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[[File:Spike Lee Cannes 2018.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Lee attending the [[2018 Cannes Film Festival]]]]
During [[Spike Lee filmography|his long career]], American filmmaker [[Spike Lee]] has worked on a number of projects which never progressed beyond the pre-production stage under his direction. Some of these projects, fell in [[development hell]] or are officially canceled.<ref name="Unrealized">{{cite web|last=Kiang|first=Jessica|url=https://www.indiewire.com/features/general/10-lost-unmade-possible-future-projects-of-spike-lee-91191/|title=10 Lost, Unmade & Possible Future Projects Of Spike Lee|website=[[IndieWire]]|date=November 27, 2013|access-date=November 27, 2024}}</ref>
==
===''The Messenger''===
In 1984,<ref>{{cite news|last=Milloy|first=Courtland|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/1991/06/13/the-message-of-spike-lees-messenger/7e94218a-4a7c-4f3f-8fc8-17c9f1a1fc87/|title=THE MESSAGE OF SPIKE LEE'S 'MESSENGER'|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|date=June 12, 1991|access-date=November 24, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Barfield|first=Charles|url=https://theplaylist.net/spike-lee-the-messenger-disaster-20210108/|title='The Messenger': Spike Lee Describes Pulling The Plug On Unproduced 1984 Film As "A Complete Disaster"|website=The Playlist|date=January 8, 2021|access-date=November 24, 2024}}</ref> Lee started working on a project called ''"The Messenger"'', which chronicled the story of a bike messenger that becomes the head of his household after the death of his mother. [[Giancarlo Esposito]] and [[Laurence Fishburne]] were initially set to star in the lead roles, but the film never materialized due to financial struggles he faced related to the production.
==1990s==
===''Ace in the Hole'' remake===
Sometimes in the 1990s, Lee reportedly wanted to remake 1951's ''[[Ace in the Hole (1951 film)|Ace in the Hole]]'', directed by [[Billy Wilder]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://catalog.afi.com/Catalog/moviedetails/50004|title=AFI|Catalog - Ace in the Hole|website=[[AFI Catalog of Feature Films]]|access-date=February 25, 2024}}</ref><ref>[[Cameron Crowe|Crowe, Cameron]]. (1999). ''Conversations with Wilder''. p. 83</ref>
===''Playhouse '90s'' TV series===
In 1992, it was reported that Lee had written and was expected to direct an episode of [[Francis Ford Coppola]]'s planned revival of the [[Anthology series|anthology drama series]] ''[[Playhouse 90]]'', ''Playhouse '90s'', a series of "live, one-hour dramatic plays" for [[CBS]].<ref>{{cite magazine|author=Archerd, Army|author-link=Army Archerd|url=https://variety.com/1992/voices/columns/disney-does-its-civic-duty-1117862272/|title=Disney does its civic duty|magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=June 10, 1992|access-date=January 6, 2025}}</ref> The project never came to fruition.
===''Micheaux''===
In the mid-1990s, playwright and screenwriter [[Robert O'Hara]] penned an unproduced screenplay on the life of [[Oscar Micheaux]], often regarded as the first major African-American feature filmmaker, which Lee was attached to direct.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sites.nd.edu/artnow/robert-ohara/|title=Robert O'Hara - ND Anti-Racist Theatre NOW|website=[[University of Notre Dame]]|access-date=April 26, 2025|quote=He has also written several projects for the screen, including an unproduced screenplay based on the life of Richard Pryor set to be directed by Martin Scorsese, and a script for the unproduced Oscar Micheaux biopic to which the equally legendary black filmmaker Spike Lee was attached.}}</ref>
===''The Jackie Robinson Story''===
{{main|42 (film)#Production}}
==
===''Ali''===
{{main|Ali (2001 film)#Production}}
===
