Rob Reiner's unrealized projects: Difference between revisions

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The following is '''a list of unproduced Rob Reiner projects''' in roughly chronological order. During his long career, filmmakerAmerican film director and producer [[Rob Reiner]] 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.

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==1980s==

The following is '''a list of unproduced Rob Reiner projects''' in roughly chronological order. During his long career, filmmaker [[Rob Reiner]] 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.

=== ''Singing Out Loud'' ===

In a 1987 profile for ''[[The New York Times]]'', one of Reiner's upcoming projects was revealed to be an original [[Musical film|screen musical]]. "I'm collaborating with [[William Goldman|Bill Goldman]] on that," Reiner added.<ref>{{cite news|last=Forsberg|first=Myra|url=http://www.nytimes.com/1987/10/18/movies/film-rob-reiner-applies-the-human-touch.html|title=FILM; Rob Reiner Applies the Human Touch|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=October 18, 1987|access-date=May 22, 2025|page=25}}</ref> The project was actively developed as his next film from December 1990 to January 1991. Titled ''Singing Out Loud'', it originated from an idea conceived by Reiner. [[Stephen Sondheim]] was to write the music, and [[Castle Rock Entertainment]] was to produce, but it never materialized.<ref>{{cite book|first=Meryle|last=Secrest|title=Stephen Sondheim: a Life pg. 370-372|url=https://archive.org/details/stephensondheiml00secr/page/372/mode/2up|year=1998|publisher=[[Alfred A. Knopf|Knopf]]|isbn=978-0-679-44817-4 |access-date=July 25, 2024}}</ref> Three of Sondheim's songs were recorded for audio CDs.<ref>{{cite web|last=Hutchins|first=Michael|title=Singing Out Loud|url=https://www.sondheimguide.com/unproduced.html#Singing|website=SondheimGuide|access-date=15 December 2024}}</ref>

==1990s==

=== untitledUntitled Angela Davis biopic ===

On February 22, 1993, it was reported that Reiner was set to produce and possibly direct a [[AngelaCastle DavisRock Entertainment|Castle Rock]]'s planned biopic, withof '60s radical [[LynnAngela WhitfieldDavis]] setbased toon portrayher Davis and produceautobiography, with Martin Schaffer through [[CastleLynn Rock EntertainmentWhitfield]] starring.<ref>{{cite news|first=Claudia|last=Eller|title=Dish|url=https://variety.com/1993/film/news/dish-104229/|date=February 22, 1993|website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|access-date=July 5, 2024}}</ref>

=== untitled''Into thrillerthe Woods'' ===

OnIn Augustthe 26, 1999mid-1990s, Reiner was setpreparing to direct an originaladaptation thrillerof aboutthe 2[[Stephen highSondheim]] schoolmusical students''[[Into whothe commitWoods]]'', from a seriesscript ofby perfectly[[Lowell planned murdersGanz]] and then[[Babaloo attemptMandel]]. toA thwartread-through anwas FBIheld, agentwith working[[Robin herWilliams]], first[[Cher]], field[[Steve caseMartin]], with[[Goldie TonyHawn]], Gaytonand writing[[Danny theDeVito]] screenplayin andvarious Richardparts, Crystalbut producingthe withproject Reinernever throughcame [[Castleto Rock Entertainment]]fruition.<ref>{{cite news|first=Benedictweb|last=CarverEvans|titlefirst=Reiner to helm thrillerBradford|url=https://varietywww.vulture.com/1999/film2011/news03/reinerthe-tolost-helmroles-thrillerof-1117755111/robin-williams.html|datetitle=AugustThe 26,Lost 1999Roles of Robin Williams|website=Variety[[Vulture (website)|Vulture]]|date=March 31, 2011|access-date=MayFebruary 179, 20242025}}</ref>

=== Untitled thriller film ===

On August 26, 1999, it was reported that Reiner was to produce and direct an untitled original thriller, scripted by Tony Gayton, about two high school students who commit a series of perfectly planned murders and then attempt to thwart an FBI agent working her first field case. The project was conceived from an idea by Reiner, who was producing with Richard Crystal through [[Castle Rock Entertainment]].<ref>{{cite news|first=Benedict|last=Carver|title=Reiner to helm thriller|url=https://variety.com/1999/film/news/reiner-to-helm-thriller-1117755111/|date=August 26, 1999|website=Variety|access-date=May 17, 2024}}</ref>

