David Fincher's unrealized projects

{{main|Ruby (1992 film)}}

In April 1990, the Los Angeles Times reported that Fincher was set to make his feature debut with a film based on the stage play Love Field, about the man who shot Lee Harvey Oswald, later titled Ruby. However, Fincher withdrew from the project and was replaced by Scottish director John Mackenzie.{{cite web|url=https://catalog.afi.com/Catalog/moviedetails/59380|title=AFI|Catalog - Ruby|website=AFI Catalog of Feature Films|access-date=March 17, 2024}}

{{main|Madonna: Truth or Dare}}

Alek Keshishian revealed in an interview that Fincher had been considered to direct Madonna's music documentary Truth or Dare, having already directed three of her music videos. However, Fincher and Madonna would later have a falling out, and Keshishian was then attached as director.{{cite web |url= https://thefilmstage.com/madonna-truth-or-dare-director-on-the-films-legacy-lgbtq-impact-and-david-finchers-next-projects/|title= 'Madonna: Truth or Dare' Director on the Film's Legacy, LGBTQ Impact, and David Fincher's Next Projects|date= August 26, 2016|access-date= July 9, 2022|first= Nick|last= Newman|work= The Film Stage}}

{{main|The Avengers (1998 film)}}

After Alien 3, Fincher briefly considered directing the film adaptation based on the British espionage series The Avengers, which he envisioned as "a big, widescreen black-and-white version, kind of cool, a real mod sixties kind of thing".{{cite tweet|number=1638893549704888326|user=FincherAnalyst|title=After Alien3, "for about a week", David Fincher considered doing a film adaptation of the British TV series "The Avengers" with Charles Dance as John Steed: "a big, widescreen black and white, version, kind of cool, a real mid sixties kind of thing".|date=23 March 2023}} He also apparently wanted to cast Charles Dance as John Steed, however, Ralph Fiennes would ultimately end up playing the part in the eventual film, directed by Jeremiah S. Chechik.{{cite web|last=Every|first=Max|url=https://www.comingsoon.net/tv/news/914187-the-avengers-tv-show|title=Shane Black Writing a Pilot Based on The Avengers TV Show|website=ComingSoon.net|date=January 12, 2018|access-date=March 14, 2024}}

{{main|GoldenEye}}

Fincher claimed to be in discussions to direct a James Bond film "post-Timothy Dalton"; the first to star Pierce Brosnan, which would eventually become GoldenEye. "Believe me, they didn't want to hear from me. The people that own that franchise have a pretty good idea of what they think it is."{{cite web|last=Horowitz|first=Josh|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1579041/david-fincher-discusses-reunion-with-brad-pitt-possible-fight-club-musical/|title=David Fincher Discusses Reunion With Brad Pitt, Possible 'Fight Club' Musical|website=MTV News|date=January 4, 2007|access-date=July 25, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150315162240/http://www.mtv.com/news/1579041/david-fincher-discusses-reunion-with-brad-pitt-possible-fight-club-musical/|archive-date=March 15, 2015}}

{{main|Blade (1998 film)}}

In an interview with MovieWeb, David S. Goyer revealed that Fincher was attached to direct the first comic book film adaptation of Blade at one point, and that he even developed the script with Goyer.{{cite web |url= https://movieweb.com/director-david-goyer-talks-blade-trinity-and-batman-begins/|title= Director David Goyer talks Blade: Trinity and Batman Begins!|date= December 8, 2004|access-date= July 9, 2022|first= Brian|last= B.|work= MovieWeb}}

{{main|Fallen Angels (American TV series)}}

Just before Seven got greenlit, Fincher had been set to direct an episode of the second season of Showtime's neo-noir anthology series Fallen Angels.{{cite web|last=Tsai|first=Martin|url=https://www.thewrap.com/david-fincher-steven-soderbergh-interview-tribeca-alien-3/|title=David Fincher Talks 'Alien 3' Mistakes, Career Evolution With Steven Soderbergh: 'I Came Out of a Truly F–d Up Situation'|website=TheWrap|date=June 16, 2023|access-date=March 14, 2024}}

In 1995, Fincher was in negotiations with TriStar Pictures to direct The Sky Is Falling from a spec script written by Howard Roth and Eric Warren Singer about two clerics on an archaeological dig who discover proof of God.{{cite magazine|author=Variety Staff|url=http://variety.com/1995/film/features/sky-falls-on-fincher-99129742/|title='Sky' falls on Fincher|magazine=Variety|date=August 28, 1995|access-date=March 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141019020321/http://variety.com/1995/film/features/sky-falls-on-fincher-99129742/|archive-date=October 19, 2014}} The film would ultimately fail to obtain a greenlight.