In July 2000, Lee acquired the rights to make a film about [[Joe Louis]] from a script he wrote with boxing expert [[Bert Randolph Sugar]] and scriptwriting legend [[Budd Schulberg]] under the title ''Save Us, Joe Louis''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Spike Lee takes on Joe Louis boxing film|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2000/jul/28/news.spikelee|date=28 July 2000|work=[[The Guardian]]|access-date=19 May 2019}}</ref> The movie was focused on Louis' fights with [[Max Schmeling]] with [[Arnold Schwarzenegger]] interested in playing Schmeling.<ref>{{cite web|last=Toro|first=Gabe|title=Arnold Schwarzenegger Could Have Played Max Schmeling In Spike Lee's Unproduced Joe Louis Biopic|url=https://www.indiewire.com/2011/09/arnold-schwarzenegger-could-have-played-max-schmeling-in-spike-lees-unproduced-joe-louis-biopic-116371/|date=13 September 2013|website=[[Indiewire]]|access-date=19 May 2019}}</ref> In July 2006, Schulberg mentioned that Lee talked with [[Terrence Howard]] to play Louis.<ref>{{cite web|last=Ecksel|first=Robert|title=ARTICLES OF 2006Save Us Spike Lee, Budd Schulberg and Joe Louis|url=http://tss.ib.tv/boxing/articles-of-2006/4685-save-us-spike-lee-budd-schulberg-and-joe-louis|date=26 November 2006|publisher=The Sweet Science|access-date=19 May 2019}}</ref> The film fell into [[development hell]] because Lee didn't get half of the budget he needed. Following the death of Schulberg, Lee continuously reaffirmed his intention to make the film in 2018, 2021, and 2025. "I made a promise to Budd that one day, soon, that we'd get the money, and I'm gonna keep that promise and get that film made."<ref>{{cite video|url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=NfRMe-gnP6s&si=Wj2dXMC9s9BteXG0|title=Spike Lee Breaks Down His Film Heroes | GQ|website=[[YouTube]]|publisher=[[GQ]]|date=August 17, 2018|access-date=November 18, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Perez|first=Rodrigo|url=https://theplaylist.net/spike-lee-vows-save-us-joe-louis-20210101/|title=Spike Lee Vows To Make 'Save Us, Joe Louis' Boxing Drama & Promised Screenwriter Budd Schulberg To Make It Before His Death|website=The Playlist|date=January 1, 2021|access-date=November 24, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media |author=[[First Take (talk show)|@firsttake]] |title=#SpikeLee talks about a promise he made to his friend, writer Budd Schulberg, to make a #movie they wrote together about boxer #JoeLouis. #boxing #boxer |url=https://www.tiktok.com/@firsttake/video/7505126252651564319 |format=video |via=[[TikTok]] |date=May 16, 2025 |access-date=May 25, 2025}}</ref>
===
Until 2001, Lee was to direct the film for Miramax. However, budgetary constraints and Lee's insistence on engaging celebrities like Justin Timberlake and Brittany Murphy stalled the project for a time.<ref name="Unrealized"/><ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2001-08-25 |title=Miramax Won't Pay Spike's Rent |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/08/25/miramax-wont-pay-spikes-rent |access-date=2024-12-20 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Riedel |first=Michael |date=2001-06-15 |title=SPIKE TO DIRECT ‘RENT’? |url=https://nypost.com/2001/06/15/spike-to-direct-rent/ |access-date=2024-12-20 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=No Deposit, No Return on Rent Movie |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/story?id=102772&page=1 |access-date=2024-12-20 |website=ABC News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Timberlake Has No Plans for Film Version of "Rent" |url=https://playbill.com/article/timberlake-has-no-plans-for-film-version-of-rent-com-120840 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20241203010513/https://playbill.com/article/timberlake-has-no-plans-for-film-version-of-rent-com-120840 |archive-date=2024-12-03 |access-date=2024-12-20 |website=Playbill |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Schaefer |first=Stephen |date=2005-11-28 |title=‘Rent’ turns into a 10th anniversary reunion |url=https://variety.com/2005/film/awards/rent-turns-into-a-10th-anniversary-reunion-1117933525/ |access-date=2024-12-20 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref>
===
{{main|
===
{{main|Get On Up (film)#Production}}
===''
