During his career, Steven Spielberg has directed a variety of films spanning different genres. He also considered filming several projects that ultimately did not come to fruition. Some of these unrealized films are presented in this article.
“Flushed with Pride: The Story of Thomas Crapper”
This film was supposed to be a satirical biography of Thomas Crapper, the alleged inventor of the flushing toilet (which, however, is not true). Steven Spielberg approached screenwriters Gloria Katz and Willard Huyck, but the film never materialized due to various issues.
“Close Encounters of the Third Kind 2”
In 1977, Steven Spielberg contemplated a sequel to his famous film. However, he later concluded that he lacked the necessary knowledge about the secretive UFO research. Still, he did not want the film to be made without his supervision.
“E.T. II: Nocturnal Fears”
In 1982, Steven Spielberg asked Melissa Mathison to write a script for a sequel to the film E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982). The film was supposed to be about the abduction of Elliott Taylor and his friends by evil aliens and their attempts to seek help from E.T. However, Steven Spielberg was concerned about potentially tarnishing the legacy of the original film.
“Blackhawk”
In the 1980s, Steven Spielberg aimed to create a film adaptation of the comic “Blackhawk,” with Dan Aykroyd set to portray the titular hero. Although the film never came to fruition, in April 2018, new rumors emerged about Spielberg’s involvement in a Blackhawk film.
“The Talisman”
Steven Spielberg made several attempts to adapt the novel of the same name by Stephen King and Peter Straub, having acquired the film rights with Universal Pictures. He also considered turning the novel into a miniseries for TNT.
“The Curse of Monkey Island”
In 2000, Steven Spielberg planned to shoot an animated film based on the legendary game series “Monkey Island.” The original game’s creator, Steve Purcell, was set to collaborate on the film, which was to be produced by George Lucas.
“The Catcher in the Rye”
In 2003, reports surfaced about Steven Spielberg’s interest in directing the well-known novel “The Catcher in the Rye” written by J. D. Salinger, but he could not obtain the film rights.
“Harvey”
In 2009, Steven Spielberg announced the direction of a film adaptation of the play “Harvey” (writen by Mary Chase). Will Smith, Robert Downey Jr., and Tom Hanks were considered for the lead role, but due to issues with the casting, the project was eventually canceled.
Biography of Ulysses S. Grant
In May 2018, Steven Spielberg was in talks to direct a biographical film about Ulysses S. Grant, with Leonardo DiCaprio potentially playing Grant. However, this was the last reported update on the film.
These mentioned films represent only a part of those that the renowned director considered filming. It is also possible that he might revisit or rework some of these concepts in the future, which would undoubtedly be very interesting.
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