==2000s==

=== ''The Polar Express'' moviefilm ===

On October 30, 2000, Reiner[[Castle wasRock setEntertainment]] toand directPlaytone theCo. moviehired adaptation[[Malia ofScotch Marmo]] to adapt [[Chris Van Allsburg]]’s's picture book ''[[The Polar Express]]'' withas a directing vehicle for Reiner. [[Tom Hanks]] setwas signed on to star in and produce the film, whichat becamethis time. The project was [[The Polar Express (film)|later adapted]] by [[Robert Zemeckis]]’ firstusing motion capture technology, with Hanks still cgi-movieattached.<ref>{{cite news|first=Michael|last=Fleming Jr.|title=Rock rolls Reiner into ‘Polar’'Polar' helm|url=https://variety.com/2000/film/columns/rock-rolls-reiner-into-polar-helm-1117788529/|date=February 3, 2009|website=Variety|access-date=May 17, 2024}}</ref>

=== ''Everyday Life'' TV pilot/series ===

On February 29, 2004, Reiner was set to executive produce, star in and direct ''Everyday Life,'', an improv comedy series about a family of psychologistsspsychologists, forwith Reiner and [[Mercedes Ruehl]] cast as the leads after [[NBC]] gave the pilot order.<ref>{{cite news|author1=Michael Schneider|author2=Josef Adalian|title=McBride, Reiner get pilot licenses|url=https://variety.com/2004/scene/markets-festivals/mcbride-reiner-get-pilot-licenses-1117900966/|date=February 29, 2004|website=Variety|access-date=May 17, 2024}}</ref>

=== ''Whiskey River'' ===

On August 28, 2005, Reiner was set to direct thepolitician movieand adaptation ofauthor [[Jim Webb]]’s's medical drama ''[[Jim Webb#Movies|Whiskey River]]'', with [[John Patrick Shanley]] writing the screenplay and Alan Greisman and Webb producing with Reiner and distributed byfor [[Warner Bros]].<ref>{{cite news|first=Pamela|last=McClintock|title=WB orders shot of ‘Whiskey’'Whiskey'|url=https://variety.com/2005/film/markets-festivals/wb-orders-shot-of-whiskey-1117928163/|date=August 28, 2005|website=Variety|access-date=May 17, 2024}}</ref>

=== ''Travel Writing'' ===

On October 16, 2008, Reiner was set to direct the moviefilm adaptation of [[MarcPeter Shaiman]]’sFerry's novel ''Travel Writing'' with [[Lou Berney]] writing the screenplay, and Alan Greisman and Reiner producing through Castle Rock and [[Warner Bros.]] set to distribute the movie.<ref>{{cite news|author=[[Dave McNary]]|title=Castle Rock, Reiner set to ‘Travel’'Travel'|url=https://variety.com/2008/film/markets-festivals/castle-rock-reiner-set-to-travel-1117994188/|date=October 16, 2008|website=Variety|access-date=May 17, 2024}}</ref>

=== ''Book of Shadows'' ===

On October 20, 2008, Reiner was possibly set to direct Zoe Green's screenplay ''Book of Shadows'' with Alan Greisman and Reiner producing through Castle Rock and [[Warner Bros.]] set to distribute.<ref>{{cite news|author1=Borys Kit|author2=Jay A. Fernandez|title=Rob Reiner takes refuge in 'Shadows'|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/rob-reiner-takes-refuge-shadows-121448/|date=October 20, 2008|website=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=May 7, 2025}}</ref>

==2010s==

=== ''El Fuego Caliente'' ===

On February 23, 2011, Reiner was set to produce a remake of [[Michael Hoffman (director)|Michael Hoffman]]'s ''[[Soapdish]]'' with [[Ben Schwartz]] writing the screenplay and Alan Greisman producing for [[Paramount Pictures]].<ref>{{cite news|first=Borys|last=Kit|title=Ben Schwartz to Pen 'Soapdish' Remake for Paramount|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/ben-schwartz-pen-soapdish-remake-160771/|date=February 23, 2011|website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|access-date=October 30, 2024}}</ref> Schwartz's draft, titled ''El Fuego Caliente'', was featured on [[The Black List (survey)|The Black List]] later that year.<ref>{{cite news|author=[[Nikki Finke]]|title=The Black List 2011: Screenplay Roster|url=https://deadline.com/2011/12/the-black-list-2011-screenplay-roster-204025/|date=December 12, 2011|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|access-date=February 11, 2025}}</ref>

