History DevelopmentHell / LiveActionFilms

* ''Film/NationalTreasure 3'' was stuck in this for almost 15 years. As of May 2020, the script has been finished and a Disney+ series was also in development. However, when said series, ''Series/NationalTreasureEdgeOfHistory'', came out to tepid fanfare in 2022, it was cancelled after its first and only season, and star Creator/NicholasCage has since stated that "there is no third National Treasure," effectively confirming that the series is now dead in the water.

* ''Film/NationalTreasure 3'' was stuck in this for almost 15 years. As of May 2020, the script has been finished and a Disney+ series is also in development. However, nothing else has been announced.

[[folder:Comic Book Adaptations -- DC]]
* A live-action adaptation of ''WesternAnimation/BatmanBeyond'' was among the projects considered before ''Film/BatmanBegins'' was green-lit. Rumors keep surfacing that the film is still trying to enter development. How many of these rumors are started by hopeful fans is another matter entirely. It was revealed in late 2022 that there were indeed plans to adapt the series as part of the Franchise/DCExtendedUniverse, with Creator/MichaelKeaton as Bruce and introducing Terry [=McGinnis=] as the new DCEU Batman, with a screenplay by Christina Hodson. However, when Creator/JamesGunn was given total control over DC Films, Hodson was told to stop all work on the film as part of a company-wide restructuring, putting it back in the grave.
* The Franchise/DCExtendedUniverse had several of its post-''Film/JusticeLeague2017'' projects have difficulty getting off the ground. Many of these projects were intended to be springboarded from ''Film/BatmanVSupermanDawnOfJustice'' and ''Justice League'', only to be shelved after producers got cold feet due to the mixed-to-negative reception of both films.
** A solo Batman movie, which would star Creator/BenAffleck as the titular character and Creator/JoeManganiello as Deathstroke, was planned to be released in 2020. Zack Snyder shot a lead-in for the project as the post-credits scene of ''Justice League'', which featured Lex Luthor hiring Deathstroke to take down Batman. However, following the massive creative rewrites within the franchise after ''JL'', the project kept continuously getting delayed, not helped by the fact that Affleck gave [[FlipFlopOfGod seemingly contradictory statements]] in interviews about whether or not he was still playing Batman. In 2017, Creator/MattReeves took over as director and discarded the script that Affleck co-wrote with Creator/ChrisTerrio and Creator/GeoffJohns. The film eventually morphed into ''Film/TheBatman2022'', a standalone film that has no connection with the DCEU whatsoever, starring Creator/RobertPattinson as Batman instead of Affleck. The subsequent critical and commercial success of ''The Batman'', as well as the announcement of a ''ComicBook/TheBraveAndTheBold'' movie starring a recast Batman as part of Creator/JamesGunn's overhaul of the DC Universe following the release of ''Film/TheFlash2023'', have likely removed any remaining incentive the studio might have had to make the movie, even if one discounts Ben Affleck's disinterest.
** A second solo Superman film after ''Film/ManOfSteel'' was also one of the DCEU projects shelved after ''Justice League''[='=]s poor critical and commercial reception. For a while, it was rumored that Creator/MatthewVaughn or Creator/ChristopherMcquarrie would direct the film, and Creator/AmyAdams stated during a promotional tour for ''Film/{{Arrival}}'' that a screenplay had been written. Further shrouding the prospects of a ''Man of Steel'' sequel were reports that Creator/HenryCavill had abandoned the Superman role following a breakdown in contractual negotiations, his inability to cameo in ''[[Film/Shazam2019 SHAZAM!]]'', and his obligation to Netflix's ''Series/{{The Witcher|2019}}''. Not only that, but Vaughn announced in May 2019 that he had left the project, bringing the sequel's production back to square one. Later, in July 2019, [=McQuarrie=] confirmed on Twitter that he and Cavill had pitched a film (presumably prior to the contractual breakdown with the studio), but that it had been rejected, making prospects for the movie even more dire than they already were. Adding to the increasing unlikelihood of ''Man of Steel 2'' happening anytime soon was the news that WB was interested in pursuing a ''ComicBook/{{Supergirl}}'' movie without Henry Cavill's involvement. Even when news broke in late May 2020 that Cavill had entered talks to reprise his role, outlets like ''Deadline'' and ''Variety'' cautioned that the studio was more interested in having the Superman character appear in ''other'' movies and team-ups (similar to the Hulk's current status in the MCU), and that ''Man of Steel 2'' was still not being developed. Then, in February 2021, it was announced that WB was instead pursuing a Superman ContinuityReboot written by Creator/TaNehisiCoates and produced by Creator/JJAbrams... and that project also entered development hell. In late 2022, Cavill returned for a cameo in ''Film/BlackAdam2022'', leading to speculation that ''Man of Steel 2'' might finally be back in production. However, despite Steven Knight being attached to write a treatment, these hopes were dashed when not only did Cavill announce that he would not return as Superman, but new DC Films head Creator/JamesGunn also confirmed ''Man of Steel 2'' would not be moving forward, with the new Superman movie instead being a ContinuityReboot called ''Superman: Legacy'' that would ultimately see Creator/DavidCorenswet replace Cavill in the title role.
** ''Film/{{The Flash|2023}}'' has a long and storied history:
*** ''Film/BladeTrinity'' director David Goyer was hired to write and direct ''The Flash'' in 2004 due to the studio liking his screenplay for ''Film/BatmanBegins'', with Goyer claiming Creator/RyanReynolds was his choice to play Wally West. However, Goyer left the project in 2007 due to creative differences, and Creator/ShawnLevy was initially tapped as his replacement before leaving due to scheduling conflicts with the ''Film/NightAtTheMuseum'' sequel. A new ''Flash'' film, this time conceived as a SpinOff of Creator/GeorgeMiller's ''Script/JusticeLeagueMortal'' with Dave Dobkin directing, was announced in 2007, only to fall apart due to the 2007-2008 Writers Guild strike, as well as ''Mortal'' failing to materialize. Creator/GeoffJohns wrote a ''Flash'' film treatment for producer Charles Roven in 2009, but again, nothing ultimately came of this. Creator/GregBerlanti, Michael Green, and Marc Guggenheim were hired to write a ''Flash'' screenplay in late 2010, but the failure of ''Film/GreenLantern2011'' the following year forced WB to rethink its plans for future DC movies.
*** Once the studio decided on creating [[Franchise/DCExtendedUniverse its own shared universe]] due to the success of the MCU, ''The Flash'' was said to be in the works for a tentative 2016 release, and was officially announced with a March 2018 release date in late 2014, with Creator/EzraMiller tapped to star as the title character. The movie subsequently went through a tumultuous turnover of directors and writers regarding the direction of the film and the change in the franchise's plans after ''Film/BatmanVSupermanDawnOfJustice'' opened to negative reviews and underperformed at the box office. Seth Grahame-Smith (writer of ''Film/AbrahamLincolnVampireHunter'' and ''Film/PrideAndPrejudiceAndZombies'') was originally hired as the director before being replaced by Rick Famuyiwa (director of ''Film/{{Dope}}''), who later dropped out over creative differences, leading to Warner Bros. settling on John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein (writers of ''Film/SpiderManHomecoming'' and directors of ''Film/GameNight''). However, production was repeatedly delayed due to Miller's commitment to the ''Film/FantasticBeasts'' series. Furthermore, Miller's dissatisfaction with the LighterAndSofter approach by Daley and Goldstein led to him rewriting the script with aid of Creator/GrantMorrison to make it DarkerAndEdgier. Daley and Goldstein would later drop out with [[Creator/AndresMuschietti Andy Muschietti]]of ''Film/IT2017'' fame signing on to direct in July 2019 while the studio rejected Miller's rewrite and instead hired Christina Hodson (''Film/BirdsOfPrey2020'') to draft a new script. Progress had been made throughout 2020, including some casting (most notably the addition of Creator/MichaelKeaton as Batman) but production got delayed due to COVID-19 related delays to the third ''Fantastic Beasts '' film. However, things got back on track in 2021, with Creator/SashaCalle joining the cast as ComicBook/{{Supergirl}} and filming ''finally'' officially starting in Spring of that year.
** In 2014, a ''ComicBook/{{Cyborg}}'' SpinOff was announced as part of the DCEU's first slate of films, with a tentative April 2020 release date. Absolutely no progress has been reported since then, while other movies announced several years later have either entered production or at least had scripts and directors attached. In 2018, actor Creator/RayFisher even said at a convention that he hadn't heard anything about ''Cyborg'' happening anytime soon. In the meantime, Warner Bros. decided to introduce a new version of Cyborg in ''Series/DoomPatrol2019'', which itself isn't set in the DCEU. Further complicating matters is that Fisher was dropped from the ''Flash'' movie after publicly vowing not to work with DC Films president Walter Hamada (whom he accused of covering up abuse that occurred during the ''Justice League'' reshoots), likely meaning that any remaining sliver of hope for a ''Cyborg'' solo movie is now dead.
** A ''Justice League'' sequel was also originally announced for 2019, but was later shelved. Originally intended to be directed by Creator/ZackSnyder, the sequel was to be DarkerAndEdgier than its predecessor and follow up on [[SequelHook Sequel Hooks]] present in ''Film/BatmanVSupermanDawnOfJustice'', with a LegionOfDoom consisting of Lex Luthor, Black Manta, Ocean Master, Doctor Poison, ComicBook/TheRiddler (intended to be introduced in the aforementioned Ben Affleck ''Batman'' movie) and Captain Cold (intended to be introduced in the ''Flash'' movie) appearing as the villains. A combination of studio execs getting cold feet following the negative reaction to ''Batman v Superman'', them scrapping Snyder's plans for the original ''Justice League'' movie (with Creator/JossWhedon heavily rewriting and altering the film), Snyder leaving the franchise following a family tragedy and possibly frustrations with WB, and ''Justice League'' ultimately flopping at the box office, led to the studio abandoning plans for a sequel, at least for now. This subsequently created a bit of an awkward situation when [[Film/ZackSnydersJusticeLeague Snyder's cut of the film]] was officially released in 2021, as it contains blatant teases for a hypothetical sequel and that the studio has specifically said it does not intend to actually make.