In May 2006, Lee was set to direct [[20th Century Fox]]'s supernatural thriller ''Selling Time'',<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/news/spike-lee-selling-time/ |title=Spike Lee Is Selling Time |date=24 May 2006|website=Empire|access-date=19 May 2019}}</ref> with [[Tom Cruise]] in talks to star.<ref>{{cite magazine|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|url=https://variety.com/2006/digital/news/cruise-eyes-trio-of-roles-1117952503/|title=Cruise eyes trio of roles|date=18 October 2006|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|access-date=4 May 2019}}</ref> In January 2014, [[D.J. Caruso]] took over directing the movie from Lee, with Dan McDermott writing a new draft and [[Will Smith]] is rumored to star in the movie.<ref>{{cite web|first=Mike Jr.|last=Fleming.|url= https://deadline.com/2014/01/d-j-caruso-set-to-helm-selling-time-will-smith-still-circling-supernatural-thriller-660164/|title=D.J. Caruso Set To Helm 'Selling Time'; Will Smith Still Circling Supernatural Thriller|date=7 January 2014|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|access-date=19 May 2019}}</ref> However, plans fell in [[development hell]] and its fate is unknown after the [[Acquisition of 21st Century Fox by Disney]] was completed.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/disney-closes-fox-deal-creating-global-content-powerhouse-1174498|title=Disney Closes $71.3{{nbsp}}Billion Fox Deal, Creating Global Content Powerhouse|date=March 19, 2019|website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|access-date=19 May 2019}}</ref>
===
In September 2006, Lee was planning to follow up his HBO documentary ''[[When the Levees Broke]]'' with a fictionalized dramatic series for [[NBC]] set in post-[[Hurricane Katrina]] [[New Orleans]]. The series, titled ''NoLa'', was being pitched as an ensemble piece centering on a multicultural group of residents from various different backgrounds, attempting to rebuild their lives after the hurricane. Lee planned to executive produce and direct the pilot if NBC decided to move forward with the project, which he developed with writer Sid Quashie.<ref>{{cite web|last=Goldman|first=Eric|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/09/12/spike-lee-developing-a-new-series-about-post-katrina-life-in-new-orleans|title=Spike Lee Developing a New Series About Post-Katrina Life in New Orleans|website=[[IGN]]|date=September 11, 2006|access-date=November 24, 2023}}</ref>
===
{{main|Inside Man#Sequel}}
===Untitled Michael Jordan documentary===
In May 2008, Lee was reportedly set to direct a feature-length documentary, centering on [[Michael Jordan]]. Lee had previously starred alongside Jordan in a series of Nike commercials, reprising the role of [[Mars Blackmon]], from his debut feature film [[She's Gotta Have It|''She's Gotta Have It'']] (1986).The documentary was going to be produced by his own production house, with the NBA financing the development.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Vivarelli|first=Nick|url=https://variety.com/2008/film/markets-festivals/spike-lee-sets-michael-jordan-film-1117986150/|title=Spike Lee sets Michael Jordan film|magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=May 20, 2008|access-date=November 24, 2024}}</ref> But, in a 2009 interview with IGN, he reportedly told them to "squash it", effectively dismissing further plans to develop the project.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vejvoda |first=Jim |date=November 26, 2009 |title=Inside Man 2 Status Report |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/11/25/inside-man-2-status-report |access-date=March 14, 2025 |website=IGN}}</ref>
===''Time Traveler''===
In June 2008, it was announced that Lee was going to adapt [[Ronald Mallett]]'s memoir ''Time Traveler: A Scientist’s Personal Mission to Make Time Travel a Reality'' into a feature film.<ref>{{cite web|last=Fleming|first=Michael|title=Spike Lee takes on 'Time Traveler'|date=17 June 2008|magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|url=https://variety.com/2008/film/markets-festivals/spike-lee-takes-on-time-traveler-1117987632/|access-date=8 December 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Spike Lee tackles 'Time Traveler'|date=18 June 2008|publisher=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|url=https://ew.com/article/2008/06/18/spike-lee-tackles-time-traveler/|access-date=8 December 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Hilton|first=Beth|title=Spike Lee to direct 'Time Traveler'|date=18 June 2008|website=[[Digital Spy]]|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a101676/spike-lee-to-direct-time-traveler/|access-date=8 December 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Spike Lee to adapt 'Time Traveler'|date=18 June 2008|website=[[United Press International]]|url=https://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/2008/06/18/Spike-Lee-to-adapt-Time-Traveler/78141213799784/?ur3=1|access-date=8 December 2019}}</ref> The film was to have been titled ''Time Traveler'' and Lee was to have co-written and directed it.