=== ''BasketUntitled Case''Two-Gun TVCohen series adaptationbiopic ===

On DecemberMarch 1121, 20132011, Reiner was set to directproduce &a produce[[Two-Gun theCohen]] televisionbiopic serieswith adaptationMatt ofBrown writing the screenplay, [[CarlDoug HiaasenLiman]]’s novelset [[Basketto Casedirect (novel)|Basketand Case]]Alan withGreisman Alexproducing Taubin attachedcollaboration to writewith the seriesChinese forcompany [[SpikeGalloping TV]]Horse.<ref>{{cite news|first=NellieJonathan|last=AndreevaLandreth|title=RobDoug ReinerLiman To Produce &to Direct SeriesStory Adaptationof OfSun Novel ‘Basket Case’ ForYat-sen's SpikeBodyguard|url=https://deadlinewww.hollywoodreporter.com/2013movies/12movie-news/robdoug-reiner-to-produceliman-direct-seriesstory-adaptationsun-of-novel-basket-case-for-spike-650364169540/|date=DecemberMarch 1121, 20132011|website=[[DeadlineThe Hollywood]] Reporter|access-date=MayOctober 1730, 2024}}</ref>

=== Untitled Proposition 8 film ===

On November 6, 2011, ''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]'' announced that Reiner was developing a film based on the legal challenge to [[Proposition 8]], the California initiative that banned same-sex marriage and was found unconstitutional by a federal district court judge.<ref name="HR">{{cite news|last=Szalai|first=George|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/rob-reiner-proposition-8-dustin-lance-black-258097/|title=AFM 2011: Rob Reiner Planning Film on Proposition 8 Legal Case|website=The Hollywood Reporter|date=November 6, 2011|access-date=February 11, 2025}}</ref>

=== ''Airtight'' ===

''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]'' additionally revealed in November 2011 Reiner's plans to direct a [[heist film]] called ''Airtight'', which he was said to be interested in tackling just because he had never done that kind of film before.<ref name="HR"/>

=== ''You Belong to Me'' ===

On June 22, 2012, Reiner was set to direct David Murray's psychological thriller ''You Belong to Me'' with Alan Greisman producing with Richard Lewis' Southpaw Entertainment and Scott Steindorff's Stone Village.<ref>{{cite news|first=Borys|last=Kit|title=Rob Reiner to Direct Thriller 'You Belong to Me' (Exclusive)|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/rob-reiner-you-belong-to-me-341217/|date=June 22, 2012|website=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=October 30, 2024}}</ref>

=== ''Basket Case'' TV series ===

On December 11, 2013, Reiner was set to direct and produce the television series adaptation of [[Carl Hiaasen]]'s novel ''[[Basket Case (novel)|Basket Case]]'', with Alex Taub attached to write the series for [[Spike TV]].<ref>{{cite news|first=Nellie|last=Andreeva|title=Rob Reiner To Produce & Direct Series Adaptation Of Novel 'Basket Case' For Spike|url=https://deadline.com/2013/12/rob-reiner-to-produce-direct-series-adaptation-of-novel-basket-case-for-spike-650364/|date=December 11, 2013|website=Deadline Hollywood|access-date=May 17, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=AJ|last=Marechal|title=Rob Reiner Developing Scripted Series 'Basket Case' for Spike TV|url=https://variety.com/2013/tv/news/rob-reiner-developing-scripted-series-basket-case-for-spike-tv-1200945000/|date=December 11, 2013|website=Variety|access-date=July 25, 2024}}</ref>

=== ''The Tap'' TV series ===

On August 13, 2014, Reiner was set to direct the pilot of Aaron Tracy and [[Royal Pains|Andrew Lenchewski]]’s's [[Yale University]] thriller television series ''The Tap'' for [[USA Network]] with Reiner producing the series, along with Alan Greisman, Charlie Ebersol, Lenchewski and Tracy through [[Universal Cable Productions]].<ref>{{cite news|first=Nellie|last=Andreeva|title=Rob Reiner & Andrew Lenchewski Sell Spy Drama Set In Yale’sYale's Skull & Bones Society To USA|url=https://deadline.com/2014/08/rob-reiner-andrew-lenchewski-sell-spy-drama-skull-bones-society-yale-usa-816781/|date=August 13, 2014|website=Deadline Hollywood|access-date=May 17, 2024}}</ref> On AugustApril 87, 20162015, the show was in active development,<ref>{{cite news|first=Lesley|last=Goldberg|title=TV Upfronts: USA Developing Dramas From Rob Reiner, Catherine Hardwicke, 'Supernatural' Boss|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/tv-upfronts-usa-developing-dramas-786754/|date=April 7, 2015|website=The Tap''Hollywood Reporter|access-date=May 1, 2025}}</ref> leading gotto a pilot order from USA Network on August 8, 2016,<ref>{{cite news|first=Nellie|last=Andreeva|title=‘The'The Tap’Tap' Drama From Rob Reiner & Andrew Lenchewski About Yale’sYale's Skull & Bones Society Gets USA Pilot Order|url=https://deadline.com/2016/08/the-tap-drama-rob-reiner-andrew-lenchewski-yale-skull-bones-usa-pilot-order-1201800199/|date=August 8, 2016|website=Deadline Hollywood|access-date=May 17, 2024}}</ref> but on June 19, 2017, ''The Tap'' pilot was passed over.<ref>{{cite news|first=Nellie|last=Andreeva|title=‘The'The Tap’Tap' Yale University Period Drama Pilot Not Going Forward At USA Network|url=https://deadline.com/2017/06/the-tap-usa-period-drama-pilot-dead-rob-reiner-yale-university-1202116513/|date=June 19, 2017|website=Deadline Hollywood|access-date=May 17, 2024}}</ref>

