During his long career, American film director and producer

Rob Reiner Robert Reiner (born March 6, 1947) is an American film director, producer, screenwriter, actor, and liberal activist. As an actor, Reiner first came to national prominence with the role of Michael Stivic, Mike "Meathead" Stivic on the CBS sitc ...

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.

1980s

''Singing Out Loud''

In a 1987 profile for ''

The New York Times ''The New York Times'' (''NYT'') is an American daily newspaper based in New York City. ''The New York Times'' covers domestic, national, and international news, and publishes opinion pieces, investigative reports, and reviews. As one of ...

'', one of Reiner's upcoming projects was revealed to be an original screen musical. "I'm collaborating with Bill Goldman on that," Reiner added. The project was actively developed as his next film from December 1990 to January 1991. Titled ''Singing Out Loud'', it originated from an idea conceived by Reiner.

Stephen Sondheim Stephen Joshua Sondheim (; March22, 1930November26, 2021) was an American composer and lyricist. Regarded as one of the most important figures in 20th-century musical theater, he is credited with reinventing the American musical. He received Lis ...

was to write the music, and

Castle Rock Entertainment Castle Rock Entertainment is an American independent film and television production company founded in 1987 by Martin Shafer, director Rob Reiner, Andrew Scheinman, Glenn Padnick (September 8, 1947 – February 27, 2025) and Alan Horn. Histo ...

was to produce, but it never materialized. Three of Sondheim's songs were recorded for audio CDs.

1990s

Untitled Angela Davis biopic

On February 22, 1993, it was reported that Reiner was set to produce and possibly direct Castle Rock's planned biopic of '60s radical

Angela Davis Angela Yvonne Davis (born January 26, 1944) is an American Marxist and feminist political activist, philosopher, academic, and author. She is Distinguished Professor Emerita of Feminist Studies and History of Consciousness at the University of ...

based on her autobiography, with

Lynn Whitfield Lynn Whitfield (''née'' Smith; born February 15, 1953) is an American actress. She began her acting career in television and theatre before progressing to supporting roles in film. She won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a ...

starring.

''Into the Woods''

In the mid-1990s, Reiner was preparing to direct an adaptation of the

musical ''

Into the Woods ''Into the Woods'' is a 1986 musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by James Lapine. The musical intertwines the plots of several Brothers Grimm fairy tales, exploring the consequences of the characters' wishes and quests. T ...

'', from a script by

Lowell Ganz Lowell Ganz (born August 31, 1948) is an American writer and producer. He is the long-time writing partner of Babaloo Mandel and has written for television, film, and theatre. Ganz grew up in a Jewish family in Queens, New York, attending Mar ...

and

Babaloo Mandel Marc "Babaloo" Mandel (born October 13, 1949) is an American writer and producer. He first wrote episodic television comedy, then transitioned to writing feature films and theatre. He and long-time writing partner Lowell Ganz wrote numerous hig ...

. A read-through was held, with

Robin Williams Robin McLaurin Williams (July 21, 1951August 11, 2014) was an American actor and comedian known for his improvisational skills and the wide variety of characters he created on the spur of the moment and portrayed on film, in dramas and comedie ...

Cher Cher ( ; born Cheryl Sarkisian, May 20, 1946) is an American singer, actress and television personality. Dubbed the "Honorific nicknames in popular music, Goddess of Pop", she is known for her Androgyny, androgynous contralto voice, Music an ...

Steve Martin Stephen Glenn Martin (born August 14, 1945) is an American comedian, actor, writer, producer, and musician. Known for Steve Martin filmography, his work in comedy films, television, and #Discography, recording, he has received List of awards a ...

Goldie Hawn Goldie Jeanne Hawn (born November 21, 1945) is an American actress, producer, dancer, and singer. She achieved stardom and acclaim for playing lighthearted comedic roles in film and television. In a career spanning six decades, she has received ...

, and

Danny DeVito Daniel Michael DeVito Jr. (born November 17, 1944) is an American actor and filmmaker. He gained prominence for his portrayal of the taxi dispatcher Louie De Palma in the television series ''Taxi (TV series), Taxi'' (1978–1983), which won him ...

in various parts, but the project never came to fruition.

Untitled thriller film

On August 26, 1999, it was reported that Reiner was to produce and direct an untitled original thriller, scripted by Tony Gayton, about two high school students who commit a series of perfectly planned murders and then attempt to thwart an FBI agent working her first field case. The project was conceived from an idea by Reiner, who was producing with Richard Crystal through

2000s

''The Polar Express'' film

On October 30, 2000,

and Playtone Co. hired Malia Scotch Marmo to adapt

Chris Van Allsburg Chris Van Allsburg (born June 18, 1949) is an American writer and illustrator of children's books. He has won two Caldecott Medals for U.S. picture book illustration, for ''Jumanji'' (1981) and '' The Polar Express'' (1985), both of which he al ...

's picture book ''

The Polar Express ''The Polar Express'' is a 1985 fantasy children's picture book written and illustrated by American author Chris Van Allsburg. The book is now widely considered to be a classic Christmas story for young children. It was praised for its detaile ...

