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Robert Rodriguez's unrealized projects

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The following is a list of unproduced Robert Rodriguez projects in roughly chronological order. During his long career, American film director Robert Rodriguez has worked on a number of projects which never progressed beyond the pre-production stage under his direction. Some of these projects, are officially cancelled and scrapped or fell in development hell.

1990s

Madman film

According to Mike Allred, he was first offered the chance to sell the movie rights to Madman in 1992 (he has not said who made the offer, only that he declined). Since 1998, Robert Rodriguez has owned the film rights to Madman. Both he and Allred have given numerous signals as to the start of production over the years, but with no result. Although both have been occupied with other projects (Allred was instrumental in connecting Rodriguez with Frank Miller, leading to the production of Sin City), both have been eager to see this film made.[1] Robin Williams was mentioned as being under consideration for the role of Dr. Boiffard before his death.

At the 2006 WonderCon in San Francisco, Allred announced that Madman the Movie was in pre-production and hoped to begin filming before the end of the year. He teased fans in attendance by saying that the titular role had already been cast, "but I can't tell you who it is yet.... When we announce it, you're gonna be like 'What?', then you'll think about it for a second and see that it's perfect."[2]

Predators

In 1994, Rodriguez wrote an early script for a third Predator film for 20th Century Fox while he was working on Desperado at the time.[3] Rodriguez presented the script to the studio, but was denied when they realized that the budget would be too large.[4] Fifteen years later, the studio decided to go with his script. Rodriguez stated:

It's the story from that script I had written way back then. They had hired me to write a Predator story while I was waiting to do Desperado back in 1995. It was crazy, this thing I came up with. So then fast-forward to now and, like, six months ago, they found the script and called me up. 'Hey, we want to redo this franchise and we found your old script. This is where we should have gone with the series! We want to move forward.' And that's what we're doing.[5]

In 2009, 20th Century Fox studio executive, Alex Young, called Rodriguez to consider using his treatment to revive the individual Predator franchise.[6] Predators was produced at Rodriguez's Troublemaker Studios as opposed to 20th Century Fox so that Rodriguez had more creative control over the film.[4] It was originally thought that Rodriguez would direct, but on July 1, 2009, Nimród Antal was officially signed on to direct.[7]

2000s

Barbarella remake

In May 2007, it was announced that Rodríguez had signed on to direct a remake of Barbarella for a 2008 release.[8] At the 2007 Comic-Con convention, actress Rosario Dawson announced that because of Barbarella, production of Sin City: A Dame to Kill For would be put on hold. She also announced that she would be playing an amazon in the Barbarella film.[9] As of June 2008, plans to remake the film Barbarella with Rose McGowan as the lead have been delayed; the actress and director are instead remaking the film Red Sonja.[10]

Woman in Chains!

In May 2008, Rodríguez is said to be shopping around a prison drama television series called Woman in Chains!, with Rose McGowan being a possibility for a lead role.[11]

Grindhouse 2

Both Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino have said that they are interested in making a sequel to Grindhouse.[12] Tarantino said that he wants to shoot an "old-school Kung Fu movie in Mandarin with subtitles in some countries, and release a shorter, dubbed cut in others" for his segment.[13] It has also been reported by Rotten Tomatoes that Edgar Wright may expand Don't into a feature film.[14] According to Eli Roth, he and Wright have discussed the possibility of pairing Don't with Thanksgiving for a Grindhouse sequel. Roth is quoted as saying "We're talking to Dimension about it. I think they're still trying to figure out Grindhouse 1 before we think about Grindhouse 2, but I've already been working on the outline for it and I would do it in a heartbeat."[15]

Electra and Elise Avellan, Rodriguez's nieces who play the Crazy Babysitter Twins in both films, originally stated their uncle wanted to do a sequel featuring both Machete and The Babysitter Twins, but the latter concept did not materialize with the former's release.[16] "Robert mentioned something about the end of the world and Hollywood action films, where we'd be trained in Mexico to come back here and fight," Electra Avellan told bloody-disgusting.com.[17]

