey-pitt-may-saddle-up-for-howard-1116674380/|title=McConaughey, Pitt may saddle up for Howard|magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=October 17, 1997|access-date=April 1, 2025}}</ref>
 
===''Laws of Madness''===
{{Expand section|date=January 2025}}
In March 1998,<ref>{{cite magazine|author=Variety Staff|url=https://variety.com/1998/voices/columns/pitt-joins-madness-faux-oldman-exposed-1117468444/|title=Pitt joins 'Madness'; faux Oldman exposed|magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=March 4, 1998|access-date=January 28, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author1=Span, Paula|author2=Kastor, Elizabeth|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1998/06/19/schizophrenic-lawyers-triumph-turns-into-tragedy/172b6c45-85a7-4e3c-ab74-a63590aef088/|title=SCHIZOPHRENIC LAWYER'S TRIUMPH TURNS INTO TRAGEDY|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|date=June 18, 1998|access-date=January 28, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Abramowitz|first=Rachel|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-mar-25-et-abram25-story.html|title=In a Crisis, It Was a 'Beautiful' Job|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=March 25, 2002|access-date=January 28, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Friedman|first=Roger|url=https://www.foxnews.com/story/exclusive-ron-howard-changed-his-mind-and-screenwriter-admits-to-semi-fictional-movie|title=Exclusive: Ron Howard Changed His Mind; and Screenwriter Admits to 'Semi-Fictional Movie'|website=[[Fox News]]|date=February 15, 2002|access-date=April 24, 2023}}</ref>
 
===''The Sea Wolf''===
In June 1998, Howard was attached to direct a film version of [[Jack London]]'s ''[[The Sea Wolf]]'' for [[Columbia Pictures]], with [[Nicolas Cage]] in the starring role.<ref name=Wolf>{{cite magazine|last=Fleming|first=Michael|url=https://variety.com/1999/film/news/boorman-steams-onto-sea-wolf-1117500075/|title=Boorman steams onto 'Sea Wolf'|magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=May 6, 1999|access-date=June 2, 2024}}</ref> The project was abandoned as Howard felt it was "too expensive and the cast didn't come together in a way that I felt was right for the movie."<ref>{{cite news|last=Kirkland|first=Bruce|url=https://torontosun.com/2015/12/06/ron-howard-talks-period-drama-in-the-heart-of-the-sea|title=Ron Howard talks period drama 'In the Heart of the Sea'|newspaper=[[Toronto Sun]]|date=December 6, 2015|access-date=June 2, 2024}}</ref> The following year, [[John Boorman]] signed on to direct the adaptation.<ref name=Wolf/>
 
===''Golden Gate''===
In July 1998, [[Imagine Entertainment]] was developing the romantic drama ''Golden Gate'' with Howard directing, and set to star [[Bill Paxton]]. The script was written by Will Richter and [[Audrey Wells]].<ref>{{cite magazine|author=Variety Staff|url=https://variety.com/1998/voices/columns/scotts-scrape-on-repo-pic-wolfe-tome-up-for-bids-1117478986/|title=Scotts scrape on repo pic; Wolfe tome up for bids|magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=July 30, 1998|access-date=January 7, 2025}}</ref>
 
===''Intolerable Cruelty''===
=== ''Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace'' ===
{{main|Intolerable Cruelty#Production}}
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.<ref>{{cite web|first=Adam|last=Chitwood|title='Star Wars: The Phantom Menace' Was Offered to Ron Howard, Robert Zemeckis|url=https://collider.com/star-wars-episode-1-ron-howard-steven-spielberg-robert-zemeckis/|date=November 25, 2015|website=[[Collider (website)|Collider]]|access-date=January 10, 2023}}</ref>
 
=== ''Oh,Harry ThePotter Placesand Youthe Philosopher'lls Go!Stone'' ===
Howard was one of several directors approached to do ''[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (film)|Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone]]'' in the late 1990s, but he rejected the offer as he had just completed production on ''[[How the Grinch Stole Christmas]]'' and did not want to do another fantasy film.<ref>{{Cite web|date=November 5, 2021|last=Green|first=Alex|url=https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/movies/ron-howard-i-turned-down-offer-to-direct-the-first-harry-potter-film/41020792.html|title=Ron Howard: I turned down offer to direct the first Harry Potter film|access-date=December 9, 2023|quote="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."|newspaper=[[Irish Independent]]}}</ref>
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 [[How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000 film)|live-action adaptation]] of ''[[How the Grinch Stole Christmas!]]''.<ref>{{cite web|author=Variety Staff|title=Hoffmann nabs 'Flawless'; more Seuss on loose|url=https://variety.com/1998/voices/columns/hoffmann-nabs-flawless-more-seuss-on-loose-1117480497/|date=September 17, 1998|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|access-date=January 10, 2023}}</ref> On November 11, 2021, it was announced that [[Jon M. Chu]] would direct an animated adaptation of the book for [[Warner Bros. Pictures Animation|Warner Animated Group]] and [[J. J. Abrams]]' [[Bad Robot Productions]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=November 11, 2021|url=https://deadline.com/2021/11/jon-m-chu-dr-seuss-oh-the-places-youll-go-warner-bros-bad-robot-1234871861/|last=Kroll|first=Justin|title=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|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|access-date=June 30, 2023}}</ref>
 
==2000s==
===''Some Like It Hot'' remake===
In the early 2000s, Howard had been set to direct a remake of [[Billy Wilder]]'s classic comedy ''[[Some Like It Hot]]'' with [[Scarlett Johansson]], [[Ashton Kutcher]], and [[Shia LaBeouf]] in [[Marilyn Monroe]], [[Tony Curtis]], and [[Jack Lemmon]]'s roles, respectively.<ref>{{cite news|author1=Amy Nicholson|author2=Paul Sheer|title=Some Like It Hot|url=https://www.earwolf.com/episode/some-like-it-hot/|date=October 2, 2019|publisher=[[Earwolf]]|access-date=January 10, 2023}}</ref>
 