'' as a directing vehicle for Reiner.

Tom Hanks Thomas Jeffrey Hanks (born July 9, 1956) is an American actor and filmmaker. Known for both his comedic and dramatic roles, he is one of the most popular and recognizable film stars worldwide, and is regarded as an American cultural icon. Ha ...

was signed on to star in and produce the film at this time. The project was later adapted by

Robert Zemeckis Robert Lee Zemeckis (born May 14, 1952) is an American filmmaker known for directing and producing a range of successful and influential movies, often blending cutting-edge visual effects with storytelling. He has received several accolades incl ...

using motion capture technology, with Hanks still attached.

''Everyday Life'' TV pilot

On February 29, 2004, Reiner was set to executive produce and direct ''Everyday Life'', an improv comedy series about a family of psychologists, with Reiner and

Mercedes Ruehl Mercedes J. Ruehl ( ; born February 28, 1948) is an American screen, stage, and television actress. She is the recipient of several accolades, including an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a Tony Award. Ruehl won the Academy Award f ...

cast as the leads after

NBC The National Broadcasting Company (NBC) is an American commercial broadcast television and radio network serving as the flagship property of the NBC Entertainment division of NBCUniversal, a subsidiary of Comcast. It is one of NBCUniversal's ...

gave the pilot order.

''Whiskey River''

On August 28, 2005, Reiner was set to direct politician and author

Jim Webb James Henry Webb Jr. (born February 9, 1946) is an American politician and author. He has served as a United States senator from Virginia, Secretary of the Navy, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs, Counsel for the United States ...

's medical drama '' Whiskey River'', with

John Patrick Shanley John Patrick Shanley (born October 13, 1950) is an American playwright, screenwriter, and director. He won the 1988 Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for the film ''Moonstruck''. His play, '' Doubt: A Parable'', won the 2005 Pulitzer Pri ...

writing the screenplay and Alan Greisman and Webb producing with Reiner for

Warner Bros Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (WBEI), commonly known as Warner Bros. (WB), is an American film studio, filmed entertainment studio headquartered at the Warner Bros. Studios Burbank, Warner Bros. Studios complex in Burbank, California and th ...

''Travel Writing''

On October 16, 2008, Reiner was set to direct the film adaptation of Peter Ferry's novel ''Travel Writing'' with Lou Berney writing the screenplay, and Alan Greisman and Reiner producing through Castle Rock and

Warner Bros. Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (WBEI), commonly known as Warner Bros. (WB), is an American filmed entertainment studio headquartered at the Warner Bros. Studios complex in Burbank, California and the main namesake subsidiary of Warner Bro ...

set to distribute.

''Book of Shadows''

On October 20, 2008, Reiner was possibly set to direct Zoe Green's screenplay ''Book of Shadows'' with Alan Greisman and Reiner producing through Castle Rock and

set to distribute.

2010s

''El Fuego Caliente''

On February 23, 2011, Reiner was set to produce a remake of Michael Hoffman's ''

Soapdish ''Soapdish'' is a 1991 American comedy film directed by Michael Hoffman (American director), Michael Hoffman, from a screenplay by Robert Harling (writer), Robert Harling and Andrew Bergman. The film was produced by Aaron Spelling and Alan Greis ...

'' with

Ben Schwartz Benjamin Joseph Schwartz (born September 15, 1981) is an American actor and comedian. He is best known for his recurring role as Jean-Ralphio Saperstein on the NBC sitcom '' Parks and Recreation'', his starring role as Clyde Oberholt on the Sh ...

writing the screenplay and Alan Greisman producing for

Paramount Pictures Paramount Pictures Corporation, commonly known as Paramount Pictures or simply Paramount, is an American film production company, production and Distribution (marketing), distribution company and the flagship namesake subsidiary of Paramount ...

. Schwartz's draft, titled ''El Fuego Caliente'', was featured on The Black List later that year.

Untitled Two-Gun Cohen biopic

On March 21, 2011, Reiner was set to produce a Two-Gun Cohen biopic with Matt Brown writing the screenplay,

Doug Liman Douglas Eric Liman (; born July 24, 1965) is an American film director and producer. He is known for directing the films '' Swingers'' (1996), '' Go'' (1999), '' The Bourne Identity'' (2002), '' Mr. & Mrs. Smith'' (2005), '' Jumper'' (2008), '' E ...

set to direct and Alan Greisman producing in collaboration with the Chinese company Galloping Horse.

Untitled Proposition 8 film

On November 6, 2011, ''

The Hollywood Reporter ''The Hollywood Reporter'' (''THR'') is an American digital and print magazine which focuses on the Cinema of the United States, Hollywood film industry, film, television, and entertainment industries. It was founded in 1930 as a daily trade pap ...

'' announced that Reiner was developing a film based on the legal challenge to

Proposition 8 Proposition 8, known informally as Prop 8, was a California ballot proposition and a state constitutional amendment intended to ban same-sex marriage. It passed in the November 2008 California state elections and was later overturned by the ...

, the California initiative that banned same-sex marriage and was found unconstitutional by a federal district court judge.