<ref>{{cite web|last=Kiang|first=Jessica|title=10 Lost, Unmade & Possible Future Projects Of Spike Lee|date=27 November 2013|website=[[IndieWire]]|url=https://www.indiewire.com/2013/11/10-lost-unmade-possible-future-projects-of-spike-lee-91191/|access-date=8 December 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Spike Lee Tunes Up His Flux Capacitor|date=18 June 2008|work=[[Vulture.com]]|url=https://www.vulture.com/2008/06/spike_lee_tunes_up_his_flux_ca.html|access-date=8 December 2019}}</ref> On July 27, 2015, Mallett reported that Lee and screenwriter [[Ian Harnarine]] were "in negotiations about how to proceed regarding a feature film of my book, ''Time Traveler.''"<ref>{{cite web|last=Voter|first=Lauri|title=Dr. Ronald Mallett: Scientist, professor, mentor – and time traveler?|date=27 July 2015|work=[[Hartford Courant]]|url=https://www.courant.com/community/mansfield/rnw-wm-storrs-people-dr--mallett-0731-20150727-story.html|access-date=8 December 2019}}</ref>
===''L.A. Riots''===
In July 2008, Lee was set to direct the film ''L.A. Riots'', with [[John Ridley]] and [[Terry George]] writing the script and [[Brian Grazer]] producing the film.<ref>{{cite web|last=Goldstein|first=Patrick|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-jul-17-et-goldstein17-story.html|title=Lee's 'L.A. Riots' gathers steam|date=17 July 2008|website=[[Los Angeles Times]]|access-date=19 May 2019}}</ref> In August 2012, [[Justin Lin]] was set to direct ''L.A. Riots'', since Lee didn't get enough money and ended up working on ''[[Miracle at St. Anna]]''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Shaw|first=Lucas|url=https://www.thewrap.com/justin-lin-talks-direct-la-riots-universal-imagine-51286/|title=Justin Lin in Talks to Direct 'L.A. Riots' for Universal, Imagine (Updated)|date=8 August 2012|website=[[TheWrap]]|access-date=19 May 2019}}</ref> There has been no further announcements since.
===''Now the Hell Will Start''===
In 2009, Lee acquired the rights to [[Brendan I. Koerner|Brendan Koerner]]'s novel ''[[Now the Hell Will Start]],'' a [[World War II]] manhunt in the Burmese jungle.<ref>{{cite news|last=Graser|first=Marc|title=Spike Lee to produce 'Start'|url=https://variety.com/2009/film/markets-festivals/spike-lee-to-produce-start-1117999464/|date=2 February 2009|magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|access-date=19 May 2019}}</ref> However, plans fell into [[development hell]].
==2010s==
===''Brooklyn Loves Michael Jackson''===
===''Nagasaki Deadline''===
In June 2010, Lee was announced to direct the thriller ''Nagasaki Deadline'' with David Griffiths, Peter Griffiths, [[William Broyles Jr.]] writing the script and [[Lightstorm Entertainment]] producing the film.<ref>{{cite web|first=Mike Jr.|last=Fleming|title=Spike Lee Sets Sights On 'Nagasaki Deadline' With Lightstorm And Alcon|url=https://deadline.com/2010/06/spike-lee-sets-sights-on-nagasaki-deadline-with-lightstorm-and-alcon-50121/|date=28 June 2010|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|access-date=19 May 2019}}</ref> However, plans fell into [[development hell]].
===Untitled Marion Barry biopic===
In 2011, Lee was set to direct and produce a biopic of [[Marion Barry]] with [[Eddie Murphy]] set to play Barry, and John Ridley writing the script for [[HBO Films]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|title=HBO Developing Marion Barry Biopic, Eddie Murphy Set To Star, Spike Lee To Direct|url=https://deadline.com/2011/12/hbo-developing-marion-barry-biopic-eddie-murphy-set-to-star-spike-lee-to-direct-203176/|date=9 December 2011|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|access-date=19 May 2019}}</ref> There has been no further announcements since.