=== ''SomeBay Likeof It HotPigs'' remake ===
In October 2000, screenwriter [[Shane Salerno]] was reportedly writing the historical drama ''Bay of Pigs'' for Howard to direct, and produce alongside [[Brian Grazer]] and [[Todd Hallowell]] for [[Imagine Entertainment]] and [[Universal Pictures]].<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Fleming|first=Michael|url=https://variety.com/2000/film/news/salerno-tries-on-jersey-deal-1117787515/|title=Salerno tries on Jersey deal|magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=October 10, 2000|access-date=June 24, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://corona.bc.ca/films/details/bayofpigs.html|title=Coming Attractions - Bay of Pigs|publisher=[[IGN]]|date=May 30, 2001|access-date=April 13, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030210155350/http://corona.bc.ca/films/details/bayofpigs.html|archive-date=February 10, 2003|url-status=dead}}</ref>
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.<ref>{{cite news|author1=Amy Nicholson|author2=Paul Sheer|title=Some Like It Hot|url=https://www.earwolf.com/episode/some-like-it-hot/|date=October 2, 2019|publisher=[[Earwolf]]|access-date=January 10, 2023}}</ref>
 
=== ''The Serpent and the EagleAlamo'' ===
{{main|The Alamo (2004 film)#Development and writing}}
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]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Fleming|first=Michael|title=Howard eyes Mexican tale 'Eagle' for U|url=https://variety.com/2002/film/columns/howard-eyes-mexican-tale-eagle-for-u-1117872892/|date=September 16, 2002|website=Variety|access-date=January 10, 2023}}</ref> Howard ultimately chose to direct ''[[Cinderella Man]]'' instead.
 
=== ''LastThe ManSerpent Homeand the Eagle'' ===
OnIn March 20, 20062002, Howard was set to directproduce Jamieand Moss'possibly firstdirect GulfHans WarBeimler specand scriptRobert Wolfe''Lasts Manhistorical drama Home,''The aboutSerpent aand soldierthe whoEagle'' isabout onthe arelationship covertbetween mission[[Hernán toCortés]] findand hisEl AWOL brotherMalinchi, with Brian Grazer set to produce andfor [[Universal Pictures]] set to distribute the film.<ref>{{cite news|author1last=Pamela McClintockFleming|author2first=Nicole LaPorteMichael|title=Howard eyes Mexican tale 'HomeEagle' fire burning for U, Imagine|url=https://variety.com/20062002/film/featurescolumns/homehoward-fireeyes-burningmexican-tale-eagle-for-u-imagine-11179400801117872892/|date=MarchSeptember 2016, 20062002|website=Variety|access-date=January 10, 2023}}</ref>
 
=== ''ChangelingInside Man'' ===
{{main article|ChangelingInside (film)Man#Development}}
 
=== ''CachéLast Man Home'' remake ===
OnIn FebruaryMarch 19, 20072006, Howard was set to direct andJamie produceMoss' thefirst American[[Gulf remake ofWar]] [[Michaelspec Hanekescript]]’s psychological''Last thrillerMan Home'', about a soldier on a covert mission to find his [[Caché (film)|CachéAWOL]]'' brother, with Plum[[Brian PicturesGrazer]] attachedset to produce and [[Universal Pictures]] set to distribute the remakefilm.<ref>{{cite news|author1=DianePamela GarrettMcClintock|author2=StevenNicole ZeitchikLaPorte|title=Howard decodes 'CacheHome' fire burning for U, Imagine|url=https://variety.com/20072006/film/markets-festivalsfeatures/howardhome-fire-burning-for-decodesu-cacheimagine-11179596891117940080/|date=FebruaryMarch 1920, 20072006|website=Variety|access-date=SeptemberJanuary 810, 2023}}</ref>
 
=== ''The Emperor'sLook Childrenof Real'' ===
In April 2006, Howard became attached to direct ''The Look of Real'', an [[ensemble film]] written by [[Winnie Holzman]] about a group of young women in the [[Clothing industry|garment industry]]. He reportedly wanted to cast his daughter [[Bryce Dallas Howard|Bryce]] in an unspecified role. [[Brian Grazer]] was set to produce the film through [[Imagine Entertainment]], with [[Universal Pictures]] distributing.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Fleming|first=Michael|url=https://variety.com/2006/film/markets-festivals/imagine-s-got-the-look-1117941792/|title=Imagine's got the 'Look'|magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=April 20, 2006|access-date=June 2, 2024}}</ref>
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.<ref>{{cite news|last=Kroll|first=Justin|title=Howard ready to father 'Children'|url=https://variety.com/2007/film/markets-festivals/howard-ready-to-father-children-2-1117968743/|date=July 17, 2007|website=Variety|access-date=January 10, 2023}}</ref> But in 2010, with Howard opting instead to direct ''[[The Dilemma (film)|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.<ref>{{cite news|last=Sneider|first=Jeff|title=Exclusive: Knightley, Bana, Gere Join 'Emperor's Children'|url=https://www.thewrap.com/exclusive-knightley-bana-gere-join-emperors-children-15568/|date=March 23, 2010|website=[[The Wrap]]|access-date=January 10, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Kit|first=Borys|title=Lake Bell to Direct Adaptation of 'Emperor's Children' for Imagine Entertainment|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/lake-bell-direct-adaptation-emperor-728313/|date=July 19, 2014|website=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=January 10, 2023}}</ref>
 
=== ''The Church of ReggieChangeling'' TV pilot ===
{{main|Changeling (film)#Development}}
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 Broadcasting Company|Fox]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Snieder|first=Michael|title=Fox believes in 'Church of Reggie'|url=https://variety.com/2007/scene/features/fox-believes-in-church-of-reggie-1117973834/|date=October 10, 2007|website=Variety|access-date=October 25, 2023}}</ref>
 
=== ''The Lost SymbolCaché'' remake===
In February 2007, Howard was set to direct and produce the American remake of [[Michael Haneke]]'s psychological thriller ''[[Caché (film)|Caché]]'' with Plum Pictures attached to produce and [[Universal Pictures]] to distribute.<ref>{{cite news|author1=Diane Garrett|author2=Steven Zeitchik|title=Howard decodes 'Cache'|url=https://variety.com/2007/film/markets-festivals/howard-decodes-cache-1117959689/|date=February 19, 2007|website=Variety|access-date=September 8, 2023}}</ref>
{{Main|The Lost Symbol#Adaptation}}
 
=== ''Colossus: The ParsifalForbin MosaicProject'' remake===
{{main|Colossus: The Forbin Project#Remake}}
{{Main|The Parsifal Mosaic#Film adaptation}}
 