[[note]]Warner Bros. CEO Ann Sarnoff publicly stated in 2021 that the studio views ''Zack Snyder's Justice League'' as the end of Snyder's arc, and Snyder himself subsequently admitted in a livestream that he is doubtful that WB will make his two planned sequels.[[/note]]
** A ''ComicBook/GreenLantern Corps'' movie was announced as part of the first slate of DCEU movies back in 2016, with a planned 2020 release date. In contrast to the [[Film/GreenLantern2011 2011 film]], the reboot was said to be a ''Film/LethalWeapon''-style [[BuddyCopShow Buddy Cop Movie]] that would see veteran GL Hal Jordan mentoring John Stewart, the Corps' newest recruit. David Goyer and Justin Rhodes were announced as the movie's writers, with the GL Corps itself teased in ''Justice League'' (which showed a past Green Lantern fighting against Steppenwolf's army during a {{Flashback}} sequence). Following the failure of ''Justice League'' and the subsequent overhaul of the DCEU, Goyer and Rhodes presumably exited the project, as it was later reported that Creator/GeoffJohns had been hired to rewrite the script. There's been no update on the project since then, and the subsequent announcement of a big-budget ''Green Lantern'' TV series for the Creator/HBOMax streaming service has cast doubts as to whether WB still intends to do a movie. The original premise of a Stewart/Jordan team-up would eventually be used for the HBO Max series ''Lanterns'' as part of Creator/JamesGunn's reboot of the DC Universe.
** A ''ComicBook/JusticeLeagueDark'' movie had been in various stages of production since 2013, with Creator/GuillermoDelToro attached to write and direct. In 2015, it was announced that Creator/DougLiman was attached to direct the film, with del Toro producing. Liman eventually left the project to focus on ''Film/ChaosWalking2021'', and, despite the title officially being announced at San Diego Comic-Con 2017, no further movement has been mentioned since then. The above-mentioned failure of the ''Justice League'' movie likely contributed to the studio being cagey about the chances of a SpinOff. In 2020, it was announced that instead of a film, Creator/JJAbrams would be producing a ''Justice League Dark'' TV series for the Creator/HBOMax streaming service. However, the future of ''that'' project was later thrown into question when it was announced that the studio would be moving forward with a sequel to the Creator/KeanuReeves ''Film/{{Constantine}}'' movie.
** Several {{Spin Off}}s of ''Film/SuicideSquad2016'' were planned, but never came to fruition:
*** A ComicBook/TheJoker[=/=][[Characters/HarleyQuinnTheCharacter Harley Quinn]] movie was announced in 2017, with Creator/JaredLeto and Creator/MargotRobbie reprising their roles as the respective characters, and ''Series/ThisIsUs''' Glenn Ficarra and John Requa attached to write and direct. Described as a BlackComedy "criminal love story," the directors hoped to enlist Series/DrPhil for a cameo in the opening scene, which would see him kidnapped by Joker and Harley as part of a ploy to fix their toxic relationship. After an update in 2018, nothing more was heard about the project.
*** Leto was also tapped to star in a solo ''Joker'' movie, unrelated to Creator/JoaquinPhoenix's own ''Film/{{Joker}}'' film. Though it was said the studio was searching for a writer, nothing more was ever heard about the film. Like the Joker/Harley project, it's believed that the general unpopularity of Leto's Joker with audiences and critics contributed to these projects falling by the wayside.
*** Margot Robbie was also attached to a ''ComicBook/GothamCitySirens'' adaptation co-starring ComicBook/PoisonIvy and Characters/{{Catwoman}}, with ''Suicide Squad'''s Creator/DavidAyer supposedly returning to direct. The film was shelved in favor of Robbie's ''Film/BirdsOfPrey2020'' movie.
** A ''ComicBook/{{Nightwing}}'' SpinOff was reported to be in development in 2017, with ''WesternAnimation/TheLegoBatmanMovie'''s Chris [=McKay=] attached to direct. Despite [=McKay=] publicly talking about his plans for the movie in interviews, the project stalled out after a while, with no real updates having been released in quite some time. It is believed that the uncertain future of the Batman franchise following the backlash to the initial DCEU films, as well as Ben Affleck's departure from the DCEU, has placed the project on ice indefinitely.
** Creator/AvaDuVernay was attached in March 2018 to direct a ''ComicBook/NewGods'' movie, which would've expanded on ComicBook/{{Darkseid}}'s role in the DCEU and introduce characters such as Orion. It was announced in April 2021 that ''New Gods'' was one of the films from the previous regime that was no longer moving forward, with the other being a horror-focused ''Trench'' SpinOff from ''Aquaman'' director Creator/JamesWan, which would've seen Creator/YahyaAbdulMateenII reprise his role as Black Manta.
** A third ''ComicBook/WonderWoman'' movie was initially stated to be in development, with Creator/PattyJenkins returning to direct. In late 2022, it was announced that the project had been shelved after Jenkins parted ways with the studio over CreativeDifferences.
** The studio was said to be working on a ''ComicBook/PlasticMan'' movie in late 2018, with Amanda Idoko writing the script. Aside from some articles in 2020 claiming that the project was being reworked to star a [[GenderFlip female lead]], there have been no further updates.
** The new slate launched from ''Film/TheFlash2023'' was originally supposed to culminate in an adaptation of ''ComicBook/CrisisOnInfiniteEarths''. However, the project was shelved, if not killed entirely, when Walter Hamada exited his role as the head of DC Films and was replaced by James Gunn and Peter Safran.
** A ''Film/BirdsOfPrey2020'' SpinOff about Comicbook/BlackCanary was announced in 2021 as part of DC's new initiative to create lower budget films for Creator/HBOMax, which also included ''Film/BlueBeetle2023'' and ''Batgirl''. Creator/JurneeSmollettBell was hired to reprise her role as Black Canary, with ''Series/LovecraftCountry'''s Creator/MishaGreen writing and directing. However, the film was thrown into chaos when new CEO David Zaslav cancelled the initiative the following year, which led to ''Blue Beetle'' instead being released theatrically and ''Batgirl'' being shelved outright. Despite claims that it was still in the works, the project's fate was seemingly confirmed when Green deleted all mentions of the movie from her social media accounts, which, combined with the news of the DCEU's impending reboot, led many to believe it had been cancelled.
** Another planned HBO Max project was a Wonder Twins movie starring Creator/KJApa as Zan and Creator/IsabelMay as Jayna, with ''Film/BlackAdam2022'''s Adam Sztykiel attached as the writer and director. Despite the film picking up steam after being announced, its cancellation was confirmed by the studio just a month after Apa and May were officially cast.
** In 2005, a ''Comicbook/{{Zatanna}}'' movie was said to be in the works, with ''Film/IcePrincess''' Hadley Davis writing the screenplay and Denise Di Novi producing. Nothing more was heard about the film beyond this, and the project was seemingly cancelled. In 2021, Creator/EmeraldFennell was hired to write a new Zatanna film as part of the DCEU, but this too ultimately went nowhere due to the behind-the-scenes shakeups at the studio, which ultimately led to the entire franchise being rebooted under James Gunn and Peter Safran.
* ''ComicBook/TheSandman''. Considering that the person interested in filming it was [[ExecutiveMeddling Jon]] [[GiantSpider Peters]], though, it may be fortunate that this film never got off the ground. One of the proposed scripts is available online. The script Creator/RogerAvary and the guys behind ''Franchise/PiratesOfTheCaribbean'' worked on was a pretty sweet blending of the first two collections and the "Endless gather again for the first time" scene from ''Season of Mists''. But then the script was sent in for rewrites under Jon Peters, and Creator/NeilGaiman called the script not only the worst ''Sandman'' script he'd seen, but one of the worst scripts he'd ever seen. In December 2013, the film adaptation was going into production with Warner Bros. Gaiman, David S. Goyer and Creator/JosephGordonLevitt (who was strongly rumored to direct and star as well) as producers and Jack Thorne was announced as the scriptwriter in February 2014. However, in March 2016, Levitt left the project, citing CreativeDifferences with Creator/NewLineCinema and Thorne went with him. Eric Heisserer was hired to fill in the screenwriter position, but he too left the project in November for similar reasons. [[http://www.indiewire.com/2016/11/sandman-neil-gaiman-adaptation-loses-writer-again-eric-heisserer-1201743813/ He stated]] that ''The Sandman'' would be a better fit as a TV series rather than a movie. The project was later retooled as a series for Creator/{{Netflix}}, with the service greenlighting it in July 2019 and [[Series/TheSandman2022 releasing it in 2022]].
** The film adaptation of ''ComicBook/TheSandman'' spin-off ''Death: The High Cost Of Living'' has also been in development hell for several years.
* ''Film/SupermanReturns'' would get a sequel, with the writers considering Brainiac and Bizarro as villains. After the first delay as director Bryan Singer went on to work on ''Film/{{Valkyrie}}'', setbacks like the 2007-08 writer's strike constantly pushed it back, Brandon Routh's contract expired in 2009, and Warner Bros. eventually opted to do a reboot in ''Film/ManOfSteel''.
* A live-action film of ''ComicBook/{{Transmetropolitan}}'' has been been in the early proposal/planning stages for over a decade now; spearheaded by long-time fan Creator/PatrickStewart, who is the fan-favorite to play Spider Jerusalem. At one point, an animated version was proposed, with Stewart voicing Jerusalem. Ellis and Robertson have indicated that they would like Creator/TimRoth to play the title role; but as of this time, no production has started on an adaptation.