{{main|The Crowded Room}}

After Seven, Fincher considered directing the long-in-development project The Crowded Room, with Brad Pitt starring in the role of Billy Milligan. The novel on which it was based, The Minds of Billy Milligan, was eventually adapted into a 2023 miniseries.{{cite magazine|last=Fleming|first=Michael|url=https://variety.com/1997/voices/columns/devito-checks-into-room-1116679647/|title=DeVito checks into 'Room'|magazine=Variety|date=December 8, 1997|access-date=March 15, 2024}}

{{main|Chicago (2002 film)}}

Fincher was amongst several directors approached throughout the 1990s to direct a film version of Bob Fosse's Broadway musical Chicago, that would eventually be directed by Rob Marshall.{{cite web|url=https://catalog.afi.com/Catalog/moviedetails/53997|title=AFI|Catalog - Chicago|website=AFI Catalog of Feature Films|access-date=July 25, 2024}}

As early as July 1997,{{cite web|url=http://corona.bc.ca/films/details/rama.html|title=Coming Attractions - Rendezvous with Rama|publisher=IGN|date=October 11, 1998|access-date=April 13, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19990203091936/http://corona.bc.ca/films/details/rama.html|archive-date=February 3, 1999|url-status=dead}} Fincher was attached as director for an adaptation of the Arthur C. Clarke book, with Morgan Freeman attached to star.{{Cite web

|url = http://www.revelationsent.com/movie_page.php?movieId=12

|title = Rendezvous with Rama

|accessdate = 7 March 2009

|work = Revelations Entertainment Web site

|url-status = dead

|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20081211164621/http://www.revelationsent.com/movie_page.php?movieId=12

|archivedate = 11 December 2008

|df = dmy-all

}} Fincher stated in 2007 he still planned to direct,{{Cite web

| url = http://www.aintitcool.com/node/35179

| title = David Fincher and Quint talk about everything from A(lien3) to Z(odiac)!!!

| accessdate = 7 March 2009

| work = AICN

| archive-date = 19 March 2009

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090319122237/http://www.aintitcool.com/node/35179

| url-status = live

}} but by 2008 he stated it was unlikely to be made as no script was written.[https://www.slashfilm.com/david-finchers-rendezvous-with-rama-is-not-happening/#:~:text=David%20Fincher%20has%20been%20trying,attempt%20to%20unlock%20its%20mysteries. David Fincher’s Rendezvous With Rama is Not Happening] Fincher reiterated his desire to still make the film in 2010, but it was still down to the matter of finding the right script.{{Cite web |url=https://collider.com/david-fincher-interview-social-network-girl-with-dragon-tattoo/67432/ |title=Exclusive: David Fincher Talks 'Social Network', 'Zodiac', His Filmmaking Process, and More |website=Collider |access-date=2020-07-12 |archive-date=2011-01-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110106033336/http://collider.com/david-fincher-interview-social-network-girl-with-dragon-tattoo/67432/ |url-status=dead }} In an interview with Empire, in which Fincher was asked several questions by readers, he referred to the film as "a gigantic, expensive movie that didn't have any toys."{{cite web |url= https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/empire-30-david-fincher-answers-your-questions/|title= EMPIRE 30: David Fincher Answers Your Questions|date= March 4, 2020|access-date= July 9, 2022|first= Nev|last= Pierce|work= Empire}} In December 2021, it was announced Denis Villeneuve would direct the adaptation for Alcon Entertainment, with Freeman involved as producer.{{Cite web|last=Kroll|first=Justin|date=December 15, 2021|title=Denis Villeneuve To Direct 'Rendezvous With Rama' For Alcon Entertainment|url=https://deadline.com/2021/12/denis-villeneuve-rendezvous-with-ram-alcon-entertainment-1234891735/|website=Deadline Hollywood|access-date=December 16, 2021}}

{{main|Street Kings}}

In November 1997, while waiting for Brad Pitt's commitment to Fight Club, Fincher entered negotiations to direct The Night Watchman from a screenplay by James Ellroy for New Regency and Warner Bros.{{cite news |last=Fleming|first=Michael|url=https://variety.com/1997/voices/columns/fincher-mulls-night-cap-1200324814/ |title=Fincher mulls 'Night' cap|magazine=Variety|date=November 10, 1997|access-date=June 25, 2024}} The film was later made as Street Kings in 2005.