===''The Emperor's Children''===
==2010s==
In July 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.<ref>{{cite news|last=Kroll|first=Justin|title=Howard ready to father 'Children'|url=https://variety.com/2007/film/markets-festivals/howard-ready-to-father-children-2-1117968743/|date=July 17, 2007|website=Variety|access-date=January 10, 2023}}</ref> But in 2010, with Howard opting instead to direct ''[[The Dilemma (film)|The Dilemma]]'', Baumbach replaced him as director, with [[Eric Bana]], [[Keira Knightley]] and [[Richard Gere]] attached to star. This production failed to materialize, and in 2014, [[Lake Bell]] became attached to direct, replacing Baumbach.<ref>{{cite news|last=Sneider|first=Jeff|title=Exclusive: Knightley, Bana, Gere Join 'Emperor's Children'|url=https://www.thewrap.com/exclusive-knightley-bana-gere-join-emperors-children-15568/|date=March 23, 2010|website=[[The Wrap]]|access-date=January 10, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Kit|first=Borys|title=Lake Bell to Direct Adaptation of 'Emperor's Children' for Imagine Entertainment|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/lake-bell-direct-adaptation-emperor-728313/|date=July 19, 2014|website=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=January 10, 2023}}</ref>
 
=== ''The DarkStrange TowerAdventures of H.P. Lovecraft'' ===
In March 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.<ref>{{cite news|last=Graser|first=Marc|title=Universal, Imagine team on 'Strange'|url=https://variety.com/2009/film/features/universal-imagine-team-on-strange-1118001657/|date=March 25, 2009|website=Variety|access-date=February 20, 2024}}</ref>
{{main article|The Dark Tower (2017 film)#Ron Howard and Universal Pictures (2010–2015)}}
 
=== ''MyThe StrokeLost of InsightSymbol'' ===
{{main|The Lost Symbol#Adaptation}}
On October 1, 2010, Howard was set to direct and produce the film adaptation of [[Neuroanatomy|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.<ref>{{cite news|last=Fleming Jr.|first=Mike|title=Ron Howard Wants To Direct Jodie Foster|url=https://deadline.com/2010/10/ron-howard-wants-to-direct-jodie-foster-in-my-stroke-of-insight-71579/|date=October 1, 2010|website=Deadline Hollywood|access-date=January 10, 2023}}</ref>
 
=== ''AmnestyThe Parsifal Mosaic'' ===
{{main|The Parsifal Mosaic#Film adaptation}}
On April 28, 2011, it was reported that Howard was set to produce and direct [[Max Landis]]’ fantasy spy pitch ''Amnesty'' for [[Universal Pictures]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Fleming Jr.|first=Mike|title=Max Landis, Ron Howard Team Up On 'Amnesty' Pitch|url=https://deadline.com/2011/04/max-landis-ron-howard-team-up-on-amnesty-pitch-126644/|date=April 28, 2011|website=Deadline Hollywood|access-date=January 10, 2023}}</ref>
 
==2010s==
=== ''Spy vs. Spy'' ===
===''The Dark Tower''===
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.<ref>{{cite news|last=Fleming Jr.|first=Mike|title=Ron Howard, David Koepp Team Up For 'Spy Vs. Spy'|url=https://deadline.com/2011/06/ron-howard-david-koepp-team-up-for-spy-vs-spy-142442/|date=June 22, 2011|website=Deadline Hollywood|access-date=January 10, 2023}}</ref> But on April 29, 2020, [[Rawson Marshall Thurber]] took over writing and directing the movie with Howard attached as a producer only.<ref>{{cite news|last=Snieder|first=Jeff|title=Exclusive: Rawson Marshall Thurber in Talks to Direct 'Spy vs. Spy' Movie for WB and Imagine|url=https://collider.com/spy-vs-spy-movie-rawson-marshall-thurber-directing/|date=April 29, 2020|website=Collider|access-date=January 10, 2023}}</ref>
{{main|The Dark Tower (2017 film)#Ron Howard and Universal Pictures (2010–2015)}}
 
=== ''UnderMy the BannerStroke of HeavenInsight'' ===
OnIn JulyOctober 192010, 2011, it was reported that Howard was set to direct aand produce the film adaptation of [[JonNeuroanatomy|neuroanatomist]] Krakauer[[Jill Bolte Taylor]]'s 2003 novelmemoir ''[[UnderMy the BannerStroke of HeavenInsight]]'' for [[WarnerSony Bros.Pictures]], whichwith eventuallySemi becameChellas the [[Hulu]] [[Underwriting the Bannerscript. ofHoward Heavenwas (miniseries)|miniseriesreported ofas thewanting same[[Jodie nameFoster]], forto whichstar Howardin andthe Grazer served as executive producersfilm.<ref>{{cite news|last=Fleming|first=Mike|last=Fleming Jr.|title=Warner Bros Acquiring Jon Krakauer's 'Under The Banner Of Heaven' For Ron Howard AndWants DustinTo LanceDirect BlackJodie Foster|url=https://deadline.com/20112010/0710/warnerron-broshoward-acquiringwants-jonto-krakauersdirect-underjodie-thefoster-bannerin-ofmy-heavenstroke-for-ron-howard-and-dustin-lanceof-blackinsight-14790671579/|date=JulyOctober 191, 20112010|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|access-date=January 10, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=White|first=Peter|date=June 24, 2021|title=Andrew Garfield & Daisy Edgar-Jones To Star In Limited Series 'Under The Banner Of Heaven' For FX From Dustin Lance Black|url=https://deadline.com/2021/06/andrew-garfield-daisy-edgar-jones-limited-series-under-the-banner-of-heaven-fx-dustin-lance-black-1234781289/|access-date=June 30, 2023|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref>
 
=== ''364Amnesty'' ===
OnIn September 8,April 2011, it was reported that Howard was set to produce and direct [[DavidMax GuggenheimLandis]]’s' superherofantasy dramaspy scriptpitch ''364Amnesty'' about a guy with superpowers one day every year for [[Universal Pictures]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Fleming Jr.|first=Mike Jr.|title=UniversalMax AcquiresLandis, DavidRon GuggenheimHoward PitchTeam Up On '364Amnesty' For Ron Howard To DirectPitch|url=https://deadline.com/2011/0904/universalmax-acquireslandis-davidron-guggenheimhoward-pitchteam-364up-foron-ronamnesty-howard-to-directpitch-168595126644/|date=SeptemberApril 828, 2011|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|access-date=January 10, 2023}}</ref>
 