[[folder:Comic Book Adaptations -- Marvel]]
* Similar to the cancelled/delayed ''Film/{{Batman v Superman|DawnOfJustice}}'' and ''Film/{{Justice League|2017}}'' SpinOff projects mentioned above, ''Film/TheAmazingSpiderMan2'' was originally meant to be the start of a shared Spider-Man Cinematic Universe from Sony. A number of projects were supposed to be spun out from there, but when it underperformed at the box office and received negative reviews from critics, many of these plans were cancelled or at least put on hold. Although it eventually led to ''Film/SonysSpidermanUniverse'', adapting the Webhead's villains even if without the hero himself, starting with ''Film/Venom2018'' and being followed by [[Film/VenomLetThereBeCarnage a Venom sequel]], ''Film/Morbius2022'', and ''Kraven the Hunter'' (2023).
** Most obviously, a third ''[[Film/TheAmazingSpiderManSeries Amazing Spider-Man]]'' was supposed to happen. The decision to do a complete ContinuityReboot set in the MCU, with Creator/TomHolland replacing Creator/AndrewGarfield as Spidey ultimately killed any chance of this happening. Garfield would reprise his role in ''Film/SpiderManNoWayHome''.
** ''Amazing Spider-Man 2'' also very heavily set up a [[VillainEpisode Sinister Six film]], to be directed by Drew Goddard. Despite the project ultimately stalling out, producer Amy Pascal said in 2018 that Sony was still interested in making it.
** There was an idea for a female-centered team movie that would've had Creator/EmmaStone returning to play an alternate universe version of Gwen Stacy as ComicBook/SpiderWoman (ironically predating the creation of ComicBook/SpiderGwen). ComicBook/SilverSable was also planned to appear as one of the main characters.
** Other ideas pitched included a ComicBook/SpiderMan2099 movie and a Kraven the Hunter {{Interquel}} set between the first two ''Amazing Spider-Man'' movies.
* The fourth ''ComicBook/{{Blade}}'' [[Film/BladeTrilogy film]] lapsed into this after the much-maligned ''[[Film/BladeTrinity Trinity]]'' failed to meet New Line Cinema's financial expectations and star Creator/WesleySnipes sued the studio and the film's director over being cut off the filmmaking processes and casting decisions. In 2008, [[RoleEndingMisdemeanor Snipes was sentenced to three years in prison]] for tax evasion, [[ScrewedByTheLawyers directly resulting in Marvel revoking the film license from New Line/Warner Bros]] [[FranchiseKiller and killing their franchise]] due to NLC/WB being deemed unable to produce a fourth film on time without Snipes. Ultimately, Marvel announced at San Diego Comic-Con 2019 that Blade would be rebooted into the Franchise/MarvelCinematicUniverse with Creator/MahershalaAli taking on the role.
** Ironically the rebooted film itself has also run into multiple delays. After the firing of the previous director, Ali was growing frustrated with how slow everything was moving, not to mention he hated the scriots and has allegedly threaten to walk away from the role. The film is currently being rewritten, and is in the process of looking for another director. Time will tell if Mahershala stays, or when the film will release.
* And then, of course, there's [[TroubledProduction the long and winding road]] to an ''[[Film/TheIncredibleHulk2008 Incredible Hulk]]'' sequel, which has been discussed for years. While some actors are under contract or willing to return for the sequel, Norton himself is not, and since ''The Avengers'' recast Creator/MarkRuffalo in the role, the chances of Norton returning are virtually nonexistent. Leterrier has gone back and forth on the decision but has stated that he's open to directing the sequel. But now Kevin Feige said in 2014 there are no plans for the movie to appear in Phase 3, and Feige has said, for now, Marvel would like to restrict the Hulk and other characters like ComicBook/{{Hawkeye}} to the Avengers franchise. [[FromBadtoWorse It only got worse in 2015]] when it was revealed that Marvel has to work out distribution rights issues with Creator/{{Universal}} before they can even consider doing another solo Hulk film. The film now seems very unlikely since Marvel used a proposed story arc for a Hulk sequel (which saw [[spoiler:the Hulk gradually becoming more intelligent until finally transforming into the Merged/"Professor" Hulk from Creator/PeterDavid's run in the 90s comics]]) as a subplot that ran through ''Film/ThorRagnarok'', ''Film/AvengersInfinityWar'' and ''Film/AvengersEndgame''.
* ''[[ComicBook/TheInhumans Inhumans]]'' was in the works as far back as 2011, with the film eventually announced as part of Marvel's Phase 3 slate for a November 2018 release date. Ike Perlmutter envisioned the Inhumans as a replacement for the X-Men, whose film rights still belonged to Fox at the time, and began aggressively pushing for the franchise to become the next big thing. As such, to help familiarize audiences with the brand ahead of the movie, Inhuman characters were introduced into the MCU during ''Series/AgentsOfSHIELD'''s second season, and also began popping up in other mediums like the ''WesternAnimation/AvengersAssemble'' cartoon and various video games. However, in 2016, the film was unexpectedly pulled from Marvel's slate for reasons that have never been publicly revealed. Even after [[Series/{{Inhumans}} an ill-fated TV series]] based on the franchise was announced, studio head Kevin Feige claimed that the movie was not cancelled and could still show up in Phase 4. Despite this, no further word was ever given on its status, and the eventual Phase 4 slate revealed in 2019 did not include ''The Inhumans''. Also not helping things is the fact that ''The Inhumans'' was the pet project of Ike Perlmutter, whom Feige is known to dislike, leading many to assume that the movie was placed in Development Hell as an act of spite. The eventual release of ''Film/{{Eternals}}'' (which covers similar territory), the return of the X-Men to Marvel and the premier of the live-action ''Series/{{Ms Marvel|2022}}'' Creator/DisneyPlus series (which was overseen by Feige instead of Perlmutter) have seemingly made the project's revival even less likely. To further push the nail in the coffin, the ''Ms. Marvel'' show made her a [[Franchise/{{XMen}} Mutant]] instead of an Inhuman.
* The proposed ''ComicBook/LukeCage'' film, canceled after Sony decided to return the rights to Marvel to focus more on their [[Film/TheAmazingSpiderManSeries rebooted]] ''ComicBook/SpiderMan'' series. Like with Daredevil, ''Series/{{Luke Cage|2016}}'' became a Netflix series.
* ''Toys/{{Micronauts}}'': In 1998, Annex Entertainment, Gribouille and Kaleidoscope Media Group considered the ''Micronauts'' toys for an animated series. The original plan for an animated series would have been in association with Marvel. That series would have been based on the Creator/MarvelComics [[ComicBook/MicronautsMarvelComics series]]. That project never got past a few conceptual illustrations. In 2012, Creator/JJAbrams announced that he was developing the Micronauts as a movie franchise for Creator/{{Paramount}}. However, Marvel is not involved, so fans are being warned that this will be a total reimagining as they are unable to use any of the characters, concepts, names and situations created by Creator/BillMantlo.
* A ComicBook/NickFury film written by Andrew Marlowe was announced way back in 2006 as part of the [[Franchise/MarvelCinematicUniverse MCU]]'s first slate of movies. As of 2014, no further developments have been made, and a ''Nick Fury'' TV series (named as ''Secret Invasion'' and serving as an adaptation of [[ComicBook/SecretInvasion a story of the same name]]) was instead announced in 2020 for the Creator/DisneyPlus streaming service.
* ''Film/{{The Punisher|2004}}'' sequel went through this for a while and was ultimately canceled, with a [[Film/PunisherWarZone reboot]] produced instead. Once the reboot bombed, Creator/LionsGate gave up and let the rights revert back to Marvel, who opted to introduce Punisher in ''Series/{{Daredevil|2015}}'' instead of doing another Punisher film yet. Owing to the amazing reception the Punisher received, a [[Series/ThePunisher2017 standalone Punisher series]] was greenlit for Netflix.
* Marvel had a script and had done some preliminary casting for a film based on the ''ComicBook/{{Runaways}}'' back in 2010, with Music/KekePalmer approached for a role (presumably Xavin). It was ultimately shelved in favor of putting the studios' energies into ''Film/{{The Avengers|2012}}''. In 2013, the scriptwriter was told that for the time being the film wasn't moving forward and reassigned to help Shane Black with ''Film/IronMan3'' instead. Ultimately, the comics were adapted into a [[Series/Runaways2017 Hulu-exclusive TV series]].
* ComicBook/SubMariner. Failed plans go as far back as 1997, though for the longest time the rights to the character were owned by Creator/UniversalPictures (with images of the character even being used in Ride/UniversalStudios) and out of Marvel's reach. As of late 2014, the rights have apparently reverted back to Marvel Studios, with hopes that the character could be introduced in the Marvel Cinematic Universe sometime in the future, though some contracts with other companies still need to be done with first, according to some Marvel representatives. Namor instead made his film debut in 2022's ''Film/BlackPantherWakandaForever''.
* The ''[[Film/XMenFilmSeries X-Men]]'' series has had many proposed film projects that never got off the ground:
** Fox originally planned a sub-series called ''X-Men Origins'' featuring prequels to characters from the original trilogy. After the first entry of the supposed series - ''Film/XMenOriginsWolverine'' - bombed, the idea was let gone. One film rumor was a ComicBook/{{Magneto}} prequel. Many postponements later, it became officially dead with the production of ''[[Film/XMenFirstClass First Class]]'', which covers much of the same ground (the ''Magneto'' writer even got [[BasedOnAGreatBigLie a story credit for ''First Class'' despite his script never even being touched by that film's crew]]).
** Plans for an ''ComicBook/XForce'' movie go back as far as 2013, with Jeff Wadlow being hired to write a script. Comic Book author Creator/MarkMillar who was brought in by Fox ascreative support expressed interest in developing a franchise around that movie. After nothing new came out for years, the success of ''Film/{{Deadpool|2016}}'' restarted interest in the movie, with Creator/RyanReynolds being confirmed to join the cast of an ''X-Force''-movie. The X-Force-creator Creator/RobLiefeld also stated he was involved in the movie in some capacity. ''Film/Deadpool2'' featured a version of the team, which led to a re-confirmation of the movie as a ''Deadpool''-spin-off. It was also confirmed Cable-actor Creator/JoshBrolin had a multiple-movie deal with Fox. However, after the Disney-Fox-merger all the plans were seemingly scrapped.
** Among many other related projects following ''First Class'', one that suffered the most in development hell was a solo ComicBook/{{Gambit}} film. Announced in 2014 with Creator/ChanningTatum attached and supposedly set for a 2016 release, it went through multiple directors (including Rupert Wyatt (''Film/DawnOfThePlanetOfTheApes''), Creator/DougLiman and Creator/GoreVerbinski) and release dates, with the film moving from 2016 to 2017, 2018 and, finally, February 2019. In May 2019, not long after Disney acquired Fox, the film, along with several other Marvel films planned by Fox, was removed from the release schedule, ensuring its death. Wyatt [[https://www.comicsbeat.com/rupert-wyatt-on-how-the-fantastic-four-movie-messed-up-his-gambit-plans/ added]] that a few months before production started, Fox slashed the budget following the failure of ''[[Film/FantasticFour2015 Fant4stic]]'', the first drawback in a neverending succession of them.
** Another project that never got a chance was a ComicBook/DoctorDoom film. During a convention panel, Creator/NoahHawley announced he was working on a script based on Doctor Doom that would be more political thriller than superhero. The Disney/Fox merger put the project on the back burner, and Hawley later confirmed the project was dead.
** Additionally, a ComicBook/KittyPryde film was said to be in the works back in early 2018, with Creator/BrianMichaelBendis writing the script and ''Film/{{Deadpool|2016}}'''s Tim Miller attached to direct. Like ''Gambit'' and ''Doctor Doom'', the project was seemingly killed by the Disney-Fox merger.
** In 2017, ComicBook/MultipleMan was announced, with Creator/JamesFranco and Simon Kinberg being involved in writing and producing. Due to the Disney/Fox merger, it can be assumed that it was canceled, as well as allegations against Franco harming his career.