2010s

From Dusk Till Dawn 4

In December 2010, the production of a fourth From Dusk till Dawn film was in the planning stages,[18] but further work on this possibility has not been revealed. In November 2013, it was reported that From Dusk till Dawn: The Series had begun production, without any further mention of the film.[19]

Fire and Ice remake

In 2010, Rodriquez had plans to make a live-action remake of the 1983 cult classic Fire and Ice, originally directed by Ralph Bakshi.[20] Despite wanting no involvement in the remake, Bakshi agreed to license the rights to Rodriguez.[21] The deal closed shortly after the death of Fire and Ice's concept artist Frank Frazetta. By December 2014, Sony Pictures Entertainment acquired the rights to make the remake, with Rodriguez still attached to direct the film.[22]

Heavy Metal remake

In July 2011, Rodriguez announced at the Comic-Con that he had purchased the film rights to Heavy Metal and planned to develop a new animated film at the new Quick Draw Studios.[23] On March 11, 2014, with the formation of his very own television network, El Rey, Rodriguez considered switching gears and bringing it to TV.[24]

Spy Kids 5

Dimension Films had announced the fifth installment in the Spy Kids series following Spy Kids: All the Time in the World. It was under talks to have the original cast expected to return. However, the film was permanently delayed from its intended 2012 production,[25] as the film's stars Rowan Blanchard and Mason Cook, who are no longer kids, were both committing to current projects (Girl Meets World and Speechless respectively), and the planned sequel got cancelled as a result. On June 16, 2016, Netflix and The Weinstein Company announced an animated CGI reboot of the Spy Kids film series titled Spy Kids: Mission Critical, which was released in 2018.[26]

Machete Kills Again

At the end of the first film's theatrical version, two sequels are mentioned, Machete Kills and Machete Kills Again. The trailer for the third film titled, Machete Kills Again... In Space,[27] precedes the second film as a "Coming Attraction".[28][29] In 2015, Trejo told Halloween Daily News that the third film is happening.[30] Machete Kills grossed a worldwide total of $15 million, on a budget of $20 million, making a sequel unlikely.[31][32]

Sin City 3

Wallace is set to appear in Sin City 3, to be directed by Robert Rodriguez and Frank Miller. Rodriguez has said he wants Johnny Depp to play the part. Depp was originally supposed to play the part of Benicio del Toro's Jack "Jackie Boy" Rafferty. However, filming of Sin City conflicted with that of Depp's movies. Depp has expressed great interest in being a part of the Sin City franchise.[33] Frank Miller revealed at the 2014 Comic-Con that he and director Robert Rodriguez have had discussions about a potential third Sin City film.[34] Miller said at the event, "So you better show up for number two, or they won't pay for it".[34] Sin City: A Dame to Kill For grossed a worldwide total of $39.4 million, against a production budget of $65 million, making a sequel unlikely.[35]

Escape from New York remake

In March 2017, it was announced that Rodriguez will direct the remake of the 1981 dystopian sci-fi action film Escape from New York, with the original's director Carpenter producing.[36] In February 2019, new development surfaced when Leigh Whannell and Luther creator Neil Cross were hired by 20th Century Fox to write a new script.[37]

UglyDolls

On March 28, 2017, Rodriguez signed on to direct, write, and produce the film UglyDolls.[38] He was replaced by Kelly Asbury, after Rodriguez left production to focus on Alita: Battle Angel.

Alita: Battle Angel 2

James Cameron and Rodriguez have hinted that Alita: Battle Angel could lead to multiple sequels.[39] On February 6, 2019, they announced that they have plans for Alita: Battle Angel 2 in the future. The casting of Edward Norton in a non-speaking role as Nova in this film was intended to be a setup for the sequel.[40] Additionally, the uncredited cameos by Michelle Rodriguez and Jai Courtney were meant to set up larger roles in a sequel.[41] In July 2019, Salazar urged fans to buy the film on physical media and expressed her hope that a sequel would be made.[42]

In an interview with BBC Radio 1, Cameron explained the reason for rearranging the film title from the initial source material, allowing the possibilities of sequel titles, "It's Alita, colon, Battle Angel. Because the next one will be "Alita: Fallen Angel" and then Alita... you know "Avenging Angel" and then Alita whatever. I mean, that's assuming we make some money".[43]