=== ''TheSpy Imitationvs. GameSpy'' ===
In June 2011, Howard was set to direct the film adaptation of the comic strip ''[[Spy vs. Spy]]'' with [[David Koepp]] writing the script.<ref>{{cite news|last=Fleming|first=Mike Jr.|title=Ron Howard, David Koepp Team Up For 'Spy Vs. Spy'|url=https://deadline.com/2011/06/ron-howard-david-koepp-team-up-for-spy-vs-spy-142442/|date=June 22, 2011|website=Deadline Hollywood|access-date=January 10, 2023}}</ref> By 2020, [[Rawson Marshall Thurber]] took over as both director and writer, with Howard attached as a producer only.<ref>{{cite news|last=Snieder|first=Jeff|title=Exclusive: Rawson Marshall Thurber in Talks to Direct 'Spy vs. Spy' Movie for WB and Imagine|url=https://collider.com/spy-vs-spy-movie-rawson-marshall-thurber-directing/|date=April 29, 2020|website=[[Collider (website)|Collider]]|access-date=January 10, 2023}}</ref>
On October 11, 2011, it was reported that Howard was interested in directing [[Graham Moore (writer)|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.<ref>{{cite news|last=Finke|first=Nikki|title=Warner Bros Buys Spec Script About Math Genius Alan Turing For Leonardo DiCaprio|url=https://deadline.com/2011/10/warner-bros-buys-spec-script-about-math-genius-biopic-because-leonardo-di-caprio-chasing-lead-role-181822/|date=October 11, 2011|website=Deadline Hollywood|access-date=January 10, 2023}}</ref>
 
=== ''DocUnder Holiday''the TVBanner pilotof Heaven''===
OnIn November 21,July 2011, it was reported that Howard was set to direct thea pilotfilm episodeadaptation of [[AkivaJon GoldsmanKrakauer]]’s's biographical2003 Westernnovel series''[[Under basedthe onBanner Mary Doria Russell’s novelof ''Doc,Heaven]]'' writtenfor by[[Warner AdamBros.]], Cooperwhich andeventually Billbecame Collagethe for[[Hulu]] [[HBOUnder the Banner of Heaven (miniseries)|miniseries of the same name]], for which Howard served as an executive producer.<ref>{{cite news|lastfirst=AndreevaMike Jr.|firstlast=NellieFleming|title=AkivaWarner GoldsmanBros InksAcquiring OverallJon DealKrakauer's With'Under HBO,The SetsBanner UpOf Western Drama About Doc HollidayHeaven' WithFor Ron Howard AttachedAnd ToDustin Lance DirectBlack|url=https://deadline.com/2011/1107/akivawarner-goldsmanbros-signsacquiring-2jon-yearkrakauers-overallunder-dealthe-withbanner-hboof-setsheaven-upfor-westernron-dramahoward-aboutand-docdustin-holliday-with-ron-howardlance-directingblack-197184147906/|date=NovemberJuly 2119, 2011|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|access-date=January 10, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=White|first=Peter|date=June 24, 2021|title=Andrew Garfield & Daisy Edgar-Jones To Star In Limited Series 'Under The Banner Of Heaven' For FX From Dustin Lance Black|url=https://deadline.com/2021/06/andrew-garfield-daisy-edgar-jones-limited-series-under-the-banner-of-heaven-fx-dustin-lance-black-1234781289/|access-date=June 30, 2023|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref>
 
=== ''Conquest364'' TV series ===
OnIn JulySeptember 30, 20122011, it was reported that Howard was set to directproduce and produce through Imagine Entertainmentdirect [[JoséDavid Rivera (playwright)|José RiveraGuggenheim]]’s's historicalsuperhero [[Aztec]]drama seriesscript ''Conquest364'' about a guy with superpowers one day every year for [[ShowtimeUniversal (TV network)|ShowtimePictures]].<ref>{{cite news|last=AndreevaFleming|first=NellieMike Jr.|title=ShowtimeUniversal &Acquires ImagineDavid TeamGuggenheim ForPitch Aztec Drama'364' Directed ByFor Ron Howard &To Penned By Jose RiveraDirect|url=https://deadline.com/20122011/0709/showtimeuniversal-imagineacquires-teamdavid-forguggenheim-aztecpitch-drama364-directed-byfor-ron-howard-pennedto-by-jose-riveradirect-309366168595/|date=JulySeptember 308, 20122011|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|access-date=January 10, 2023}}</ref>
 
=== ''AllThe I'veImitation GotGame'' ===
OnIn JanuaryOctober 172011, 2013, Howardit was setreported tothat directHoward thewas English-languageinterested filmin ''All I’ve Got'' afterdirecting [[J.Graham J.Moore (writer)|Graham AbramsMoore]]'s left to write and directscript ''[[Star Wars Episode VII: The ForceImitation AwakensGame]]''.<ref>{{cite, news|last=Brodesser-Akner|first=Claude|title=Exclusive:with Ron[[Leonardo HowardDiCaprio]] Gettingin Alltalks I'veto Gotstar Fromas J.J.[[Alan Abrams's Bad Robot at Paramount|url=https://wwwTuring]].vulture.com/2013/01/ron-howard-attached-to-abramss-all-ive-got.html|date=January 17, 2013|website=Vulture|access-date=January 10, 2023}}</ref> But on April 19, 2016, [[MarielleMorten HellerTyldum]] tookwould overend up directing the movie from Howard,film with [[DaisyBenedict RidleyCumberbatch]] attachedportraying toTuring star and was entitled ''Kolmainstead.''<ref>{{cite news|last=BuschFinke|first=AnitaNikki|title=DaisyWarner RidleyBros ReteamingBuys WithSpec J.J.Script AbramsAbout Math Genius Alan Turing For 'Kolma'Leonardo DiCaprio|url=https://deadline.com/20162011/0410/daisywarner-bros-buys-spec-script-ridleyabout-jmath-jgenius-abramsbiopic-kolmabecause-paramountleonardo-baddi-robotcaprio-1201739827chasing-lead-role-181822/|date=AprilOctober 1911, 20162011|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|access-date=January 10, 2023}}</ref>
 
