Francis Lawrence's unrealized projects explained

The following is a list of unproduced Francis Lawrence projects in roughly chronological order. During his long career, American filmmaker Francis Lawrence 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.

2000s

Sgt. Rock film

2010s

Harry Houdini biopic

On March 23, 2011, Lawrence was set to direct a biopic of Harry Houdini with Jimmy Miller producing and Columbia Pictures was set to distribute.[1]

The Odyssey film and sequel

On April 8, 2015, Lawrence was reported hired to direct a feature film adaptation of Homer’s poem The Odyssey with Hugh Jackman set to portray Odysseus, Peter Craig writing the screenplay, and Nina Jacobson producing through Color Force for Lionsgate Films, with the possibility of at least one sequel.[2] The project was ultimately canceled because of the critical and commercial failure of Gods of Egypt and Lawrence’s other commitments.[3]

The Last Duel

On July 10, 2015, it was announced that Lawrence was set to direct a film adaptation of Eric Jager's 2004 book for Studio 8, with Shaun Grant writing the screenplay.[4] The book was eventually adapted as The Last Duel by director Ridley Scott and screenwriters Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, and Nicole Holofcener, and released in theatres on October 15, 2021.[5] [6]

Q: A Love Story film

On August 20, 2015, Lawrence was set to produce the feature film adaptation of Evan Mandery’s novel Q: A Love Story with Matt Tolmach producing with Erwin Stoff through 3 Arts Entertainment and Pouya Shahbazian through New Leaf Literary and Media possibly for Lionsgate Films.[7]

Five Faces Of Maria

On November 14, 2017, it was announced that Lawrence would direct the World War I film Five Faces of Maria, about the life of soldier Maria Bochkareva and written by Gina Welch, for MakeReady, to be released by Entertainment One and Universal Pictures; Lawrence would also produce the film alongside Erwin Stoff.[8]

Conspiracy: Peter Thiel, Hulk Hogan, Gawker, and the Anatomy of Intrigue

On June 11, 2018, Lawrence was set to direct and produce Conspiracy: Peter Thiel, Hulk Hogan, Gawker, and the Anatomy of Intrigue, with Charles Randolph writing the screenplay and David A. Neuman producing the film.[9]

2020s

Vulcan's Hammer film

On November 8, 2021, Lawrence was set to direct the feature film adaptation of Philip K. Dick’s novel Vulcan's Hammer with Brian Oliver and Bradley Fischer producing through New Republic Pictures, Cameron MacConomy through Lawrence’s About:Blank and Isa Dick Hackett through Electric Shepherd Productions.[10]

Stalag-X film

On March 17, 2022, Lawrence was set to direct the feature film adaptation of Kevin J. Anderson & Steven L. Sears’ novel Stalag-X with Joy Wilkinson writing the script and Brian Oliver and Bradley Fischer producing through New Republic Pictures and Cameron MacConomy through Lawrence’s About:Blank.[11]

Untitled Sublime biopic

On September 15, 2022, it was announced that Lawrence had signed on to direct a biographical film about the ska punk band Sublime for 3000 Pictures from a screenplay by Chris Mundy, with Lawrence's about:blank co-producing alongside Chernin Entertainment, Surfdog/DKM, and KHPS, with surviving band members Eric Wilson and Bud Gaugh, and Bradley Nowell's widow Troy Nowell and son Jakob Nowell, among the executive producers.[12]

Offers

Unbroken

On January 4, 2011, Lawrence was offered to direct the film adaptation of the biographical novel Unbroken, which Angelina Jolie would eventually direct.[13]

Notes and References

  1. News: Andrew. Stewart. Sony reviving Houdini pic with Lawrence. March 23, 2011. Variety. April 10, 2024.
  2. News: Dave McNary. 'Hunger Games' Team Developing Multiple 'Odyssey' Movies for Lionsgate. May 22, 2015. Variety. April 10, 2024.
  3. News: Lisa. Laman. Hugh Jackman's Sprawling Odyssey Franchise We Never Got to See. February 13, 2024. Collider. April 10, 2024.
  4. Web site: Fleming . Mike Jr. . July 10, 2015 . Studio 8 Sets Shaun Grant To Adapt 'The Last Duel' For 'Hunger Games' Helmer Francis Lawrence . June 11, 2024. Deadline Hollywood.
  5. Web site: Kroll . Justin . July 22, 2019 . Ridley Scott, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck and Nicole Holofcener Team on 'The Last Duel' . June 11, 2024. Deadline Hollywood.
  6. News: Rubin . Rebecca . July 23, 2020 . 'Star Wars' Films, 'Avatar' Sequels Pushed Back a Year in Disney Release Calendar Shakeup . June 11, 2024. Variety.
  7. News: Dave McNary. Lionsgate in Talks for 'Q: A Love Story' Movie Adaptation. August 20, 2015. Variety. April 10, 2024.
  8. Web site: November 14, 2017. Fleming. Mike Jr.. MakeReady Sets 'Five Faces Of Maria'; Francis Lawrence To Direct Epic WWI Tale. June 11, 2024. Deadline Hollywood.
  9. News: Dave McNary. 'Hunger Games' Director Francis Lawrence to Helm Hulk Hogan-Gawker Movie. June 11, 2018. Variety. April 10, 2024.
  10. News: Angelique. Jackson. Francis Lawrence to Adapt Philip K. Dick's 'Vulcan's Hammer' With New Republic and Electric Shepherd Productions. November 8, 2021. Variety. April 10, 2024.
  11. News: Anthony. D'Alessandro. Francis Lawrence To Direct 'Stalag-X' For New Republic Pictures, About:Blank Producing. March 17, 2022. Deadline Hollywood. April 10, 2024.
  12. Web site: September 15, 2022. Kroll. Justin. Sublime Biopic In The Works At 3000 Pictures With Francis Lawrence Directing. June 11, 2024. Deadline Hollywood.
  13. News: Mike. Fleming Jr.. Universal Buys Laura Hillenbrand WWII Bestseller 'Unbroken' For Francis Lawrence. January 4, 2011. Deadline Hollywood. April 10, 2024.