{{main|The Black Dahlia (film)}}

As early as 1998, Fincher had shown interest in developing James Ellroy's The Black Dahlia as a directing vehicle.{{cite magazine|author=Variety Staff|url=https://variety.com/1998/voices/columns/fincher-pinches-dahlia-cruise-eyes-451-1117468128/|title=Fincher pinches 'Dahlia'; Cruise eyes '451'|magazine=Variety|date=February 25, 1998|access-date=April 1, 2025}} Eventually, in the 2000s, he planned to adapt The Black Dahlia into a 5-part HBO miniseries budgeted at $80 million that would star Tom Cruise. However, Brian De Palma ultimately directed a film version of the book in 2006.[https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-feb-28-et-zodiac28-story.html 2 men, 1 obsession: the quest for justice][https://www.indiewire.com/2014/09/david-fincher-james-ellroy-plotting-1950s-noir-series-for-hbo-272728/ David Fincher & James Ellroy Plotting 1950s Noir Series For HBO] In 2013, a graphic novel adaptation was published with Fincher credited for adapting the story.

{{main|The Mexican}}

After shooting was completed on Fight Club, Brad Pitt passed the script of The Mexican to Fincher, who wanted to direct the film but was too busy at the time to commit. Gore Verbinski got the job instead.{{cite magazine|url= https://ew.com/article/2001/03/09/goin-south-how-movie-mexican-was-made/|title= Goin' South: How the movie, 'The Mexican', was made|date= March 9, 2001|access-date= April 7, 2022|first= Chris|last= Nashawaty|magazine= Entertainment Weekly|archive-date= April 8, 2022|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220408003041/https://ew.com/article/2001/03/09/goin-south-how-movie-mexican-was-made/|url-status= live}}

{{main|Spider-Man (2002 film)}}

In November 1999, Fincher was shortlisted by Columbia Pictures, as one of the potential directors of Spider-Man, a live-action adaptation of the Marvel Comics character.{{Cite web|url=https://www.slashfilm.com/david-finchers-spider-man-that-never-was/|title=David Fincher's Spider-Man That Never Was|date=February 5, 2009|website=/Film|language=en-US|access-date=January 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140122062232/http://www.slashfilm.com/david-finchers-spider-man-that-never-was/|archive-date=January 22, 2014|url-status=live}} Fincher's pitch featured an older, experienced version of the titular character in his adult years and the post-adolescent portion of his life as a photographer and his crime-fighting double life as a vigilante, with a more grounded, character-driven and drama-oriented tone and direction. He also wanted the film to feature a ten minute title sequence tackling Peter Parker's backstory and featuring Green Goblin killing Gwen Stacy. Fincher later said of his pitch, "I went in and told them what I might be interested in doing, and they hated it". Sam Raimi was chosen as director instead.{{Cite web|url=https://collider.com/david-fincher-spider-man/|title=David Fincher Reveals What He Had Planned for His Take on SPIDER-MAN|last=Chitwood|first=Adam|date=December 19, 2011|website=Collider|language=en-US|access-date=January 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190728133946/http://collider.com/david-fincher-spider-man/|archive-date=July 28, 2019|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2009/feb/03/david-fincher-interview-transcript|title=Transcript of the Guardian interview with David Fincher at BFI Southbank|date=January 18, 2009|work=The Guardian|access-date=January 7, 2020|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160922204519/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2009/feb/03/david-fincher-interview-transcript|archive-date=September 22, 2016|url-status=live}}[https://io9.gizmodo.com/david-fincher-reveals-the-operatic-title-sequence-for-h-5869055 David Fincher reveals the operatic title sequence for his Spider-Man movie that never was]

In January 2000, Fincher was announced to direct the film Passengers, an adaptation of Robert Silverberg's short story from 1969, for USA Films. Michael London would produce and Greg Pruss, who previously worked with Fincher on Alien 3 as a conceptual artist, was in charge of adapting the story. The budget was set to be no more than $30 million.{{cite web |url= https://variety.com/2000/film/news/passengers-usa-bound-1117760791/|title= 'Passengers' USA-bound|date= January 11, 2000|access-date= July 9, 2022|first= Michael|last= Fleming|work= Variety}} In 2002, Ain't It Cool News reported that Fincher was no longer directing but would still produce and was scavenging for a replacement.{{cite web |url= http://legacy.aintitcool.com/node/12343|title= David Fincher currently producing a film version of Robert Silverberg's short story PASSENGERS!|access-date= July 9, 2022|date= May 24, 2002|work= Ain't It Cool News}}

{{main|Catch Me If You Can}}

In April 2000, Fincher was attached to direct Catch Me If You Can over the course of a few months, but dropped out in favor of Panic Room.{{cite news |author=Michael Fleming |url=https://www.variety.com/article/VR1117780175 |title='Noon' strikes twice at Spyglass for 3 scribes |work=Variety |date=April 4, 2000 |access-date=June 29, 2008 |archive-date=October 21, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021154731/http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117780175 |url-status=live}}