===''Porgy and Bess'' remake===
In August 2012, Lee was in negotiations with the [[George Gershwin]] estate to direct the ''[[Porgy and Bess (film)|Porgy and Bess]]'' remake.<ref>{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|title=Spike Lee in Negotiations for PORGY AND BESS Film Adaptation|url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Spike-Lee-in-Negotiations-for-PORGY-AND-BESS-Film-Adaptation-20120809|date=9 August 2012|website=Broadway World|access-date=19 May 2019}}</ref> The following year, both the Gershwin family and the DuBose Heyward estate announced a remake was in development without Lee's involvement.<ref>{{cite news|last=McNary|first=Dave|title='Porgy and Bess': Gershwins' Opera Gets Film Update (EXCLUSIVE)|url=https://variety.com/2013/film/news/porgy-and-bess-movie-1200333773/|date=5 April 2013|website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|access-date=19 May 2019}}</ref> In 2020, [[Dee Rees]] was hired to write and direct the remake.<ref>{{cite news|last=Fleming|first=Mike Jr.|title=Dee Rees To Write & Direct New Movie Adaptation Of George Gershwin's 'Porgy And Bess' For MGM & Winkler Films|url=https://deadline.com/2020/02/dee-rees-porgy-and-bess-movie-mgm-write-direct-george-gershwin-irwin-winkler-charles-winkler-1202856567/|date=February 11, 2020|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|access-date=November 20, 2022}}</ref>
===Untitled Stevie Wonder documentary===
In August 2012,<ref>{{cite web|last=Yuan|first=Jada|url=https://www.vulture.com/2012/09/25-baddest-things-from-spike-lees-mj-doc.html|title=Toronto: The 25 Baddest Things From the Premiere of Spike Lee's Michael Jackson Documentary|website=[[Vulture (website)|Vulture]]|date=September 17, 2012|access-date=November 27, 2024}}</ref> Lee premiered his documentary ''"[[Bad 25 (film)|Bad 25"]],'' about the 25th anniversary of [[Michael Jackson]]'s 1987 album ''[[Bad (album)|Bad]]'' at the [[69th Venice International Film Festival]]. In the documentary, [[Stevie Wonder]], performed a rendition of MJ’s “The Way You Make Me Feel”, and during Lee's Toronto Film Festival QnA in September 2012, he expressed his aspiration to direct a documentary centered on him. <ref>{{cite web|last=Schmidlin|first=Charles|url=https://www.indiewire.com/news/general-news/spike-lee-says-he-wants-to-do-stevie-wonder-documentary-says-prince-refused-to-let-him-use-footage-for-bad-251016/|title=Spike Lee Says He Wants To Do Stevie Wonder Documentary; Says Prince Refused To Let Him Use Footage For 'Bad'|website=[[IndieWire]]|date=September 18, 2012|access-date=November 27, 2024}}</ref> Since then, there have been no further announcements regarding the film's development.