=== ''TheDoc Graveyard BookHoliday'' TV pilot===
OnIn JanuaryNovember 222011, 2013,it was reported that Howard was set to direct the filmpilot adaptationepisode of [[NeilAkiva GaimanGoldsman]]’s novel ''[[Thes Graveyard Book]]'' forbiographical [[WaltWestern Disney Pictures(genre)|Western]].<ref>{{cite news|author1=Borysseries Kit|author2=Tatianabased Siegel|title=Ronon HowardMary inDoria Talks to Direct DisneyRussell's 'Graveyardnovel Book' (Exclusive)|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/ron-howard-talks-direct-disneys-414344/|date=January 22'Doc'', 2013|website=Thewritten Hollywoodby Reporter|access-date=JanuaryAdam 10,Cooper 2023}}</ref>and ButBill onCollage July 19, 2022,for [[Marc ForsterHBO]] took over directing the movie from Howard.<ref>{{cite news|last=KrollAndreeva|first=JustinNellie|title=MarcAkiva ForsterGoldsman AndInks ProducingOverall PartnerDeal RenéeWith WolfeHBO, DevelopingSets AdaptationUp OfWestern NeilDrama Gaiman'sAbout 'TheDoc GraveyardHolliday Book'With AtRon DisneyHoward Attached To Direct|url=https://deadline.com/20222011/0711/marcakiva-forstergoldsman-reneesigns-wolfe2-disneyyear-theoverall-graveyarddeal-bookwith-1235072324hbo-sets-up-western-drama-about-doc-holliday-with-ron-howard-directing-197184/|date=JulyNovember 1921, 20222011|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|access-date=January 10, 2023}}</ref>
 
=== ''MenaConquest'' TV series===
OnIn February 8,July 20142012, it was reported that Howard was set to direct Garyand Spinelli'sproduce scriptthrough ''Mena''Imagine about drug traffickerEntertainment [[BarryJosé SealRivera (playwright)|José Rivera]]'s for Universal, which eventually became thehistorical [[Doug LimanAztec]] filmseries ''[[American Made (film)|American Made]]Conquest'', starringfor [[TomShowtime Cruise(TV network)|Showtime]].<ref>{{cite news|firstlast=MikeAndreeva|lastfirst=Fleming Jr.Nellie|title=UniversalShowtime Closes& $1Imagine Million Spec DealTeam For 'Mena,'Aztec 80sDrama DrugDirected TaleBy Ron Howard Will& Penned By Jose DirectRivera|url=https://deadline.com/20142012/0207/universalshowtime-closesimagine-1-million-spec-dealteam-for-menaaztec-80sdrama-drugdirected-taleby-ron-howard-willpenned-directby-680007jose-rivera-309366/|date=FebruaryJuly 830, 20142012|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|access-date=January 10, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Fleming|first=Mike Jr.|url=https://deadline.com/2015/01/tom-cruise-doug-liman-mena-universal-1201350391/|date=January 14, 2015|title='Edge' Guys Tom Cruise, Doug Liman Eye Drug Pilot Tale 'Mena'|access-date=July 25, 2023|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref>
 
=== ''TheAll JungleI've BookGot'' ===
On FebruaryJanuary 1417, 20142013, it was reported that Howard was set to direct anthe adaptationfilm ''All I've Got'', ofafter [[RudyardJ. J. KiplingAbrams]]'s 1894left classicto write and direct ''[[Star Wars Episode VII: The JungleForce BookAwakens]]''.<ref>{{cite fornews|last=Brodesser-Akner|first=Claude|title=Exclusive: [[WarnerRon BrosHoward Getting All I've Got From J.]]J. Abrams's Bad Robot at Paramount|url=https://www.vulture.com/2013/01/ron-howard-attached-to-abramss-all-ive-got.html|date=January 17, which2013|website=Vulture|access-date=January eventually10, became2023}}</ref> theIn [[Andy2016, Serkis]]the film was retitled ''Kolma'', with [[Mowgli:Marielle LegendHeller]] oftaking theover Jungledirecting duties from Howard and [[Daisy Ridley]]'' attached to star.<ref>{{cite news|author1last=Tatiana SiegelBusch|author2first=Borys KitAnita|title=RonDaisy HowardRidley inReteaming TalksWith to Direct Warner BrosJ.J.' 'TheAbrams JungleFor Book' (Exclusive)Kolma'|url=https://www.hollywoodreporterdeadline.com/movies2016/movie-news04/rondaisy-howardridley-directj-junglej-bookabrams-680402kolma-paramount-bad-robot-1201739827/|date=FebruaryApril 1419, 20142016|website=The[[Deadline Hollywood Reporter]]|access-date=January 10, 2023}}</ref>
 
=== ''The TruthGraveyard About the Harry Quebert AffairBook'' ===
On AprilJanuary 2322, 20142013, it was reported that Howard was set to direct athe film adaptation of [[JoëlNeil DickerGaiman]]'s 2014 novel ''[[The TruthGraveyard About the Harry Quebert AffairBook]]'' for [[WarnerWalt Bros.Disney Pictures]],.<ref>{{cite whichnews|author1=Borys eventuallyKit|author2=Tatiana becameSiegel|title=Ron theHoward [[Epix]]in [[TheTalks Truthto AboutDirect theDisney's Harry'Graveyard Quebert AffairBook' (miniseriesExclusive)|miniseriesurl=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/ron-howard-talks-direct-disneys-414344/|date=January of22, the2013|website=[[The sameHollywood nameReporter]]|access-date=January 10, 2023}}</ref> In 2022, [[Marc Forster]] signed on to direct the adaptation.<ref>{{cite news|firstlast=MikeKroll|lastfirst=Fleming Jr.Justin|title=WarnerMarc BrosForster AcquiresAnd GlobalProducing BookPartner SensationRenée 'TheWolfe TruthDeveloping AboutAdaptation TheOf HarryNeil QuebertGaiman's Affair';The RonGraveyard HowardBook' ToAt DirectDisney|url=https://deadline.com/20142022/0407/warnermarc-brosforster-acquiresrenee-globalwolfe-book-sensationdisney-the-truthgraveyard-about-the-harrybook-quebert-affair-ron-howard-to-direct-7190101235072324/|date=AprilJuly 2319, 20142022|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|access-date=January 10, 2023}}</ref>
 