[[folder:Comic Book Adaptations -- Other]]
* An adaptation of ''ComicBook/AfterlifeWithArchie'' has been discussed. ''Series/{{Riverdale}}'' was SavedFromDevelopmentHell; however, the film project hasn't been discussed since.
* The new adaptation of ''Film/TheCrow''. Nobody could agree on a script. Stephen Norrington (''Film/{{Blade}}'') eventually left the project. Then a lawsuit between Harvey Weinstein and Creator/RelativityMedia threatened the project again. Relativity won the suit and F. Javier Gutiérrez was named as director in January 2012. And after numerous actors leaving the project [[note]] Including Creator/BradleyCooper, Creator/TomHiddleston, Creator/LukeEvans and Jack Huston [[/note]] [[http://www.screendaily.com/news/the-crow-remake-suspended/5091129.article the film was halted for good around August 2015]] when the production company, Relativity Media, filed for bankruptcy and was forced to let 75 staff members go and halt any pre-production of ''The Crow'' at Pinewood Cardiff.
** As of Fall 2016, the film is once again set to enter production in January 2017, with Creator/JasonMomoa starring. However, both star and director left at the end of May 2018, sending the project back into Development Hell.
* ''ComicBook/{{Darkchylde}}'' has apparently been in the works since August 2007, but Website/{{IMDb}} lists its year of release as (???). Posters, trailers and stills from the set were released, and Creator/JohnCarpenter was slated to direct, but there has been no news since 2010.
* And, completing the oddly specific "movie adaptation of a horror-themed comic with a teenage female lead going nowhere" trifecta, there's been no news about the ''ComicBook/DeadAt17'' movie since a director was attached in 2010.
* An ''ComicBook/ElfQuest'' movie has been discussed for at least fifteen years, whether live-action, animated or CGI. In 2008, Warner Bros. turned down a film adaptation due to fear of competing with ''Film/TheHobbit''.
* ''ComicBook/HackSlash'' has been in development since the summer of 2006, and so far has ''nothing'' to show for it. Somewhat humorously, the Devil's Due ongoing featured "Slated to be a major motion picture by Rogue Studios!" prominently on the cover of its earliest issues; maybe don't advertise it until it's a done deal next time. The last news to come out for it was in February 2013.
* A third ''Film/{{Hellboy|2004}}'' was, unfortunately, a victim of this (along with Creator/GuillermoDelToro [[AttentionDeficitCreatorDisorder juggling so many projects that few of them came out]]), leading to instead [[Film/Hellboy2019 a badly received reboot]].
* A film adaptation of ''ComicBook/{{Irredeemable}}'' was announced to be in the works in 2016 with Adam [=McKay=] (''Film/{{Vice|2018}}'', ''Film/TheBigShort'') set to direct. As of 2019, no other news of progress has come out. Some wonder if ''Film/{{Brightburn}}'', a SpiritualAdaptation of sorts as both stories serve as a deconstruction of Superman, might've put it on hold.
* In 2015, Fox announced plans for a female-centric reboot of ''ComicBook/TheLeagueOfExtraordinaryGentlemen'', twelve years after [[Film/TheLeagueOfExtraordinaryGentlemen the 2003 film adaptation]] was met with disappointing critical and box office reception. Nothing has been heard of the project since then, and the studio's aforementioned merger with Disney in 2019 has made further development even more questionable.
* In 2015, [[Creator/TwentiethCenturyStudios 20th Century Fox]] announced a live-action adaptation of ''ComicBook/{{Lumberjanes}}''. Aside from Emily Carmichael (''Film/PacificRimUprising'') being attached to direct, the movie went years without any sort of updates or getting into production. Ultimately, the project was canceled in August 2019, being one of the many casualties of Creator/{{Disney}}'s purchase of 21st Century Fox, the parent company of 20th Century Fox (later renamed to 20th Century Studios). This wouldn't be the end of any ''Lumberjanes'' adaptations, however, as an animated TV series was greenlit for Creator/HBOMax in October 2020, with the comic's co-creator Creator/NDStevenson acting as showrunner. Time will tell if this adaptation will get off the ground, though.
* Creator/MarkMillar has a lot of announced adaptations, to the point of rivaling Creator/StanLee for having the most adaptations in comic book history. Some of them are taking a bit too long to get here, though:
** ''Film/{{Wanted}}'' was supposed to get a sequel, yet everyone involved got so busy (the director with ''Film/AbrahamLincolnVampireHunter'', the star with ''Film/XMenFirstClass'') that the producer has since said the movie "will not happen any time soon, if at all." Creator/JamesMcAvoy then admitted that while he is still interested, the time in development hell and the studio's struggles to find a suitable script are all red flags.
** The planned third and final installment of ''Film/KickAss'' has been up in the air considering the negative reception and poor box office returns of the sequel, and the fact that Hit-Girl's actress, Creator/ChloeGraceMoretz, said she was done with the character ain't helping much. However, despite all of that, Creator/MatthewVaughn is in talks of doing a Hit-Girl prequel and then the third ''Kick-Ass''.
** His religious comic ''ComicBook/AmericanJesus'' has been in talks of getting adapted to film ever since ''ComicBook/KickAss'' was getting press. The last we heard from it was [[http://www.comicbookmovie.com/fansites/JoshWildingNewsAndReviews/news/?a=52507 in 2012]], where Millar announced that in a few months he'll be able to say who his partners are.
*** It has been [[http://www.superherohype.com/news/372451-american-jesus-supercrooks announced that this along with Supercrooks]] will finally be made, but knowing his other movies and their updates, only time will tell.
** ''ComicBook/WarHeroes'', a comic that itself has been going through development hell, was announced in 2008 to be produced by Sony. [[ChirpingCrickets Then it all went silent from there]].
** An adaptation of the supervillain-centered comic ''ComicBook/{{Nemesis}}'' was to be directed by the late Creator/TonyScott and written by Joe Carnahan, but Scott left in 2012 to focus on ''Film/TopGunMaverick'', leaving Carnahan to fly solo on this one. There was a load of back-and-forth on whether it would get made at all, considering the rare status of a successful R-rated superhero film, much less a supervillain film, but considering the successes of ''Film/KingsmanTheSecretService'' and ''Film/{{Deadpool|2016}}'', and the growing [[CashCowFranchise interest of other Millar properties]], the likelihood of this story being adapted isn't too bleak looking, despite the studio change from Fox to Warner Bros. Millar has revealed in 2021 the script is still being worked around.
** An adaptation of ''ComicBook/{{Superior}}'', a comic about Simon Pooni, a 12 year old [[ObfuscatingDisability paraplegic who gains super powers]] by a demonic monkey, has been in Creator/MatthewVaughn's hand's since 2010 and has been teased in ''Film/KickAss2'', but still no movement.
** ''ComicBook/{{Supercrooks}}'', a comic that has been described by Millar as "A gang of super-villains decide to go and pull the biggest heist of their career in Spain because let's face it, there's no Captain Spain" has also had trouble getting out of here. What makes this more infuriating is that it has a director, [[Film/LosCronocrimenes Nacho Vigalondo]], that is extremely passionate about it and has even released [[http://www.slashfilm.com/watch-teaser-mark-millars-comic-supercrooks-directed-nacho-vigalando/ a trailer for the comic]], but no studio seems to want to give it a fair chance. Though there may still be hope considering producer Ken Kao (''Film/TheNiceGuys'', ''Film/{{Rampart}}'') has [[http://www.superherohype.com/news/372451-american-jesus-supercrooks announced that he would produce it]] along with ''American Jesus''. Then in 2019, it was announced by Creator/{{Netflix}} that ''Supercrooks'' would be adapted into, of all things, an {{anime}} series by Creator/StudioBones.
* Lionsgate announced in January 2020 a film adaptation of ''ComicBook/{{Memetic}}'', about a killer internet meme causing societal collapse, that was going to be co-produced by Creator/SethRogen. However, in real life not one but two plagues "went viral" that year, the COVID-19 pandemic and the [=QAnon=] conspiracy theory, and those were probably the reason no further mention of the film were ever made by anyone.