===''Gold''===
{{main|Gold (2016 film)#Production}}
===''School Daze Too''===
On July 27, 2013, Lee told [[Black&Sexy TV]] that he had a script for a planned contemporary-set sequel to his film ''[[School Daze]]''. "Hopefully I can get [[Laurence Fishburne]] to play Dap [again]. He'll be the president now of the school," Lee said. "And we would deal with issues around Historically Black Colleges today." According to Lee, the new issues would include [[homophobia]], modern pledging, [[Class discrimination|class issues]], [[Discrimination based on skin tone|color]] and [[Discrimination based on hair texture|hair texture]].<ref>{{cite video|url=https://youtube.com/live/EGzHy1uWrq4?si=vQoFxix1RvkSY5YP|title=SPIKE LEE LIVE Raw + Real w/BLACK&SEXY.TV!!!!!!|website=[[YouTube]]|publisher=[[Black&Sexy TV]]|date=July 27, 2013|time=10:12}}</ref><ref name="Sequel">{{cite web|last=Brock|first=Ben|url=https://www.indiewire.com/news/general-news/spike-lee-talks-school-daze-sequel-paul-schrader-offers-to-write-clarence-thomas-biopic-for-lee-to-direct-95366/|title=Spike Lee Talks 'School Daze' Sequel, Paul Schrader Offers To Write Clarence Thomas Biopic For Lee To Direct|website=[[IndieWire]]|date=July 30, 2013|access-date=November 24, 2024}}</ref> In December the following year, information was leaked by Sony regarding the casting of [[Drake (musician)|Drake]] and [[Kevin Hart]] in the film, revealed to be titled ''School Daze Too''.<ref>{{cite web|author=The Playlist Staff|url=https://theplaylist.net/spike-lee-reportedly-eyed-drake-and-kevin-hart-to-lead-school-daze-too-20141212/|title=Spike Lee Reportedly Eyed Drake And Kevin Hart To Lead 'School Daze Too'|website=The Playlist|date=December 12, 2014|access-date=November 24, 2024}}</ref><ref name="Sequel2">{{cite web|last=Roffman|first=Michael|url=https://consequence.net/2018/12/spike-lee-do-the-right-thing-sequel-school-daze-musical/|title=Spike Lee says Do The Right Thing sequel "not happening"|website=[[Consequence (publication)|Consequence]]|date=December 17, 2018|access-date=November 24, 2024}}</ref>
===Untitled Clarence Thomas biopic===
On July 29, 2013, filmmaker [[Paul Schrader]] revealed that he reached out to Lee, offering to write a script for him to direct about [[Clarence Thomas]], saying, "If either one of us did it alone, it wouldn't have as much strength to it."<ref name="Sequel"/>
===''Spinning Gold''===
{{main|Spinning Gold#Production}}
===''Enter the Dragon'' remake===
In 2014, Lee was in negotiations to direct the remake of ''[[Enter the Dragon]]'' with [[Ken Jeong]] set to play Lee and [[Billy Bob Thornton]] set to play Roper.<ref>{{cite news|first=Lak|last=Loi|title=Spike Lee to Remake Bruce Lee's Enter The Dragon|url=https://www.jkdlondon.com/spike-lee-to-remake-bruce-lees-enter-the-dragon/|date=26 September 2014|website=jkdlondon.com|access-date=23 November 2019}}</ref> In 2015, [[Brett Ratner]] revealed that he replaced Lee as director,<ref>{{cite web|author=mrbeaks|url=http://www.aintitcool.com/node/70809|title=Brett Ratner Is Trying To Remake ENTER THE DRAGON|date=March 21, 2015|website=[[Ain't It Cool News]]|access-date=23 November 2019}}</ref> and in 2018, [[David Leitch (director)|David Leitch]] was in early talks to direct.<ref>{{cite web|first=Mike Jr.|last=Fleming.|url=https://deadline.com/2018/07/enter-the-dragon-bruce-lee-remake-david-leitch-deadpool-2-john-wick-warner-bros-1202431792/|title=Remake Of Bruce Lee's 'Enter The Dragon' Has 'Deadpool 2's David Leitch In Talks|date=July 23, 2018|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|access-date=23 November 2019}}</ref>
===''Archer'' TV series===
In August 2017, it was announced that Lee was developing ''Archer'', a TV series with a "young, black [[Mark Zuckerberg]]-like protagonist" who develops a dating app that reads sexual chemistry.<ref>{{cite news|last=Wagmeister|first=Elizabeth|url=https://variety.com/2017/tv/news/spike-lee-chad-sanders-tech-entrepreneur-tv-show-archer-1202523860/|title=Spike Lee Developing TV Series Inspired by 'Young Black Mark Zuckerberg' Tech Entrepreneur (EXCLUSIVE)|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=August 11, 2017|access-date=September 22, 2023}}</ref>
===''Nightwatch''===