=== ''The Global War on Morris'' TV series adaptation ===

On February 9, 2015, Reiner was set to direct &and produce the comedy television series adaptation of [[Steve Israel]]’s's novel ''The Global War on Morris'' with Andrew Lenchewski attached to write the series for USA Network.<ref>{{cite news|first=Nellie|last=Andreeva|title=Rob Reiner & Andrew Lenchewski Adapting Steve Israel Book ‘The'The Global War On Morris’Morris' As Cable Comedy Series|url=https://deadline.com/2015/02/rob-reiner-andrew-lenchewski-global-war-on-morris-steve-israel-comedy-series-1201369535/|date=February 9, 2015|website=Deadline Hollywood|access-date=May 17, 2024}}</ref>

==2020s==

=== ''The Spy and the Asset'' TV series ===

On June 30, 2021, in an interview for [[SiriusXM]], Reiner revealed that he was working on a "10 to 13-episode" TV project about the relationship between [[Donald Trump]] and [[Vladimir Putin]], called ''The Spy and the Asset''. Reiner was collaborating on the project with writer Ward Perry.<ref>{{cite news|first=Erik|last=Pedersen|title=Rob Reiner Says He's Working On TV Project About Donald Trump & Vladimir Putin|url=https://deadline.com/2021/06/donald-trump-vladimir-putin-rob-reiner-tv-series-spy-and-the-asset-1234784437/|date=June 30, 2021|website=Deadline Hollywood|access-date=April 30, 2025}}</ref>

==Offers==

=== ''The Shawshank Redemption'' film adaptation ===

In the 1990’s1990s, Reiner offered to be the alternate director of [[Frank Darabont]]’s's screenplay ''[[The Shawshank Redemption]]'', adapted from [[Stephen King]]’s's short story "[[Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption]]", but Darabont stayed on.<ref>{{Cite webmagazine|first=Margaret|last=Heidenry|url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2014/09/shawshank-redemption-anniversary-story|title=The Little-Known Story of How The Shawshank Redemption Became One of the Most Beloved Films of All Time|date=September 22, 2014|websitemagazine=[[Vanity Fair (magazine)|Vanity Fair]]|access-date=May 17, 2024}}</ref>

=== ''Harry Potter'' film adaptation ===

On September 22, 1999, Reiner was offered to direct [[J.K. Rowling]]’s [[Harry Potter]] series, along with [[Chris Columbus (filmmaker)|Chris Columbus]] who would eventually direct the first 2 movies.<ref>{{Cite web|first=Christian|last=Moerk|title=In H’w’d, nothing’s hotter than ‘Potter’|url=https://variety.com/1999/film/news/in-h-w-d-nothing-s-hotter-than-potter-1117755918/|date=September 22, 1999|website=Variety|access-date=May 17, 2024}}</ref>

=== ''Harry Potter'' film adaptation ===

On September 22, 1999, Reiner was offered to direct [[J.K. Rowling]]’s's ''[[Harry Potter]]'' series, along with [[Chris Columbus (filmmaker)|Chris Columbus]] who would eventually direct the first 2two movies.<ref>{{Cite web|first=Christian|last=Moerk|title=In H’w’dH'w'd, nothing’snothing's hotter than ‘Potter’'Potter'|url=https://variety.com/1999/film/news/in-h-w-d-nothing-s-hotter-than-potter-1117755918/|date=September 22, 1999|website=Variety|access-date=May 17, 2024}}</ref>

==References==

{{reflist}}

==External links==

{{Rob Reiner}}

* {{IMDb title|nm0001661}}

{{Rob Reiner}}

{{draft categories|

[[:Category:Lists of unrealized projects by artist|Reiner, Rob]]

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[[Category:DraftsLists aboutof artistsunrealized projects by artist|Reiner, Rob]]