The following is a list of unproduced Mike Nichols projects in roughly chronological order. During his long career, American filmmaker Mike Nichols 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.
1970s
The Exorcist
In the 1970’s, Warner Bros. chief John Calley wanted Nichols to direct the film adaptation of William Peter Blatty’s novel The Exorcist, and told both Elaine May and David Geffen that missing the opportunity was his biggest regret.[1]
2000s
Skinny Dip film
On July 27, 2004, Nichols acquired the rights to direct and produce the film adaptation of Carl Hiaasen’s novel Skinny Dip,[2] but would lose the rights and not get involved in other adaptation attempts.[3][4]
Seven-Year Switch
On September 27, 2004, Nichols was set to direct the rom-com Seven-Year Switch, with Julia Roberts set to star and Doug Wick & Lucy Fisher will produce the film for Columbia Pictures and Red Wagon,[5] but Nichols and Roberts would make Charlie Wilson's War instead.
High & Low remake
On October 28, 2008, Nichols was set to direct a remake of the Akira Kurosawa film High and Low, with David Mamet writing the script and Scott Rudin will produce the film for Miramax,[6] and on April 12, 2010, Chris Rock was set to write a new screenplay for Nichols.[7] On February 8, 2024, Spike Lee was set to direct the remake.[8]
Deep Water film
On August 16, 2009, Nichols was set to direct the film adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s Deep Water for 20th Century Fox,[9] which was eventually directed by Adrian Lyne in 2022.[10]
2010s
Hope Springs (fka Great Hope Springs)
One Last Thing Before I Go film
On April 23, 2013, Nichols was in talks to direct the movie adaptation of Jonathan Tropper’s novel One Last Thing Before I Go, with Tropper writing the screenplay, J. J. Abrams produce through Bad Robot Productions and Paramount Pictures distributing the film.[11] There has been no further development since Nichols’ death on November 20, 2014.[12]
Master Class film
On July 10, 2014, Nichols was set to direct the movie adaptation of Terence McNally’s play Master Class, with Meryl Streep set to star as Maria Callas for HBO.[13][14] There has been no further development since Nichols’ death on November 20, 2014.[12]
References
- ^ Watkins, Gwynns (September 11, 2015). "Mike Nichols Regretted Not Directing 'The Exorcist'". Yahoo! News. Retrieved February 8, 2024.
- ^ Fleming, Michael (July 27, 2004). "Nichols gets the 'Skinny'". Variety. Retrieved November 2, 2023.
- ^ Rose, Lacey (July 5, 2011). "HBO Developing Carl Hiaasen's 'Skinny Dip'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved November 19, 2023.
- ^ Project Casting (September 21, 2021). "The CW's TV Pilot 'Skinny Dip' Open Casting Call". Project Casting. Retrieved November 19, 2023.
- ^ Michael Fleming; Nicole LaPorte (September 27, 2004). "Col makes a 'Switch'". Variety. Retrieved November 2, 2023.
- ^ Thompson, Anne (October 28, 2008). "Nichols 'High' on Kurosawa remake". Variety. Retrieved November 2, 2023.
- ^ Ti Alan Chase (April 12, 2010). "Chris Rock to Adapt Akira Kurosawa's HIGH AND LOW for Mike Nichols". Collider. Retrieved November 2, 2023.
- ^ Kroll, Justin (February 8, 2024). "Denzel Washington And Spike Lee Reunite On Apple And A24 Thriller 'High And Low'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 8, 2024.
- ^ Fleming, Michael (August 16, 2009). "Fox sets Mike Nichols for 'Deep Water'". Variety. Retrieved November 2, 2023.
- ^ Sharf, Zack (February 14, 2022). "'Deep Water' Teaser Trailer: Ben Affleck, Ana de Armas' Erotic Thriller Debuts on Hulu in March". Variety. Retrieved February 8, 2024.
- ^ Tatiana Siegel; Borys Kit (April 23, 2013). "Mike Nichols in Talks to Direct 'One Last Thing Before I Go'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved November 2, 2023.
- ^ a b The Deadline Team (November 20, 2014). "Oscar- & Tony-Winning Director Mike Nichols Dead At 83". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved November 2, 2023.
- ^ "Mike Nichols to direct Meryl Streep in a HBO Film adaptation of MASTER CLASS, Terrence McNally's Tony award-winning play about Maria Callas". Twitter. July 10, 2014. Retrieved November 2, 2023.
- ^ Dockterman, Eliana (July 10, 2014). "Meryl Streep to Star in Master Class Movie on HBO". Time. Retrieved November 2, 2023.