The following is a list of unproduced Spike Lee projects in roughly chronological order. During his long career, English film director and producer 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.
1990s
Early development of 42
2000s
Early development of Get On Up
Save Me, Joe Louis
In July 2000, Lee acquired the rights to make a Joe Louis with a script he wrote with boxing expert Bert Randolph Sugar and scriptwriting legend Budd Schulberg under the title " Save Me, Joe Louis".[1] The movie was focused on Louis’ fights with Max Schmeling and Arnold Schwarzenegger interested in playing Schmeling.[2] In July 2006, Schulberg mentioned that Lee talked with Terrence Howard to play Louis.[3] The film fell into development hell because Lee didn’t get half of the budget he needed.
Inside Man 2
Selling Time film
In May 2006, Lee was set to direct 20th Century Fox’s supernatural thriller Selling Time,[4] with Tom Cruise in talks to star.[5] 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.[6] However, plans fell in development hell and it's fate is unknown after the Acquisition of 21st Century Fox by Disney was completed.[7]
L.A. Riots film
In July 2008, Lee was set to direct a L.A. Riots film, with John Ridley and Terry George writing the script and Brian Grazer producing the film.[8] In August 2012, Justin Lin was set to direct the L.A. Riots film, since Lee didn’t get enough money and ended up working on Miracle at St. Anna.[9] There has been no further announcements since.
Now the Hell Will Start film
In February 2009, Lee acquired the rights to Brendan Koerner’s novel Now the Hell Will Start, a World War 2 manhunt in the Burmese jungle.[10] However, plans fell into development hell.
2010s
Da Brick pilot
On 21 June 2011, HBO will develop a pilot for the series Da Brick, with Lee directing the pilot, written by John Ridley and executive-produced by Lee, Ridley, Mike Tyson, and Doug Ellin, based on Tyson’s childhood,[11] and John Boyega was casted as the lead, Donnie.[12] In March 2012, HBO pasted on the pilot.[13]
Nagasaki Deadline film
On 28 June 2010, Lee will direct the thriller Nagasaki Deadline with David Griffiths, Peter Griffiths, William Broyles Jr. writing the script for Lightstorm Entertainment.[14] However, plans fell in development hell.
Untitled Marion Barry biopic
On 9 December 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.[15] There has been no further announcements since.
Porgy & Bess remake
On 9 August 2012, Lee was in negotiations with the George Gershwin estate to direct the Porgy and Bess remake.[16] On 5 April 2013, Both the Gershwin Family and the DuBose Heyward estate announced a remake is in development without Lee’s involvement.[17] However, the movie is in development hell.
Spinning Gold biopic
On 30 October 2013, Lee was in negotiations to direct the biopic of Neil Bogart with Justin Timberlake set to play Bogart with Bogart’s son Tim writing the script entitled Spinning Gold.[18] On 19 June 2019, Tim was announced as director and Jeremy Jordan replaced Timberlake.[19]
References
- ^ "Spike Lee takes on Joe Louis boxing film". The Guardian. 28 July 2000. Retrieved 19 May 2019.
- ^ Toro, Gabe (13 September 2013). "Arnold Schwarzenegger Could Have Played Max Schmeling In Spike Lee's Unproduced Joe Louis Biopic". Indiewire. Retrieved 19 May 2019.
- ^ Ecksel, Robert (26 November 2006). "ARTICLES OF 2006Save Us Spike Lee, Budd Schulberg and Joe Louis". The Sweet Science. Retrieved 19 May 2019.
- ^ "Spike Lee Is Selling Time". Empire. 24 May 2006. Retrieved 19 May 2019.
- ^ Variety Staff (18 October 2006). "Cruise eyes trio of roles". Variety. Retrieved 4 May 2019.
- ^ Fleming Jr., Mike (7 January 2014). "D.J. Caruso Set To Helm 'Selling Time'; Will Smith Still Circling Supernatural Thriller". Deadline. Retrieved 19 May 2019.
- ^ "Disney Closes $71.3 Billion Fox Deal, Creating Global Content Powerhouse". The Hollywood Reporter. March 19, 2019. Retrieved 19 May 2019.
- ^ Goldstein, Patrick (17 July 2008). "Lee's 'L.A. Riots' gathers steam". LA Times. Retrieved 19 May 2019.
- ^ Shaw, Lucas (8 August 2012). "Justin Lin in Talks to Direct 'L.A. Riots' for Universal, Imagine (Updated)". The Wrap. Retrieved 19 May 2019.
- ^ Graser, Marc (2 February 2009). "Spike Lee to produce 'Start'". Variety. Retrieved 19 May 2019.
- ^ Andreeva, Nellie (21 June 2011). "Spike Lee, Mike Tyson, Doug Ellin & John Ridley Team For HBO Drama Series Inspired By Tyson's Youth". Deadline. Retrieved 19 May 2019.
- ^ Andreeva, Nellie (31 August 2011). "HBO Boxing Pilot 'Da Brick' Casts Lead". Deadline. Retrieved 19 May 2019.
- ^ Andreeva, Nellie (13 March 2012). "HBO Passes On Drama Pilot 'Da Brick'". Deadline. Retrieved 19 May 2019.
- ^ Fleming Jr., Mike (28 June 2010). "Spike Lee Sets Sights On 'Nagasaki Deadline' With Lightstorm And Alcon". Deadline. Retrieved 19 May 2019.
- ^ Andreeva, Nellie (9 December 2011). "HBO Developing Marion Barry Biopic, Eddie Murphy Set To Star, Spike Lee To Direct". Deadline. Retrieved 19 May 2019.
- ^ BWW News Desk (9 August 2012). "Spike Lee in Negotiations for PORGY AND BESS Film Adaptation". Broadway World. Retrieved 19 May 2019.
- ^ McNary, Dave (5 April 2013). "'Porgy and Bess': Gershwins' Opera Gets Film Update (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved 19 May 2019.
- ^ McClintock, Pamela (30 October 2013). "Spike Lee in Early Talks to Direct Neil Bogart Biopic 'Spinning Gold' (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 19 May 2019.
- ^ Fleming Jr., Mike (19 June 2019). "'70s Record Exec Neil Bogart Film 'Spinning Gold' Set: Samuel L. Jackson Heads Cast & Channels Iconic Musical Acts From Donna Summer And KISS To Gladys Knight & Village People". Deadline. Retrieved 21 June 2019.