=== ''Tiger & BunnyMena'' ===
On OctoberFebruary 98, 20152014, Howardit andwas Grazerreported wouldthat co-produceHoward thewas live-actionset filmto adaptationdirect ofGary theSpinelli's animescript ''Mena'' about [[TigerDrug &trafficking|drug Bunnytrafficker]]'' as[[Barry aSeal]] co-productionfor with[[Universal AllPictures]], Nipponwhich Entertainmenteventually Worksbecame andthe [[BandaiDoug NamcoLiman]] Picturesfilm ''[[American Made (film)|American Made]]'', starring [[Tom Cruise]].<ref>{{cite news|lastfirst=FraterMike Jr.|firstlast=PatrickFleming|title=ImagineUniversal Ent.,Closes Japan's$1 ANEWMillion PartnerSpec Deal For 'TigerMena,' &80s Bunny'Drug Tale Ron Howard Will AdaptationDirect|url=https://varietydeadline.com/20152014/film02/asia/imagineuniversal-entcloses-japans1-anewmillion-tigerspec-bunnydeal-adaptationfor-1201614519mena-80s-drug-tale-ron-howard-will-direct-680007/|date=OctoberFebruary 98, 20152014|website=Variety[[Deadline Hollywood]]|access-date=January 10, 2023}}</ref> But on June 3, 2022, [[Bandai Namco Holdings]] confirmed that a live-action English-language TV series will be made without [[Imagine Entertainment]].<ref>{{citeCite newsweb|last=FraterFleming|first=Patrick|title='TigerMike & Bunny' Adaptation Takes Shape as SK Global Options Anime PropertyJr.|url=https://varietydeadline.com/20222015/tv01/news/tigertom-bunnycruise-adaptationdoug-skliman-globalmena-1235284246universal-1201350391/|date=JuneJanuary 314, 20222015|websitetitle=Variety'Edge' Guys Tom Cruise, Doug Liman Eye Drug Pilot Tale 'Mena'|access-date=JanuaryJuly 1025, 2023|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref>
 
=== ''The GirlJungle BeforeBook'' ===
On NovemberFebruary 2714, 20152014, it was reported that Howard was attachedset to direct the filman adaptation of J.P.[[Rudyard Delaney’sKipling]]'s novel1894 classic ''[[The GirlJungle BeforeBook]]'' and produce throughfor [[ImagineWarner EntertainmentBros.]], which eventually became the [[TheAndy GirlSerkis]] Before|TVfilm series''[[Mowgli: Legend of the same nameJungle]]''.<ref>{{cite news|lastauthor1=KrollTatiana Siegel|firstauthor2=JustinBorys Kit|title='TheRon PerfectHoward Wife'in BookTalks Dealto AnotherDirect PerfectWarner FitBros.' For'The Jungle Book' Imagine(Exclusive)|url=https://deadlinewww.hollywoodreporter.com/2015movies/11/the-girl-beforemovie-news/ron-howard-universaldirect-picturesjungle-michaelbook-deluca-brian-grazer-1201641277680402/|date=NovemberFebruary 2714, 20152014|website=Deadline[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|access-date=January 10, 2023}}</ref>
 
===''The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair''===
=== ''Pinocchio'' ===
OnIn FebruaryApril 17, 20162014, it was reported that Howard was possibly goingset to direct ana film adaptation of [[Joël Dicker]]'s 2014 novel ''[[PinocchioThe Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair]]'' withfor [[RobertWarner Downey JrBros.]] setThe tonovel producewas andinstead portrayadapted Geppettointo a [[The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair (miniseries)|miniseries]] through [[Epix]].<ref>{{cite news|lastfirst=RamosMike Jr.|firstlast=Dino-RayFleming|title={Exclusive}Warner RonBros HowardAcquires SetGlobal ToBook DirectSensation Robert'The DowneyTruth Jr.'sAbout "Pinocchio"The Harry Quebert Affair,' ReplacingRon PaulHoward ThomasTo AndersonDirect|url=https://www.tracking-boarddeadline.com/exclusive2014/04/warner-ronbros-howardacquires-setglobal-tobook-directsensation-robertthe-downeytruth-jrabout-sthe-pinocchioharry-replacingquebert-paulaffair-thomasron-howard-to-direct-anderson719010/|date=FebruaryApril 1723, 20162014|website=The[[Deadline Tracking BoardHollywood]]|access-date=January 2410, 2023}}</ref>
 
=== ''SevenevesThe Girl Before'' ===
In 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]]. The novel was instead [[The Girl Before|adapted for television]], without the involvement of Howard.<ref>{{cite news|last=Kroll|first=Justin|title='The Perfect Wife' Book Deal Another Perfect Fit For Imagine|url=https://deadline.com/2015/11/the-girl-before-ron-howard-universal-pictures-michael-deluca-brian-grazer-1201641277/|date=November 27, 2015|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|access-date=January 10, 2023}}</ref>
{{Main article|Seveneves#Film adaptation}}
 
=== ''ZeldaPinocchio'' ===
OnIn October 21,February 2016, it was reported that Howard was possibly going to direct Emmaan Frost’sadaptation scriptof ''Zelda'' about the socialite [[Zelda FitzgeraldPinocchio]]'' with [[JenniferRobert LawrenceDowney Jr.]] set to produce and portray Zelda[[Geppetto]].<ref>{{cite news|last=KrollRamos|first=JustinDino-Ray|title=Jennifer{Exclusive} LawrenceRon toHoward PlaySet ZeldaTo FitzgeraldDirect inRobert BiopicDowney FromJr.'s Ron"Pinocchio", HowardReplacing Paul Thomas Anderson|url=https://varietywww.tracking-board.com/2016/film/news/jenniferexclusive-lawrenceron-zeldahoward-fitzgeraldset-movieto-rondirect-howardrobert-1201896854downey-jr-s-pinocchio-replacing-paul-thomas-anderson/|date=OctoberFebruary 2117, 2016|website=VarietyThe Tracking Board|access-date=January 1024, 2023}}</ref>
 
=== ''The WarehouseSeveneves'' ===
{{main|Seveneves#Film adaptation}}
On April 30, 2018, it was reported that [[Imagine Entertainment]] had won the film rights to the [[Rob Hart (author)|Rob Hart]] novel ''The Warehouse'', with plans to develop the project for Howard to direct.<ref>{{Cite web|date=April 30, 2018|last=Fleming|first=Mike Jr.|url=https://deadline.com/2018/04/the-warehouse-imagine-ron-howard-solo-a-star-wars-story-brian-grazer-imagine-1202379709/|title=Imagine's Brian Grazer Lands 'The Warehouse' Book Auction As Directing Vehicle For 'Han Solo's Ron Howard|access-date=July 25, 2023|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref>
 