Fincher, along with Art Linson, purchased the script written by David Ayer in April 2000, a coming-of-age story set on a nuclear submarine during the Cold War.[https://variety.com/2000/film/news/u-571-s-ayer-sells-squids-1117780620/ ‘U-571’s’ Ayer sells ‘Squids’] The film never developed further, and in 2012, Ayer spoke negatively on the script, stating it "sucked".[https://www.lamag.com/citythinkblog/the-cop-whisperer/ The Cop Whisperer]

In May 2000, Fincher was reportedly attached to direct the action film Pathfinder, written by John Patrick Shanley, about a CIA agent who tries to stop his former cellmate from blowing up stolen plutonium.{{cite web|url=http://legacy.aintitcool.com/node/5831|title=What David Fincher has in the works next!!!|website=Ain't It Cool News|date=May 2, 2000|access-date=March 14, 2024}}

Fincher entered discussions to direct the film in August 2000 about Col. Wendell Fertig, a soldier serving in the Philippines during World War II. The screenplay was written by William Nicholson.[https://variety.com/2000/film/news/fincher-soldiers-on-to-direct-alone-1117784936/ Fincher soldiers on to direct ‘Alone’] Fincher reiterated his intent to direct in January 2009, revealing Robert Towne had been brought in to rewrite the screenplay, and Brad Pitt was wanted to portray Fretig.[https://www.awn.com/vfxworld/fincher-talks-benjamin-button-and-vfx Fincher Talks 'Benjamin Button' and VFX]

In November 2000, Fincher was set to direct an adaptation of Anthony Bourdain's memoir Kitchen Confidential, which Art Linson would produce, and Brad Pitt reportedly interested to star as well as Benicio del Toro. The project was set to film once Fincher completed Panic Room.[https://variety.com/2000/film/news/indelible-cooking-up-seared-for-new-line-1117789264/ Indelible cooking up ‘Seared’ for New Line][https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/11/21/the-stax-report-script-review-of-seared The Stax Report: Script Review of Seared] The book would instead be adapted for television as Kitchen Confidential starring Bradley Cooper as fictional version of Bourdain, which aired for one season in 2005, airing just four episodes.[https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/fien-print/critics-notebook-before-bradley-cooper-835553 Critic's Notebook: Before Bradley Cooper Got 'Burnt,' He Cooked in 'Kitchen Confidential']

In March 2001, Fincher acquired the rights to Katie Arnoldi's novel that took place in the bodybuilding world, with Art Linson producing and Fight Club novelist Chuck Palahniuk writing the screenplay.{{cite magazine|last=Bing|first=Jonathan|url=https://variety.com/2001/film/news/indelible-stamps-mark-on-iron-pumping-pink-1117795382/|title=Indelible stamps mark on iron-pumping 'Pink'|magazine=Variety|date=March 14, 2001|access-date=July 25, 2024}} Fincher eventually exited the project, with Jonas Åkerlund taking over as director. The project would become dormant.

In August 2001, Fincher was announced as directing an adaptation of Frank Miller's three issue comic book series that would see Nicolas Cage star in the lead role.[https://www.slashfilm.com/hard-boiled-movie/ Frank Miller’s ‘Hard Boiled’ Is Getting a Movie and Tom Hiddleston May Star]

{{main|Confessions of a Dangerous Mind (film)}}

In an interview with BBC, George Clooney revealed that Fincher was one of many directors considered to direct the film.{{cite web |url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/films/2003/03/04/george_clooney_confessions_of_a_dangerous_mind_interview.shtml|title= George Clooney interview|first= Nev|last= Pierce|access-date= July 2, 2022|work= BBC}}

{{main|The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe}}

In December 2001, Walden Media announced that they had acquired the film rights to all seven of The Chronicles of Narnia children's fantasy novels. Philip Anschutz was soon approached by several filmmaker candidates, including Fincher, who wanted to direct the first film in the series. By March 2002, Andrew Adamson was selected as director of the adaptation.{{cite news|last=Horn|first=John|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2005-nov-06-ca-narnia6-story.html|title=Will this 'Lion' roar?|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=November 6, 2005|access-date=March 17, 2024}}

{{main|Mission: Impossible III}}

In April 2002, Fincher was sought out by Tom Cruise to serve as director for the third instalment of the Mission: Impossible franchise. Fincher was looking to make the film “really violent”.{{Cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2002/apr/12/news.tomcruise |title=Fincher in frame for Mission: Impossible 3 |website=TheGuardian.com |date=12 April 2002 |access-date=2020-07-08 |archive-date=2017-03-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170330004244/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2002/apr/12/news.tomcruise |url-status=live}} However he would eventually pull out of the film, and said in a 2008 MTV interview “I think the problem with third movies is the people who are financing them are experts on how they should be made and what they should be. At that point, when you own a franchise like that, you want to get rid of any extraneous opinions. I'm not the kind of person who says, "Let's see the last two, I see what you're going for." You'll never hear me say, "Whatever is easiest for you."