* The film adaptation to ''ComicBook/MouseGuard'' was picked up by Fox in 2016 and was ready to start shooting by May 2019 before it got caught up in the studio's merger with Creator/{{Disney}}. The new owners shut production down two weeks before filming was to begin as part of the studio's restructuring. Disney allowed the producers to shop the project elsewhere, but no one was interested, and director Wes Ball confirmed the project dead in June 2019.
* [[http://www.aintitcool.com/node/13385 This article]] (some NSFW pics) talks about the possibility of a ''Ranxerox'' film directed by Chris Cunningham. ''Ranxerox'' was an Italian comic book about a human-looking robot who is in a relationship with an underaged girl in a CrapsackWorld full of drugs and violence. [[AudienceAlienatingPremise You can guess why nothing was said anymore about the project.]]
* A new ''ComicBook/RedSonja'' film was announced, with a teaser poster announcing a 2009 release date. Since the 2011 ''Film/{{Conan the Barbarian|2011}}'' [[BoxOfficeBomb tanked at the box office]], the film has been on hold. The film supposedly had a new screenwriter as of 2015, then nothing more came out of it. Creator/BryanSinger was then announced to direct it in 2018, only to drop out of the project in 2019 as the sexual assault allegations against him intensified.
* The third ''ComicBook/SinCity'' film. After the first film's box office success, Creator/RobertRodriguez announced plans to film the next two installments back-to-back the following year. Creator/FrankMiller was working on a screenplay based on "A Dame to Kill For", with production expected to begin in the summer of 2006. Instead, Rodriguez made ''Film/{{Grindhouse}}'' with Creator/QuentinTarantino (who collaborated with him on the first ''Sin City''). Nothing more was said about the project until 2010 when Rodriguez announced that production would begin once he had completed work on ''Film/SpyKidsAllTheTimeInTheWorld''. Rodriguez [[http://specials.msn.com/A-List/Movies/Sin-City-2-announced.aspx?cp-documentid=29614653 announced]] at the 2011 [=ComicCon=] that ''Sin City 2'' was officially back on the table, and that he was working on "refining the script". Not only was the script refined, but it was also filmed - ''Film/SinCityADameToKillFor'' was released in 2014....to mixed reviews and tanked ''massively'' at the box office, meaning that the ''Sin City'' franchise was put into Development Hell yet again.
* The ''Film/{{Spawn|1997}}'' sequel. Creator/MichaelJaiWhite even expressed interest in reprising his role. As of 2012, plans seem to have all but faded. A ContinuityReboot starring Creator/JamieFoxx as Spawn was announced in 2018, but little else is known of when or if the film will begin production.
* ''ComicBook/{{Witchblade}}'' was in development not too long ago. It seems to have been scrapped in favor of a film about ''ComicBook/TheDarkness'', with Witchblade making a guest appearance. Although ''The Darkness'' seems to be in DevelopmentHell too, with no news about it for several years. In 2017, a reboot of the ''Series/{{Witchblade}}'' television series was announced.
* In early 2007, Creator/NewLineCinema bought the film rights for ''ComicBook/YTheLastMan''. The screenwriter got to work and the cameras were supposed to start rolling by Fall 2008. The script passed through many hands (even the comic's creator Creator/BrianKVaughan) but no one could crack compressing the story enough to fit into a movie's runtime while still staying true to the original series. Ultimately the director D.J. Caruso and his team pitched a trilogy to New Line (the first movie would have ended at issue #14) but were told it needed to be one movie. Caruso couldn't make it work and quit the project. By 2013, a new script that the studio felt was workable was written and then they hired a new director, aiming to shoot in 2014. However, the rights reverted back to Vaughan and co-creator Pia Guerra by the time it could start shooting. In 2015, Vaughan and Guerra optioned the rights for a show to debut on Creator/{{FX|Networks}} which was set to debut sometime in 2019 or 2020, over a decade after the rights were first sold. Then, in April 2019, it was reported that showrunners Aida Mashaka Croal and Michael Green had exited the project during pre-production due to CreativeDifferences. The show was significantly retooled after they left and the show supposed to start filming in Q1 of 2020 but got put on hold until that October due to the COVID-19 pandemic. [[Series/YTheLastMan2021 The series]] premiered in September 2021 but was canceled a month later.
* An adaptation of Creator/RobLiefeld's ''ComicBook/YoungbloodImageComics'' series has been in the works for years, with Creator/BrettRatner (''Film/XMenTheLastStand'') attached as the director, and talk of Creator/RobertPattinson starring as Shaft. As of 2014, Ratner confirmed that the film had been stalled thanks to copyright issues over the original source material. In 2018, it was announced that Creator/{{Netflix}} had secured the exclusive rights to Liefeld's Extreme universe and intended to build a [[SharedUniverse cinematic universe]] out of it, but the following year the deal fell apart.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Comic Strip Adaptations]]
* Creator/WarrenBeatty still insists that there's going to be a sequel to ''Film/DickTracy''. Not a reboot, not even a DistantSequel, but a normal sequel.
* A film adaptation of ''{{ComicStrip/Dilbert}}'' has been attempted by creator Scott Adams for years. His most recent efforts date back to at least 2014, where he has kept updates on his writing efforts on his personal blog. Sadly, such efforts may never get past the screenplay level. Controversial remarks made by Adams in early 2023, causing the strip's syndication to come to an abrupt end (and Adams rebooting it as a paywalled 'adult series'), likely killed its chances for good.
* ''ComicStrip/TheFamilyCircus'' was announced by Fox in 2010, but nothing about it has surfaced since its announcement, likely due to the lackluster performance of another comic strip adaptation from them that year, ''Film/{{Marmaduke}}''.
* A second ''ComicStrip/FlashGordon'' film was announced in 2010 at Fox, nearly 30 years after [[Film/FlashGordon1980 the 1980 film]] was released. The film went through several directors and script rewrites, but nothing came out of it for nearly a decade. In June 2019, Disney took over production of the film after acquiring Fox, retooling it into an animated film with Creator/TaikaWaititi (who, ironically, cited ''Flash Gordon'' as an inspiration for ''Film/ThorRagnarok'') in talks to write and direct.
* A ''ComicStrip/GetFuzzy'' film has been long rumored.
* ''ComicStrip/MandrakeTheMagician'', a film about the master illusionist [[https://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/jun/08/mandrake-the-magician-sacha-baron-cohen was announced back in 2016]] with Creator/SachaBaronCohen set to play Mandrake, a notable departure from his usual comedic roles. Nothing further has been announced since that time but as of July 2021, Warner Media has not formally canceled the production.
* ''[[ComicStrip/BloomCounty Opus: The Last Christmas]]'', which is dead, according to Berkeley Breathed.
[[/folder]]