=== ''CanaryZelda'' ===
OnIn JuneOctober 21, 20182016, it was announcedreported that [[ImagineHoward Entertainment]]was had acquired thepossibly rightsgoing to producedirect screenwriterEmma [[Zach Dean]]Frost's pitchscript ''CanaryZelda'', aabout female-ledthe sciencesocialite fiction[[Zelda story,Fitzgerald]] with the[[Jennifer intentionLawrence]] ofset developingto theproduce projectand asportray a directing vehicle for HowardZelda.<ref>{{Citecite webnews|last=FlemingKroll|first=Mike Jr.Justin|datetitle=JuneJennifer 21,Lawrence to Play Zelda Fitzgerald in Biopic 2018From Ron Howard|url=https://deadlinevariety.com/20182016/06film/ronnews/jennifer-howardlawrence-canaryzelda-zachfitzgerald-deanmovie-pitchron-imaginehoward-entertainment-12024152001201896854/|titledate=ImagineOctober Buys21, Zach Dean Pitch 'Canary' As Ron Howard Directing Vehicle2016|website=Variety|access-date=JulyJanuary 2510, 2023|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref>
 
===''The Warehouse''===
In April 2018, it was reported that [[Imagine Entertainment]] had won the film rights to the [[Rob Hart (author)|Rob Hart]] novel ''The Warehouse'', with plans to develop the project for Howard to direct.<ref>{{Cite web|date=April 30, 2018|last=Fleming|first=Mike Jr.|url=https://deadline.com/2018/04/the-warehouse-imagine-ron-howard-solo-a-star-wars-story-brian-grazer-imagine-1202379709/|title=Imagine's Brian Grazer Lands 'The Warehouse' Book Auction As Directing Vehicle For 'Han Solo's Ron Howard|access-date=July 25, 2023|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref>
 
===''Canary''===
In June 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.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Fleming|first=Mike Jr.|date=June 21, 2018|url=https://deadline.com/2018/06/ron-howard-canary-zach-dean-pitch-imagine-entertainment-1202415200/|title=Imagine Buys Zach Dean Pitch 'Canary' As Ron Howard Directing Vehicle|access-date=July 25, 2023|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref>
 
===''The Shrinking of Treehorn''===
In 2019, Howard was announced as director of his first animated film ''The Shrinking of Treehorn'', based on the [[The Shrinking of Treehorn|children's book]] by [[Florence Parry Heide]]. [[Paramount Pictures]] was to release the film, planned to be the first in a series of [[Live-action animated film|live action/animated]] productions through [[Imagine Entertainment]].<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Donnelly|first=Matt|url=https://variety.com/2019/film/news/ron-howard-first-animated-film-imagine-animal-logic-slate-1203248486/|title=Ron Howard to Direct First Animated Film as Imagine Sets Ambitious Feature Slate With Animal Logic (EXCLUSIVE)|magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=June 20, 2019|access-date=June 3, 2024}}</ref>
 
==2020s==
=== ''The Fixer'' ===
OnIn January 10, 2020, Howard[[Paramount wasPictures]] set Howard to direct and produce ''The Fixer'', a political thriller about a failed assassination attempt on [[Fidel Castro]] for [[Paramount Pictures]].<ref>{{cite news|first=Mike Jr.|last=Fleming Jr.|title=Ron Howard Set By Paramount To Direct 'The Fixer,' Plot To Kill Fidel Castro|url=https://deadline.com/2020/01/ron-howard-the-fixer-paramount-cold-war-tale-botched-fidel-castro-assassination-bradley-cooper-todd-phillips-brian-grazer-andrew-panay-1202846429/|date=January 10, 2020|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|access-date=January 10, 2023}}</ref>
 
===Untitled Lang Lang biopic===
==Offers==
In September 2020, Howard was announced to direct a film [[Biographical film|biopic]] of Chinese pianist [[Lang Lang]], written by Michele Mulroney and [[Kieran Mulroney]] based on his memoir ''Journey of a Thousand Miles''. Howard planned for it to be his next film after ''[[Thirteen Lives]]''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Wiseman|first=Andreas|url=https://deadline.com/2020/09/ron-howard-imagine-agc-caa-biopic-pianist-lang-lang-1234581855/|title=Ron Howard, Imagine, AGC & CAA Tune Up Biopic Of Virtuoso Chinese Pianist Lang Lang|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|date=September 22, 2020|access-date=June 2, 2024}}</ref>
 
=== ''Superman IV: The Quest for PeaceWillow'' season 2===
In January 2023, Howard, who made the original ''[[Willow (1988 film)|Willow]]'', expressed interest in directing episodes of the [[Disney+]] [[Willow (TV series)|revival series]] if renewed for a second season. Though a follow-up never ultimately occurred, he did serve as an executive producer on the first season and was highly involved in the show's overall development.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Lenker|first=Maureen Lee|url=https://ew.com/tv/ron-howard-wants-to-direct-an-episode-of-willow-if-it-gets-renewed/|title=Ron Howard wants to direct an episode of ''Willow'' if it gets renewed|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|date=January 16, 2023|access-date=April 25, 2025}}</ref>
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.<ref>{{cite web|title=SUPERMAN IV: THE QUEST FOR PEACE (1987)|url=https://catalog.afi.com/Film/57838-SUPERMAN-IVTHEQUESTFORPEACE?sid=25294c53-7642-454a-8c77-95a143365b5c&sr=6.600077&cp=1&pos=0|website=[[American Film Institute|AFI.com]]|access-date=January 10, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Supervoid Cinema|title=Spider-Man Documentary • The Best 80's Movie Never Made • Cannon Films' Spider-Man: The Movie|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BU3OfR986jk&t=18s|date=December 3, 2022|website=[[YouTube]]|access-date=January 10, 2023}}</ref>
 