Fincher was reported to be in negotiations to direct a second adaptation of the 1974 novel for Paramount Pictures in May 2002.{{cite web |url= https://variety.com/2002/film/news/par-reincarnates-peter-proud-1117866525/|title= Par reincarnates 'Peter Proud'|date= May 6, 2002|access-date= July 2, 2022|first1= Charles|last1= Lyons|first2= Cathy|last2= Dunkley|work= Variety}} He officially became attached to direct in November 2009 with the remake rights now under Columbia Pictures. Andrew Kevin Walker was attached to write the screenplay, reuniting with Fincher since Seven.{{cite web |url= http://www.heatvisionblog.com/2009/11/david-fincher-seven-reincarnation-of-peter-proud-max-ehrlich.html|title= 'Seven' team reuniting for 'Peter Proud' adaptation|date= November 8, 2009|access-date= July 2, 2022|work= The Hollywood Reporter|archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20091112021513/http://www.heatvisionblog.com/2009/11/david-fincher-seven-reincarnation-of-peter-proud-max-ehrlich.html|archivedate= November 12, 2009}} A different remake/adaptation was announced in 2021 as the first project under a new deal between Village Roadshow Pictures and David S. Goyer's Phantom Four Films to produce feature films. Sean Durkin is writing and directing the film.{{cite web |url= https://deadline.com/2021/09/david-goyers-phantom-four-films-first-look-village-roadshow-reincarnation-of-peter-proud-1234830442/|title= David Goyer's Phantom Four Films Signs First-Look Deal With Village Roadshow, Sets 'Reincarnation Of Peter Proud' As First Project|date= September 10, 2021|access-date= July 2, 2022|first= Justin|last= Kroll|work= Deadline}}

{{main|Stay (2005 film)}}

Fincher was reported to be directing David Benioff's spec-script in 2002, in a column written about Benioff.{{cite web |url= https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-dec-02-et-gottlieb2-story.html|title= His finest hour|date= December 2, 2002|access-date= July 9, 2022|first= Jeff|last= Gottlieb|work= Los Angeles Times}} The film was eventually directed by Marc Forster and released in 2005.

{{main|Lords of Dogtown}}

Fincher was hired to replace musician Fred Durst on the skateboarding biopic in January 2003, but exited over budget and philosophical differences with Sony Pictures. Catherine Hardwicke would eventually direct the final product.[https://web.archive.org/web/20150708235147/http://www.mtv.com/news/1459674/fred-durst-replaced-by-david-fincher-on-lords-of-dogtown-project/ FRED DURST REPLACED BY DAVID FINCHER ON 'LORDS OF DOGTOWN' PROJECT][https://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/dogtown-director-had-the-right-roots/ “Dogtown” director had the right roots]

{{main|Deadwood (Deadwood episode)}}

According to Fincher, he was "two millimeters from saying yes to directing the pilot" of the HBO Western series Deadwood, having loved David Milch's teleplay. Walter Hill directed the episode instead.{{cite magazine|last=Grant|first=Adam|url=https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/tv/a12775936/david-fincher-2017-interview-mindhunter/|title=David Fincher Is Still Fascinated By Serial Killers|magazine=Esquire|date=October 13, 2017|access-date=March 14, 2024}}

{{main|The Lookout (2007 film)}}

In August 2003, Fincher was reported to be directing the spec-script written by Scott Frank for DreamWorks Pictures.{{cite web |url= http://www.rte.ie/arts/2003/0811/fincherd.html|title= Fincher on the 'Lookout' for film?|date= August 11, 2003|access-date= July 2, 2022|work= RTÉ|archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20040801041404/http://www.rte.ie/arts/2003/0811/fincherd.html|archivedate= August 1, 2004}}{{cite web |url= https://movieweb.com/david-fincher-eyed-for-the-lookout/|title= David Fincher eyed for THE LOOKOUT!|date= August 11, 2003|access-date= July 2, 2022|first= Brian|last= B.|work= MovieWeb}} Fincher helped develop the script with Frank, and his contributions were later featured in the finished film. After Fincher dropped out, DreamWorks also abandoned the film, which was later picked up by Miramax and directed by Frank himself.{{cite web |url= https://variety.com/2005/film/news/lookout-on-disney-radar-1117926508/|title= 'Lookout' on Disney radar|date= July 25, 2005|access-date= July 2, 2022|first= Michael|last= Fleming|work= Variety}} The film was eventually released in 2007 to positive reviews.