* The ''Manga/{{Akira}}'' live-action film has been this for a long time, with Creator/WarnerBros acquiring the rights back in ''2002'', and more and more prospective producers passing on the project (Creator/LeonardoDiCaprio was once attached). Every other hot young actor in Hollywood has been considered for roles in the movie (notably, Creator/JosephGordonLevitt, Creator/ChrisEvans, Creator/GarrettHedlund, and Creator/KristenStewart). Jaume Collett-Serra (''Film/{{House of Wax|2005}}'', ''Film/JungleCruise'') was once attached to direct before the project was halted over budget concerns. Creator/GeorgeMiller has confirmed that he turned down an offer to direct. Currently, Creator/WarnerBros has Marco Ramirez (Creator/{{Netflix}}'s ''Series/{{Daredevil|2015}}'') attached to write with Creator/ChristopherNolan possibly involved in some way, and Creator/JustinLin, David Sandberg (''Film/LightsOut''), Creator/JordanPeele, and Creator/TaikaWaititi all in talks to direct, with the latter expressing the most interest. The film suffered yet another setback in July 2019 when negotiations with Waititi broke down over casting disputes (Waititi wanted lesser-known Asian actors playing the characters, while Warner Bros. pushed for [[StuntCasting big-name actors]]), resulting in Waititi signing on for ''Film/ThorLoveAndThunder'' and the film losing its planned 2021 release date. In an [[https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/daily-briefs/2019-10-19/taika-waititi-comments-briefly-on-status-of-live-action-akira-film/.152411 October 2019 interview]], Waititi said the film was still going to be made, but it would need to wait until production on ''Love and Thunder'' wraps.