By September 2017, [[Sony Pictures]] was actively developing a film based on the character [[Nightwatch (comics)|Nightwatch]] for their [[Sony's Spider-Man Universe]], with a script from Edward Ricourt. Sony wanted Lee to direct the film,<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XGYj4IheCM |title=Meet the Movie Press for September 1st, 2017 |date=September 1, 2017 |last=Popcorn Talk |access-date=September 3, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170904215530/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XGYj4IheCM |archive-date=September 4, 2017 |website=[[YouTube]] |url-status=live}}</ref> and he was confirmed to be interested in the project in March 2018, with [[Cheo Hodari Coker]] re-writing the script.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Spike Lee Circling Sony Superhero Movie 'Nightwatch' |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/nightwatch-spike-lee-circling-sony-superhero-movie-1094433 |last=Couch |first=Aaron |last2=McMillan |first2=Graeme |date=March 14, 2018 |website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180314225957/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/nightwatch-spike-lee-circling-sony-superhero-movie-1094433 |archive-date=March 14, 2018 |access-date=March 15, 2018}}</ref> However, Lee was no longer involved by October.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Spike Lee is Not Making Sony Marvel's Nightwatch Movie |url=https://screenrant.com/spike-lee-sony-marvel-nightwatch-not-directing/ |last=Schaefer |first=Sandy |date=October 25, 2018 |website=[[Screen Rant]] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181025193303/https://screenrant.com/spike-lee-sony-marvel-nightwatch-not-directing/ |archive-date=October 25, 2018 |access-date=October 26, 2018}}</ref>
===''School Daze'' Broadway musical===
In February 2018, on a podcast episode, Lee announced that he would be adapting his film ''[[School Daze]]'' as a [[Musical theatre|musical]] on [[Broadway theatre|Broadway]]. "People said that from the jump when it came out that this should be a musical," added Lee.<ref>{{cite web|last=Cornelius|first=Ray|url=https://raycornelius.com/2018/02/upfront-talks-to-spike-lee-about-a-school-daze-broadway-musical-more-audio/|title=#UPFRONT talks to Spike Lee about a 'School Daze' Broadway Musical & more (AUDIO)|website=raycornelius.com|date=February 2018|access-date=November 24, 2024}}</ref><ref name="Sequel2"/>
===''Frederick Douglass Now''===
In November 2018, Lee was set up to direct a film version of the stage show by [[Roger Guenveur Smith]], ''[[Frederick Douglass]] Now''.<ref>{{cite news|last=Hopewell|first=John|url=https://variety.com/2018/film/news/spike-lee-direct-roger-guenveur-smith-frederick-douglass-now-1203022020/|title=Spike Lee to Direct Roger Guenveur Smith's 'Frederick Douglass Now' (EXCLUSIVE)|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=November 7, 2018|access-date=September 22, 2023}}</ref>
===''Prince of Cats''===
In 2019, Lee closed a deal to direct the long-gestated ''Prince of Cats'' film, based on the [[Prince of Cats (graphic novel)|graphic novel]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Kit|first=Borys|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/spike-lee-direct-romeo-juliet-tale-prince-cats-1254584/|title=Spike Lee to Direct 1980s-Set Hip-Hop 'Romeo & Juliet' Tale 'Prince of Cats' (Exclusive)|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=November 13, 2019|access-date=September 22, 2023}}</ref>
==2020s==
===''Boner''===
In 2020, studio [[Lionsgate Canada|Entertainment One]] and Lee were prepping a then-untitled film about the breakthrough of the [[erectile dysfunction]] drug [[Viagra]]. Lee was to have directed from a screenplay co-written with [[Kwame Kwei-Armah]], based on the 2015 ''[[Esquire (magazine)|Esquire]]'' article "All Rise: The Untold Story of The Guys Who Launched Viagra". Lee described the project as a "dancin', all singin' [[Musical film|musical]]", featuring original songs and music written by [[Stew (musician)|Stew Stewart]] and Heidi Rodewald.<ref>{{cite web|last=Fleming|first=Mike Jr.|url=https://deadline.com/2020/11/spike-lee-viagra-musical-film-pfizer-eone-pre-covid-miracle-drug-kwame-kwei-armah-1234616563/|title=Spike Lee Sets eOne Film Musical On Pfizer's Pre-COVID Miracle Drug: Viagra|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|date=November 17, 2020|access-date=November 16, 2023}}</ref> Production was set to begin in early 2023 under the title ''Rise'',<ref>{{cite web|last=Ruimy|first=Jordan|url=https://www.worldofreel.com/blog/2022/10/va7tl3fpe5hjd3e6ficqeu5fseshn1|title=Spike Lee's Upcoming Viagra Musical is Called 'Rise,' Early 2023 Production Start Being Eyed|website=World of Reel|date=October 28, 2022|access-date=November 16, 2023}}</ref> though Lee later revealed that it had been retitled ''Boner''.