{{main|The Time Traveler's Wife (film)}}

Around 2004, Fincher had briefly expressed interest in directing the film adaptation of Audrey Niffenegger's The Time Traveler's Wife. As of 2005, Robert Schwentke entered final negotiations to direct it, and the film was released in 2009.{{cite web|author1=Kit, Borys|author2=Sperling, Nicole|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/film/news/e3invDY7O%2FFa2e+5R+MGGMZsw%3D%3D|title=Schwentke finds time for NL's 'Wife'|website=The Hollywood Reporter|date=November 1, 2006|access-date=April 18, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061108172656/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/film/news/e3invDY7O/Fa2e+5R+MGGMZsw==|archive-date = November 8, 2006}}

{{main|The Dirt (film)}}

In the early 2000s, Rich Wilkes wrote the adaptation of the Mötley Crüe biography The Dirt, which Fincher planned to direct, but it "got blown apart somehow," Wilkes later said. Soon afterwards, in 2006, Larry Charles was tapped to direct his script. The film was eventually revived in 2015, and directed by Jeff Tremaine.{{cite web|last=Kit|first=Borys|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/focus-features-picks-up-motley-764179/|title=Focus Features Picks Up Motley Crue Biopic 'The Dirt' (Exclusive)|website=The Hollywood Reporter|date=January 15, 2015}} Fincher would later collaborate with Wilkes when he enlisted him to write the pilot for the ill-fated Videosyncrazy series.

Fincher was announced in 2006 to direct the adaptation of the Brian Michael Bendis and Marc Andreyko graphic of the same name about Eliot Ness and his investigation of the Cleveland Torso Murderer.[https://www.awn.com/news/david-fincher-finds-torso-untouchable David Fincher Finds Torso Untouchable] In January 2008, Fincher indicated that it was not going to be a serial-killer film; "It's about the deconstruction of the myth of Eliot Ness. It has way more to do with Citizen Kane than it has to do with Seven." Ehren Kruger wrote the script. In December 2008, Fincher said that it would not be a very faithful adaptation of the comic.{{cite web|last=Seijas|first=Casey|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2593315/david-fincher-on-his-torso-adaptation-ness-its-a-pretty-complete-reimagining/|title=DAVID FINCHER ON HIS 'TORSO' ADAPTATION, 'NESS': 'IT'S A PRETTY COMPLETE REIMAGINING'|website=MTV News|date=December 18, 2008|access-date=July 25, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180813175032/http://www.mtv.com/news/2593315/david-fincher-on-his-torso-adaptation-ness-its-a-pretty-complete-reimagining/|archive-date=August 13, 2018}} A cast of Matt Damon, Rachel McAdams, Casey Affleck and Gary Oldman was rumored to be attached prior to Paramount Pictures allowing the rights to the comic lapse in January 2009.[https://theplaylist.net/paramount-lets-rights-to-david-finchers-20090123/ Paramount Lets Rights To David Fincher’s ‘Torso’ Lapse][https://theplaylist.net/torso-creator-says-movie-isnt-dead-ye-20091022/ ‘Torso’ Creator Says Movie “Isn’t Dead Yet,” While Fincher Turns Towards TV]

In 2007, Fincher tapped Peter Straughan to adapt Tim Guest's novel Second Lives into a film screenplay.{{Cite web |last=Dawtrey |first=Adam |date=2007-06-21 |title=Peter Straughan |url=https://variety.com/2007/film/features/peter-straughan-1117967380/ |access-date=2023-06-08 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}

{{main|The Terror (TV series)}}

David Kajganich's adaptation of the 2007 novel The Terror originated as a screenplay he wrote that was set to be directed by Fincher. Twelve years later, his adaptation was produced as a ten-part series on AMC.{{cite web|author1=Jeffery, Morgan|author2=McEwan, Cameron K.|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a853038/the-terror-amc-cast-jared-harris-interview/|title=How AMC's chilling TV series The Terror started life as a David Fincher movie|website=Digital Spy|date=March 23, 2018|access-date=March 19, 2024}}

In January 2008, Fincher stated that for the tenth anniversary of his film Fight Club, he wanted to stage Chuck Palahnuik's story as a musical on Broadway, though this idea never ended up coming to fruition.

Fincher also expressed interest in adapting Palahnuik's novel Lullaby, but added that it would "almost [have] to be dumbed down a bit for it to work as a movie."