* A film adaptation of ''Literature/EleanorAndPark'' was announced in 2014 to be produced by Creator/{{Dreamworks}} and the screenplay to be written by the author Creator/RainbowRowell. But in 2016, Rowell revealed that the film was no longer in development and she still had the rights. Then in 2019, she announced that the film was back, this time to be produced by Picturestart and Creator/BradPitt's production company, Plan B and she would still write the screenplay. In July of 2020, Rowell revealed that it was to be directed by the Japanese filmmaker Hikar and casting would be soon. As of October 2023, no cast news or anything related to the film has been announced.

* An adaptation of "Twisting My Melon", the autobiography of Shaun Ryder, lead singer of Music/HappyMondays has been in development since 2013, when Ryder himself announced that Creator/{{ITV}} were looking to adapt it, and he mentioned that Danny Brocklehurst was set to write the screenplay. By the end of the year, it was switched to a TV series and was formally announced by ITV. In 2019, NME reported that the idea went back to being a movie, with Matt Greenhalgh set to direct and Jack O'Connell announced to star as Shaun Ryder. Filming was planned for early 2020, but the UselfulNotes/COVID19Pandemic may have cancelled it. As of 2024, nothing has been heard of the project since.

* In 2006 it was announced that Creator/MartinScorsese would direct an adaptation of Edmund Morris's biography ''The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt'', written by Nicholas Meyer and starring Creator/LeonardoDiCaprio as Roosevelt. Ever since it's been on hiatus, with little evidence that the project ever developed beyond the idea stage. Scorsese put ''Rise'' on hold for other projects, before ultimately dropping out as director. Scorsese has said that he's interested in producing the film if someone else would direct, but as of yet, no one's taken him up on the offer.

* Sony Pictures' film adaptation of the 2005 UsefulNotes/PlayStation2 adventure game ''VideoGame/ShadowOfTheColossus'' has announced back in 2009. with Kevin Misher, producer of ''Film/TheScorpionKing'' and ''Film/TheInterpreter'', was at first negotiating to produce. On May 23, 2012, it was reported that ''Film/{{Chronicle}}'' director Creator/JoshTrank would be directing the film adaptation. On September 4, 2014, the film might finally move forward to become a reality as Variety reports that ''Film/{{Mama}}'' Creator/AndresMuschietti (who happens to be a fellow fan of the game) will be directing the film along with ''Hanna'' writer Seth Lochhead penning the script after Trank has dropped out in the wake ''Film/FantasticFour2015''. As of 2015, no cast or release date has been announced.

* In 2015, Creator/{{Lionsgate}} announced they had secured the rights to a live action adaptation of ''Manga/{{Naruto}}'', with Michael Gracey, director of ''Film/TheGreatestShowman'' signed on as director. There was no news on the production front until May of 2020, when a casting call became available. Nothing has been heard since that time. Gracey went on record during [[https://collider.com/naruto-movie-details-michael-gracey/ a 2018 interview]] that he wouldn't commit to a script unless ''Naruto'' creator Creator/MasashiKishimoto gave it his blessing.

* Another remake of ''Film/TheBlob1958'' has reportedly been in the works for years with Creator/SamuelLJackson in the lead role. it was rumored to come out in 2016 but 2016 came and went with no Blob movie.

* A film adaptation of ''Literature/ReadyPlayerTwo'' was announced after the book was released. Creator/StevenSpielberg is unsure if he'll return as he stated that ''Film/ReadyPlayerOne'' was the third hardest film he's ever made. Creator/OliviaCooke is also unsure about returning, stating she might be too old for her role by the time filming begins.

* An adaptation of Creator/RobLiefeld's ''ComicBook/{{Youngblood}}'' series has been in the works for years, with Creator/BrettRatner (''Film/XMenTheLastStand'') attached as the director, and talk of Creator/RobertPattinson starring as Shaft. As of 2014, Ratner confirmed that the film had been stalled thanks to copyright issues over the original source material. In 2018, it was announced that Creator/{{Netflix}} had secured the exclusive rights to Liefeld's Extreme universe and intended to build a [[SharedUniverse cinematic universe]] out of it, but the following year the deal fell apart.