''Airtight''

'' additionally revealed in November 2011 Reiner's plans to direct a

heist film The heist film or caper film is a subgenre of crime films and the caper story, focused on the planning, execution, and aftermath of a significant robbery. One of the early defining heist films was '' The Asphalt Jungle'' (1950), which ''Film G ...

called ''Airtight'', which he was said to be interested in tackling just because he had never done that kind of film before.

''You Belong to Me''

On June 22, 2012, Reiner was set to direct David Murray's psychological thriller ''You Belong to Me'' with Alan Greisman producing with Richard Lewis' Southpaw Entertainment and Scott Steindorff's Stone Village.

''Basket Case'' TV series

On December 11, 2013, Reiner was set to direct and produce the television series adaptation of

Carl Hiaasen Carl Hiaasen (; born March 12, 1953) is an American journalist and novelist. He began his career as a newspaper reporter and by the late 1970s had begun writing novels in his spare time, both for adults and for middle grade readers. Two of his ...

's novel '' Basket Case'', with Alex Taub attached to write the series for

Spike TV Paramount Network is an American basic cable television channel and the flagship property of the Paramount Media Networks division of Paramount Global, who operates it through the MTV Entertainment Group. The network's headquarters are locate ...

''The Tap'' TV series

On August 13, 2014, Reiner was set to direct the pilot of Aaron Tracy and Andrew Lenchewski's

Yale University Yale University is a Private university, private Ivy League research university in New Haven, Connecticut, United States. Founded in 1701, Yale is the List of Colonial Colleges, third-oldest institution of higher education in the United Stat ...

thriller television series ''The Tap'' for

USA Network USA Network (or simply USA) is an American basic cable television channel owned by the NBCUniversal Media Group division of Comcast's NBCUniversal. It was launched in 1977 as Madison Square Garden Sports Network, one of the first national sports ...

with Reiner producing the series, along with Alan Greisman, Charlie Ebersol, Lenchewski and Tracy through

Universal Cable Productions Universal Content Productions LLC (UCP) is an American television production company operating within the Universal Studio Group division of NBCUniversal, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Comcast. History Universal Cable Productions In July ...

. On April 7, 2015, the show was in active development, leading to a pilot order from USA Network on August 8, 2016, but on June 19, 2017, ''The Tap'' pilot was passed over.

''The Global War on Morris'' TV series

On February 9, 2015, Reiner was set to direct and produce the comedy television series adaptation of

Steve Israel Steven Jay Israel (born May 30, 1958) is an American political commentator, lobbyist, author, bookseller, and former politician. He served as a U.S. representative from New York from 2001 to 2017. A member of the Democratic Party, he was elect ...

's novel ''The Global War on Morris'' with Andrew Lenchewski attached to write the series for USA Network.

2020s

''The Spy and the Asset'' TV series

On June 30, 2021, in an interview for

SiriusXM Sirius XM Holdings Inc. is an American broadcasting corporation headquartered in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, that provides satellite radio and online radio services operating in the United States. The company was formed by the 2008 merge ...

, Reiner revealed that he was working on a "10 to 13-episode" TV project about the relationship between

Donald Trump Donald John Trump (born June 14, 1946) is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who is the 47th president of the United States. A member of the Republican Party (United States), Republican Party, he served as the 45 ...

and

Vladimir Putin Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin (born 7 October 1952) is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has served as President of Russia since 2012, having previously served from 2000 to 2008. Putin also served as Prime Minister of Ru ...

, called ''The Spy and the Asset''. Reiner was collaborating on the project with writer Ward Perry.

Offers

''The Shawshank Redemption''

In the 1990s, Reiner offered to be the alternate director of

Frank Darabont Frank Árpád Darabont (born Ferenc Árpád Darabont, January 28, 1959) is an American screenwriter, director, and producer. He has been nominated for three Academy Awards and a Golden Globe Award. In his early career, he was primarily a scre ...

's screenplay ''

The Shawshank Redemption ''The Shawshank Redemption'' is a 1994 American Prison film, prison Drama (film and television), drama film written and directed by Frank Darabont, based on the 1982 Stephen King novella ''Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption''. The film t ...

'', adapted from

Stephen King Stephen Edwin King (born September 21, 1947) is an American author. Dubbed the "King of Horror", he is widely known for his horror novels and has also explored other genres, among them Thriller (genre), suspense, crime fiction, crime, scienc ...

's short story "

Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption ''Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption'' is a Literary realism, realist novella by Stephen King. It was first published in 1982 by Viking Press in his collection ''Different Seasons''. It was later included in the 2009 collection ''Stephen King ...

", but Darabont stayed on.

''Harry Potter''

On September 22, 1999, Reiner was offered to direct J.K. Rowling's ''

Harry Potter ''Harry Potter'' is a series of seven Fantasy literature, fantasy novels written by British author J. K. Rowling. The novels chronicle the lives of a young Magician (fantasy), wizard, Harry Potter (character), Harry Potter, and his friends ...

'' series, along with Chris Columbus who would eventually direct the first two movies.

References

External links

* {{IMDb title, nm0001661 Reiner, Rob