<!--===Untitled firefighter film===
=== ''The Secret Life of Walter Mitty'' remake ===
On June 16, 2025, journalist [[Jeff Sneider]] reported that Howard would direct [[Glen Powell]] in an an untitled film, scripted by [[Christina Hodson]], for [[Amazon MGM Studios]]. It centers on an elite group of [[firefighter]]s who "must rekindle their fractured relationship when a series of deadly fires sweep across [[Texas]]."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sneider |first=Jeff |date=June 16, 2025 |title=Exclusive: Glen Powell to Star in Untitled Firefighter Movie from Director Ron Howard, Amazon MGM Studios |url=https://www.theinsneider.com/p/glen-powell-firefighter-movie-ron-howard-christina-hodson-amazon-mgm-studios |url-access=subscription |access-date=June 16, 2025 |website=[[The InSneider]]}}</ref>
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 [[The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013 film)|2013 film]] directed by [[Ben Stiller]] and released by [[20th Century Studios|20th Century Fox]].<ref>{{cite news|author=Variety Staff|title=Howard mulls 'Mitty'|url=https://variety.com/1997/film/news/howard-mulls-mitty-1116676941/|date=July 11, 1997|website=Variety|access-date=January 10, 2023}}</ref>
 
=== ''BeAlone Moreat ChillDawn'' ===
Also on June 16, 2025, as claimed by ''[[Puck (media company)|Puck]]'', Howard's next directing project after ''[[Eden (2024 film)|Eden]]'' was likely to be ''Alone at Dawn'', a film adapted from the nonfiction book by Dan Schilling and Lori Longfritz about Air Force combat controller [[John A. Chapman]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Masters |first=Kim |url=https://puck.news/brian-grazer-goes-maga/ |title=Brian Grazer Goes MAGA |website=[[Puck (media company)|Puck]] |date=June 16, 2025 |access-date=June 20, 2025 |url-access=registration}}</ref>
On October 20, 2018, it was reported that Howard's Imagine Entertainment was in the running to acquire the film adaptation of [[Joe Iconis]]' [[Be More Chill (musical)|musical adaptation of the novel]] ''[[Be More Chill]]'', but [[Shawn Levy]] and [[Greg Berlanti]] acquired the project instead.<ref>{{cite news|last=Fleming Jr.|first=Mike|title=Shawn Levy & Greg Berlanti Chosen To Team On Movie Version Of Broadway-Bound 'Be More Chill'|url=https://deadline.com/2018/10/be-more-chill-movie-shawn-levy-greg-berlanti-film-auction-broadway-musical-1202486576/|date=October 20, 2018|website=Deadline Hollywood|access-date=January 10, 2023}}</ref>
 
===Untitled sci-fi fantasy film===
In an August 2025 interview published by ''[[Vulture (website)|Vulture]]'', Howard expressed interest in making a contemporary [[Science fiction|sci-fi]] [[Fantasy film|fantasy]] project, revealing that he was "dying to find" and "actively searching" for a script with the tone and style of the film ''[[Big Fish]]''. "I love doing movies based on real events, but that pushes the aesthetic of the film into a more naturalistic vein," added Howard. "And if I could find a good fantasy where I connected with the themes and the character, it would open the door to something a little more visually poetic."<ref>{{Cite web |author=Ebiri, Bilge |date=August 13, 2025 |url=https://www.vulture.com/article/ron-howard-in-conversation.html |title=Ron Howard Has Worker With Everybody ... And He Has Stories |website=[[Vulture (website)|Vulture]] |access-date=August 14, 2025}}</ref>-->
 
==Producer only==
===''Oh, the Places You'll Go!''===
In 1998, Howard and [[Brian Grazer]] were reportedly attached to produce a film adaptation of the [[Dr. Seuss]] children's book ''[[Oh, the Places You'll Go!]]'', but were focused on [[How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000 film)|adapting]] ''[[How the Grinch Stole Christmas!]]'' at the time.<ref>{{cite web|author=Variety Staff|title=Hoffmann nabs 'Flawless,' more Seuss on loose|url=https://variety.com/1998/voices/columns/hoffmann-nabs-flawless-more-seuss-on-loose-1117480497/|date=September 17, 1998|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|access-date=January 10, 2023}}</ref> The film is now set be released on March 17, 2028, and will be directed by [[Jon M. Chu]].
 
===''The Church of Reggie'' TV pilot===
In 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 Broadcasting Company|Fox]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Snieder|first=Michael|title=Fox believes in 'Church of Reggie'|url=https://variety.com/2007/scene/features/fox-believes-in-church-of-reggie-1117973834/|date=October 10, 2007|website=Variety|access-date=October 25, 2023}}</ref>
 
===''Tiger & Bunny''===
In 2015, Howard and [[Brian Grazer]] signed on to co-produce a [[live action]] film adaptation of the [[anime]] ''[[Tiger & Bunny]]'' through [[Imagine Entertainment]], as a co-production with All Nippon Entertainment Works and [[Bandai Namco Pictures]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Frater|first=Patrick|title=Imagine Ent., Japan's ANEW Partner For 'Tiger & Bunny' Adaptation|url=https://variety.com/2015/film/asia/imagine-ent-japans-anew-tiger-bunny-adaptation-1201614519/|date=October 9, 2015|website=Variety|access-date=January 10, 2023}}</ref> In 2022, Bandai Namco announced that a TV series would be made without the participation of Imagine Entertainment.<ref>{{cite news|last=Frater|first=Patrick|title='Tiger & Bunny' Adaptation Takes Shape as SK Global Options Anime Property|url=https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/tiger-bunny-adaptation-sk-global-1235284246/|date=June 3, 2022|website=Variety|access-date=January 10, 2023}}</ref>
 
===''Be More Chill''===
In 2018, it was reported that Howard's [[Imagine Entertainment]] was in the running to acquire the film rights to [[Joe Iconis]]' [[Be More Chill (musical)|musical adaptation of the novel]] ''[[Be More Chill]]'', but [[Shawn Levy]] and [[Greg Berlanti]] acquired the project instead.<ref>{{cite news|last=Fleming|first=Mike Jr.|title=Shawn Levy & Greg Berlanti Chosen To Team On Movie Version Of Broadway-Bound 'Be More Chill'|url=https://deadline.com/2018/10/be-more-chill-movie-shawn-levy-greg-berlanti-film-auction-broadway-musical-1202486576/|date=October 20, 2018|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|access-date=January 10, 2023}}</ref>
 
==See also==
* [[Ron Howard filmography]]
 
==References==
{{reflistReflist}}
 
==External links==
* {{IMDb title}}
 
{{Ron Howard}}
{{improve categories|date=December 2023}}
 
[[Category:Lists of unrealized projects by artist|Howard, Ron]]
[[Category:Ron Howard|Unrealized projects]]