On December 2, 2019, John Landau, discussing the possibility of the sequel in an interview with CinemaBlend, said the following: "What I think the Alita Army should do is keep peppering our family now at Disney and [let them know] how important it is to have another Alita movie and hopefully we'll venture there one day."[44]

The film is listed with losses as high as $53 million, making a sequel unlikely.[45]

References

  1. ^ "Robert Rodriguez Talks Madman Movie". Superhero Hype. January 16, 2004. Retrieved June 24, 2019.
  2. ^ Stax (January 30, 2007). "Allred Talks 'Madman' Movie". IGN. Retrieved June 24, 2019.
  3. ^ "Predators First Look". IGN. News Corporation. 2010-03-15. Retrieved 2010-05-22.
  4. ^ a b "AICN Exclusive: Nimród Antal is directing PREDATORS". Aintitcool.com. 2009-07-01. Retrieved 2010-03-20.
  5. ^ Boucher, Geoff (2009-07-08). "Robert Rodriguez has a 'crazy, intense' script for his 'Predator' revival | Hero Complex". Los Angeles Times blogs. Retrieved 2010-07-14.
  6. ^ "AICN Exclusive: Robert Rodriguez answers some questions about PREDATORS!!!". Aintitcool.com. 2009-04-24. Retrieved 2009-12-24.
  7. ^ "Nimród Antal to Direct Predators? | /Film". Slashfilm.com. 2009-06-23. Retrieved 2009-12-24.
  8. ^ "Rodriguez to direct 'Barbarella'". Hollywoodreporter.com. May 22, 2007. Archived from the original on October 11, 2007. Retrieved April 24, 2009.
  9. ^ "G4 – The Feed – Dawson Talks 'Occult' on Comic-Con LIVE". G4tv.com. July 24, 2007. Retrieved April 24, 2009.
  10. ^ "Rodriguez and McGowan Team for Red Sonja – Superhero Hype!". Superhero Hype!. Retrieved April 24, 2009.
  11. ^ "shopping around Woman in Chains!". Collider.com. May 28, 2008. Retrieved April 24, 2009.
  12. ^ Sciretta, Peter (December 18, 2006). "Rodriguez talks Grindhouse Sequel". Slash Film. Archived from the original on July 13, 2009. Retrieved May 12, 2009.
  13. ^ Sciretta, Peter (March 29, 2007). "Tarantino Plans Kung Fu Grindhouse Sequel". Slash Film. Archived from the original on September 30, 2007. Retrieved May 12, 2009.
  14. ^ Yamato, Jen (April 7, 2007). "Edgar Wright's "Don't" Trailer Could Be "Grindhouse 2"". Rotten Tomatoes. Archived from the original on May 27, 2008. Retrieved May 12, 2009.
  15. ^ RT-News (May 4, 2007). "Roth Wants Full Length "Thanksgiving" for "Grindhouse 3"". Rotten Tomatoes. Archived from the original on June 5, 2007. Retrieved May 12, 2009.
  16. ^ "'Crazy Babysitter Twins' Return to the Big Screen... Twice! – Bloody Disgusting". www.bloody-disgusting.com.
  17. ^ "Babysitter Twins Take Over in 'Grindhouse 2'". Bloody Disgusting. July 24, 2007. Retrieved May 12, 2009.
  18. ^ Block, Alex Ben (December 16, 2010). "Weinstein Co., Miramax Ink Deal to Produce Movie Sequels". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2012-03-05.
  19. ^ Hunter, Craig (17 November 2013). "T2's Robert Patrick & More Join 'From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series'". TheHollywoodNews.com. Retrieved 15 January 2014.
  20. ^ Knowles, Harry (May 19, 2010). "A family friendly Machete? What do you mean no race war? & A secret Frazetta project?? Exclusive Robert Rodriguez interview!!". Ain't It Cool News. Retrieved December 3, 2019.
  21. ^ Ashby, Devon (March 14, 2012). "The God's Truth: An Interview With Ralph Bakshi (Part 2)". Crave Online. Retrieved December 3, 2019.