In February 2008, Fincher was attached to direct Charles Burns's acclaimed graphic novel Black Hole for Plan B Entertainment.{{cite web |url= http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117981202.html?categoryid=1236&cs=1|title= David Fincher falls into 'Black Hole'|date= February 20, 2008|access-date= July 9, 2022|work= Variety|first= Tatiana|last= Siegel|archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20090414220937/http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117981202.html?categoryid=1236&cs=1|archivedate= April 14, 2009}} He officially dropped out in 2010 in order to direct The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, although he was briefly reported to return in 2013.{{cite web |url= http://www.pajiba.com/trade_news/the-hollywood-cog-dazzles-us-with-news-on-david-fincher-barry-levinson-the-hangover-writers-and-more.php|title= The Hollywood Cog Dazzles Us with Exclusives on David Fincher, Barry Levinson, The Hangover Writers, and More|date= August 10, 2010|access-date= July 9, 2022|work= Pajiba|archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20100819023842/http://www.pajiba.com/trade_news/the-hollywood-cog-dazzles-us-with-news-on-david-fincher-barry-levinson-the-hangover-writers-and-more.php|archivedate= August 19, 2010}}{{cite web |url= https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/brad-pitt-12-years-a-639856/|title= How a Brad Pitt Mantra, 'Game On, F—ers!,' Fueled His Oscar Contender '12 Years a Slave'|date= October 2, 2013|access-date= July 9, 2022|first= Stephen|last= Galloway|work= The Hollywood Reporter}} In 2018, it was reported that Rick Famuyiwa would direct the film, with New Regency financing.{{cite web |url= https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/dope-filmmaker-tackling-black-hole-adaptation-1089555/|title= 'Dope' Filmmaker Tackling 'Black Hole' Adaptation (Exclusive)|date= February 28, 2018|access-date= July 9, 2022|first= Borys|last= Kit|work= The Hollywood Reporter}}

In March 2008, it was announced Fincher was to produce a remake of the 1981 film, itself based on the Heavy Metal magazine. It was planned to feature eight or nine segments, with Fincher, James Cameron, Zack Snyder, Kevin Eastman, Tim Miller and Mark Osborne directing segments, and Guillermo del Toro and Gore Verbinski reported as expressing interest in taking part as well.{{Cite web |url=https://www.slashfilm.com/david-fincher-to-produce-and-co-direct-animated-heavy-metal-film/ |title=David Fincher to Produce and Co-Direct Animated Heavy Metal Film |date=14 March 2008 |access-date=2020-07-08 |archive-date=2019-03-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322034510/https://www.slashfilm.com/david-fincher-to-produce-and-co-direct-animated-heavy-metal-film/ |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2010/03/fincher-brings-mettle-to-passion-project-28177/ |title=Fincher Brings Mettle To Passion Project |date=12 March 2010 |access-date=2020-07-08 |archive-date=2019-03-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322034651/https://deadline.com/2010/03/fincher-brings-mettle-to-passion-project-28177/ |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.slashfilm.com/zack-snyder-guillermo-del-toro-and-gore-verbinski-to-direct-heavy-metal/ |title=Zack Snyder, Guillermo del Toro and Gore Verbinski to Direct Heavy Metal!? |date=4 September 2008 |access-date=2020-07-08 |archive-date=2019-03-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322034538/https://www.slashfilm.com/zack-snyder-guillermo-del-toro-and-gore-verbinski-to-direct-heavy-metal/ |url-status=live}} Tenacious D had written a song for the film, with Jack Black also set to appear in Osborne's segment.[https://collider.com/david-fincher-to-re-build-heavy-metal-in-3d-with-james-cameron-and-zack-snyder/ David Fincher to Re-Build HEAVY METAL in 3D with James Cameron and Zack Snyder]

The project was initially at Paramount Pictures, but was dropped by the studio in 2008.{{Cite magazine |url=https://ew.com/article/2008/07/09/david-fincher/ |title=David Fincher's 'Heavy Metal' remake a no-go at Paramount |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |access-date=2020-07-08 |archive-date=2019-03-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322034551/https://ew.com/article/2008/07/09/david-fincher/ |url-status=live}} Eventually, Robert Rodriguez acquired the film rights to Heavy Metal, effectively cancelling Fincher's version.[https://www.indiewire.com/2011/07/comic-con-11-robert-rodriguez-talks-acquiring-heavy-metal-rights-sin-city-2-more-117355/ Comic-Con ’11: Robert Rodriguez Talks Acquiring ‘Heavy Metal’ Rights, ‘Sin City 2’ & More]

Fincher acquired the rights to the A. Lee Martinez novel in July 2008, planning to make the film with Blur Studio.[https://www.mcnallyrobinson.com/editorial-858/Fincher-Options-The-Automatic-Detective#.XwVhfSVJaEd Fincher Options The Automatic Detective]