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Zuckerman|first=Esther|url=https://www.wmagazine.com/culture/spike-lee-interview-2023|title=Originality Is In Spike Lee's DNA|magazine=[[W (magazine)|W]]|date=March 20, 2023|access-date=November 16, 2023}}</ref> In 2025, he reaffirmed his intentions to make the film, saying "that's something I've got to get made. Got to get made."<ref>{{cite web|last=Keegan|first=Rebecca|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/spike-lee-interview-highest-2-lowest-denzel-cannes-1236207579/|title=Do The Spike Thing: The Defiant Director on Reuniting With Denzel, Bad Money and Resisting Trump|website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=May 6, 2025|access-date=May 7, 2025}}</ref>
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In February 2022, it had been reported that Lee was to film a multipart documentary for [[ESPN]] on former [[San Francisco 49ers]] quarterback [[Colin Kaepernick]], featuring extensive interviews and access to his personal archive.<ref>{{cite web|author=Associated Press|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/33204564/spike-lee-direct-colin-kaepernick-docuseries-espn|title=Spike Lee to direct Colin Kaepernick docuseries for ESPN|website=[[ESPN]]|date=February 2, 2022|access-date=November 16, 2023}}</ref> In December of that year, the documentary was given the title of ''Da Saga of Colin Kaepernick'', and Lee revealed he had been working on the series for over a year.<ref>{{cite web|last=Dalton|first=Ben|url=https://www.screendaily.com/news/spike-lee-espn-series-titled-da-saga-of-colin-kaepernick/5177137.article|title=Spike Lee ESPN series titled 'Da Saga Of Colin Kaepernick'|website=Screen Daily|date=December 4, 2022|access-date=November 17, 2023}}</ref> By 2025, it was reported that the project will never be released and has been canceled due to "creative differences" among Lee, Kaepernick, and ESPN.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Carroll |first1=Rory |last2=Richwine |first2=Lisa |date=August 16, 2025 |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/espn-will-not-air-spike-lees-docuseries-colin-kaepernick-citing-creative-2025-08-16/ |title=Exclusive: ESPN will not air Spike Lee's docuseries on Colin Kaepernick, citing 'creative differences' |website=[[Reuters]] |access-date=August 16, 2025}}</ref>
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In 2023, Lee was circling to direct ''Da Understudy'', with [[Jonathan Majors]] attached to star and produce from [[Westbrook Studios]] and [[Amazon MGM Studios|Amazon Studios]]. Tom Hanada, Zach Strauss and Tyler Cole wrote the screenplay, based on an original story by Cole about an "[[understudy]] of a [[Broadway theatre|Broadway]] production [who] finds a role he's willing to kill for," as reported by ''[[Deadline Hollywood]]''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Fleming|first=Mike Jr.|url=https://deadline.com/2023/03/creed-iii-jonathan-majors-amazon-da-understudy-spike-lee-circling-1235281484/|title='Creed III's Jonathan Majors To Star In 'Da Understudy' For Amazon & Westbrook; Spike Lee Circling|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|date=March 7, 2023|access-date=November 17, 2023}}</ref>
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In 2025, it was reported that Lee was developing and eyeing to direct the comedic military drama ''Liberty'' based on a pitch from writers Jalysa Conway and Rebecca Murga. The project was said to be "in the vein" of the 1973 film ''[[The Last Detail]]''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Grobar|first=Matt|url=https://deadline.com/2025/01/spike-lee-developing-liberty-rebecca-murga-jalysa-conway-1236258846/|title=Spike Lee Developing Fleet Week Dramedy 'Liberty' From Writers Rebecca Murga & Jalysa Conway|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|date=January 16, 2025|access-date=January 16, 2025}}</ref>
==See also==
* [[Spike Lee filmography]]
==References==
{{Reflist}}
==External
* {{
{{Spike Lee}}
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[[Category:Films directed by Spike Lee]]
[[Category:Lists of unrealized projects by artist|Lee, Spike]]
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