  22. ^ Fleming, Mike (December 18, 2014). "Sony Pictures Acquires Robert Rodriguez & His Frank Franzetta Homage 'Fire And Ice'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved December 3, 2019.
  23. ^ "SDCC: Robert Rodriguez Takes Heavy Metal". comingsoon.net. July 21, 2011. Retrieved November 26, 2011.
  24. ^ "Robert Rodriguez May Bring 'Heavy Metal' to TV; Prepared to Make 'Sin City 3'". screenrant.com. March 11, 2014. Retrieved July 19, 2014.
  25. ^ "Dimension Films Announces Production Of Spy Kids 5 In 5D". The MQ. September 21, 2004. Archived from the original on October 2, 2011. Retrieved August 26, 2016.
  26. ^ Brian Steinberg (June 16, 2016). "Netflix Readies Animated 'Spy Kids,' 'Llama Llama' Series (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved December 8, 2016.
  27. ^ Robert Rodriguez Tells Vulture About Machete in Space, Sin City 2, and Fire and Ice
  28. ^ "'Comic-Con 2011: Robert Rodriguez Updates on MACHETE Sequels and SIN CITY 2; Announces HEAVY METAL Remake'". Collider. 2011.
  29. ^ ""Robert" Rodriguez's next projects: sin city 2, heavy Metal, frank Frazetta... and machete in space!'". io9. 2011.
  30. ^ Artz, Matt (April 2, 2015). "Danny Trejo Confirms 'Machete Kills In Space' Filming This Year [Exclusive]". Halloween Daily News.
  31. ^ Scott Mendelson (August 10, 2013). "Review: 'Machete Kills' Fires Blanks". Forbes. Retrieved March 6, 2014.
  32. ^ "Machete Kills (2013)". Box Office Mojo.
  33. ^ "Depp, Banderas To Call 'Sin City' Home? Rodriguez, Dawson Talk Sequels". MTV News. Retrieved 29 December 2014.
  34. ^ a b "Sin City 3 Is Already In The Works". CINEMABLEND. 2014-07-26. Retrieved 2018-03-27.
  35. ^ "Frank Miller's Sin City: A Dame to Kill For (2014) - Box Office Mojo". Retrieved December 7, 2019.
  36. ^ Fleming Jr., Mike (March 24, 2017). "Robert Rodriguez To Direct 'Escape From New York'". Deadline Hollywood. Penske Media Corporation. Retrieved March 28, 2019.
  37. ^ Kit, Borys (February 1, 2019). "Leigh Whannell to Tackle 'Escape From New York' Remake for Fox". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved March 28, 2019.
  38. ^ Khatchatourian, Maane (March 28, 2017). "Robert Rodriguez to Direct 'Ugly Dolls' Animated Film for STX". Variety. Retrieved August 16, 2017.
  39. ^ Cotter, Padraig (April 28, 2018). "Battle Angel 2 Details". Screenrant. Retrieved February 8, 2019.
  40. ^ Armitage, Hugh (February 6, 2019). "Alita: Battle Angel plans for the sequel in the Future". Digital Spy. Retrieved February 6, 2019.
  41. ^ "Exclusive: Robert Rodriguez on Those Big Alita Cameos & Sequels". ComingSoon.net. 18 February 2019.
  42. ^ Sharf, Zack (29 July 2019). "Rosa Salazar Urges 'Alita' Fans to Show Disney There's Demand for Sequel: 'Buy Those Blu-rays'". IndieWire.
  43. ^ "They Crushed it!" James Cameron on how Team Avatar built Alita: Battle Angel. BBC Radio 1. February 8, 2019. Retrieved May 5, 2019 – via Youtube.
  44. ^ "Alita: Battle Angel's Producer Reveals How Fans Can Help Make Alita 2 Happen". CinemaBlend. 3 December 2019.
  45. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (November 2, 2019). "'How 'Terminator: Dark Fate' Conked Out With $27M+ & Why 'The Irishman' Is Not A Missed Strategic Opportunity – Box Office". Deadline. Retrieved November 2, 2019.
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