* Another remake of ''Film/TheBlob1958'' has reportedly been in the works for years with Creator/SamuelLJackson in the lead role. it was rumored to come out in 2016 but 2016 came and went with no Blob movie
* ''The Brazilian Job'', the sequel to the 2003 remake of ''Film/TheItalianJob2003'' has been in the works since 2004 but was never finished due to the inability for the studio to agree on a finalized script. There have been rumors that a script was being considered in 2009, but nothing final. The project is currently still listed as being in development, but there's not even a projected year of release, so don't expect it anytime soon.

** Another planned HBO Max project was a ''Comicbook/WonderTwins'' movie starring Creator/KJApa as Zan and Creator/IsabelMay as Jayna, with ''Film/BlackAdam'''s Adam Sztykiel attached as the writer and director. Despite the film picking up steam after being announced, its cancellation was confirmed by the studio just a month after Apa and May were officially cast.

* An adaptation of ''Literature/TheBerenstainBears'' was dicussed at Creator/WaldenMedia for several years, but quickly stalled due to director Creator/ShawnLevy[='=]s other projects in the pipeline. After the film rights reverted back to the Berenstain estate in 2014, rumors began circulating in 2017 that Fox had picked up the rights. Unfortunately, they got picked up the moment Disney acquired the studio, leaving ''that'' iteration of the film in limbo as well.

** A ''Film/BirdsOfPrey'' SpinOff about Comicbook/BlackCanary was announced in 2021 as part of DC's new initiative to create lower budget films for Creator/HBOMax, which also included ''Film/BlueBeetle2023'' and ''Batgirl''. Creator/JurneeSmollettBell was hired to reprise her role as Black Canary, with ''Series/LovecraftCountry'''s Creator/MishaGreen writing and directing. However, the film was thrown into chaos when new CEO David Zaslav cancelled the initiative the following year, which led to ''Blue Beetle'' instead being released theatrically and ''Batgirl'' being shelved outright. Despite claims that it was still in the works, the project's fate was seemingly confirmed when Green deleted all mentions of the movie from her social media accounts, which, combined with the news of the DCEU's impending reboot, led many to believe it had been cancelled.

* In 2016, producer Jonathan Sothcott announced he had bought the rights to the ''Film/CarryOn'' franchise and would make a new set of films. Susequently, Brian Baker bought the rights in 2019 and announced he would be filming three new installments back-to-back, however production was hampered by the COVID-19 pandemic and the death of Barbara Windsor in 2020, and nothing has been heard of the projects since.

* The ''TabletopGame/{{Rifts}}'' movie. Creator/JerryBruckheimer picked up the right in 2004, and has been renewing the option every year, but doesn't seem to have done anything with it yet. Though, considering how other ''Rifts'' spin-offs (like the CCG and the N-Gage video game) went, this may not be a bad thing.

* The middling Italian parody movie ''Film/TheSilenceOfTheHams'' by comedian Ezio Greggio has near the end a poster for ''Jurassic Pork'', directed by... Ezio Greggio. It turned out that it wasn't just another one of the movie's many sight gags and parodies, but Greggio actually wanted to film it, and thus decided to promote it ahead of time. However, thanks to various pre-production problems, and the fact that in the meantime the even more mediocre spoof ''[[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicken_Park Chicken Park]]'' was released in Italy, ''Jurassic Pork'' ended up not being made.

* A live-action film based on ''WesternAnimation/TheJetsons'' has been in development hell for a very long time. Creator/{{Paramount}} purchased the rights to do one in 1985 but sold them to Creator/UniversalStudios a few years later. The result was the ''animated'' film, ''WesternAnimation/JetsonsTheMovie''. A live-action film was later discussed in 1995, but nothing happened. In 2001, Rob Minkoff was attached to direct a live-action ''Jetsons'' film, but in 2003, it was announced that its script was being reworked and Adam Shankman in talks to direct. In 2004, the script went through another rewrite with Sam Harper, and Shankman still attached to direct. It once again fizzled but was resurrected again in 2006 with Adam F. Goldberg now attached to write the screenplay and Robert motherfucking Rodriguez entering negotiations with Universal to direct a CGI film for a 2009 release, but the project stalled. In 2012, Music/KanyeWest, of all people, was rumored to be involved in a ''Jetsons'' film project in some way, though this was later confirmed to just be a preliminary idea. The film rights are now in Creator/WarnerBros' hands. In 2015, they announced that they planned on producing another animated ''Jetsons'' film with Matt Lieberman of WebVideo/SourceFed writing the script. Unfortunately, no live-action film is known to be in development at the moment.

** A ''Film/BirdsOfPrey'' SpinOff about Comicbook/BlackCanary was announced in 2021 as part of DC's new initiative to create lower budget DC films for Creator/HBOMax, which also included ''Film/BlueBeetle2023'' and ''Batgirl''. Creator/JurneeSmollettBell was hired to reprise her role as Black Canary, with ''Series/LovecraftCountry'''s Creator/MishaGreen writing and directing. However, the film was thrown into chaos when new CEO David Zaslav cancelled the initiative the following year, which led to ''Blue Beetle'' instead being released theatrically and ''Batgirl'' being shelved outright. Despite claims that it was still in the works, the project's fate was seemingly confirmed when Green deleted all mentions of the movie from her social media accounts, which, combined with the news of the DCEU's impending reboot, led many to believe it had been cancelled.

** A ''Film/BirdsOfPrey'' SpinOff about Comicbook/BlackCanary was announced in 2021 as part of DC's new initiative to create lower budget DC films for Creator/HBOMax, which also included ''Film/BlueBeetle2023'' and ''Batgirl''. Creator/JurneeSmollettBell was hired to reprise her role as Black Canary, with ''Series/LovecraftCountry'''s Creator/MishaGreen writing and directing. However, the film was thrown into chaos when new CEO Creator/DavidZaslav cancelled the initiative the following year, which led to ''Blue Beetle'' instead being released theatrically and ''Batgirl'' being shelved outright. Despite claims that it was still in the works, the project's fate was seemingly confirmed when Green deleted all mentions of the movie from her social media accounts, which, combined with the news of the DCEU's impending reboot, led many to believe it had been cancelled.

** A ''Film/BirdsOfPrey'' SpinOff about Comicbook/BlackCanary was announced in 2021 as part of DC's new initiative to create lower budget DC films for Creator/HBOMax, which also included ''Film/BlueBeetle2023'' and ''Batgirl''. Creator/JurneeSmollettBell was hired to reprise her role as Black Canary, with ''Series/LovecraftCountry'''s Creator/MishaGreen writing and directing. However, the film was thrown into chaos when new CEO David Zaslav cancelled the initiative the following year, which led to ''Blue Beetle'' instead being released theatrically and ''Batgirl'' being shelved outright. Despite claims that it was still in the works, the project's fate was seemingly confirmed when Green deleted all mentions of the movie from her social media accounts, which, combined with the news of the DCEU's impending reboot, led many to believe it had been cancelled.

** A ''Film/BirdsOfPrey'' SpinOff about Comicbook/BlackCanary was announced in 2021 as part of DC's new initiative to create lower budget DC films for Creator/HBOMax, which also included ''Film/BlueBeetle2023'' and ''Batgirl''. Creator/JurneeSmollettBell was hired to reprise her role as Black Canary, with ''Series/LovecraftCountry'''s Misha Green writing and directing. However, the film was thrown into chaos when new CEO David Zaslav cancelled the initiative the following year, which led to ''Blue Beetle'' instead being released theatrically and ''Batgirl'' being shelved outright. Despite claims that it was still in the works, the project's fate was seemingly confirmed when Green deleted all mentions of the movie from her social media accounts, which, combined with the news of the DCEU's impending reboot, led many to believe it had been cancelled.