On December 8, 2008, screenwriter Eric Roth reported that Fincher expressed interest in directing his screenplay adaptation of Erik Larson's The Devil in the White City, set in the World Columbian Exposition in 1893.{{cite web|url=https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/51104-fincher-to-take-on-devil-in-the-white-city|title=Fincher to Take on Devil in the White City ?|website=ComingSoon.net|date=December 8, 2008|access-date=March 14, 2024}}

{{Main|Burnt (film)}}

Fincher discussed on December 19, 2008 a project he was looking to do set within the culinary arts world that would star Keanu Reeves.[https://web.archive.org/web/20200712195230/http://www.mtv.com/news/2431181/exclusive-david-fincher-reveals-ingredients-for-keanu-reeves-film-chef/ EXCLUSIVE: DAVID FINCHER REVEALS INGREDIENTS FOR KEANU REEVES FILM 'CHEF'] In 2010, the project was considered "dead". The film would eventually be released in 2015 as Burnt, directed by John Wells and starring Bradley Cooper.[https://www.eater.com/2015/11/2/9657666/burnt-movie-review-bradley-cooper-gordon-ramsay Review: Bradley Cooper's ‘Burnt’ Is Little More Than Gordon Ramsay Propaganda]

Following the 2009 publication of Dave Cullen's book Columbine, which was eventually adapted into a play in 2014, Fincher considered making it into a film, however, the idea was dropped due to its sensitive nature.{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/moviesnow/la-et-mn-library-steven-soderbergh-hbo-20140424-story.html|title="The Library" Rewrites The Book On Columbine|author=John Horn|date=April 24, 2014|newspaper=LA Times|access-date=November 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181123154204/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/moviesnow/la-et-mn-library-steven-soderbergh-hbo-20140424-story.html|archive-date=November 23, 2018|url-status=live}}

In the 2010s, Fincher, Tim Miller and Andrew Kevin Walker were developing a big-budget film based on the Japanese manga series Lone Wolf and Cub, which they pitched as a film trilogy to Universal Pictures. According to Miller, Fincher planned to shoot it photo realistically, using CGI, in order to recreate medieval China, but Universal failed to clear the rights to the story, so Fincher moved onto other projects.{{cite web|last=Viscardi|first=Jim|url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=gR6GRP8a3Gw&si=ooD8REsQQt_O069T|title=Tim Miller Talks Love, Death & Robots | San Diego Comic-Con 2022|website=YouTube|publisher=Comicbook.com|date=July 29, 2022|access-date=March 17, 2024|format=video}} Justin Lin later became attached as director, and in 2017, the project was revived by Paramount Pictures.{{cite web|author1=Couch, Aaron|author2=Kit, Borys|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/lone-wolf-cub-movie-remake-coming-paramount-1048107/|title=Seven' Writer Andrew Kevin Walker Tackling 'Lone Wolf and Cub' for Paramount (Exclusive)|website=The Hollywood Reporter|date=October 17, 2017|access-date=March 17, 2024}}

{{main|Nerdland}}

Fincher was the first involved to direct Andrew Kevin Walker's comedy script Nerdland, which they had initially planned to do as a live action film, financed independently. Several actors came in to do read-throughs of the script including Zach Galifianakis, and Bob Odenkirk and John Ennis. Fincher would move on to other projects and Walker's script was eventually made into the 2016 animated film.{{cite web|last=Lee|first=Ashley|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/nerdland-r-rated-animated-satire-883188/|title=Tribeca: Inside the R-Rated, Animated Satire 'Nerdland' Starring Paul Rudd and Patton Oswalt|website=The Hollywood Reporter|date=April 13, 2016|access-date=March 19, 2024}}{{cite web|last=Giroux|first=Jack|url=https://www.slashfilm.com/548036/nerdland-writer-andrew-kevin-walker-interview/|title=Interview: 'Nerdland' Writer Andrew Kevin Walker On His Labor Of Love, Working With David Fincher, And More|website=/Film|date=December 6, 2016|access-date=March 19, 2024}}

{{main|Pawn Sacrifice}}

{{Expand section|date=January 2025}}

In March 2010, Fincher was reported to be directing Pawn Sacrifice.{{cite magazine|last=Siegel|first=Tatiana|url=https://variety.com/2010/film/markets-festivals/fincher-to-make-sacrifice-1118016431/|title=Fincher to make 'Sacrifice'|magazine=Variety|date=March 14, 2010|access-date=January 28, 2025}} However, Fincher later claimed that he did not officially sign on, although he did have meetings with the filmmakers.{{cite web |url= https://theplaylist.net/david-fincher-not-directing-pawn-20100331/|title= Exclusive: David Fincher Not Directing ‘Pawn Sacrifice,’ Doing ‘Girl With The Dragon Tattoo’ Next|date= March 31, 2010|access-date= June 12, 2025|first= Kevin|last= Jagernauth|work= The Playlist}}

It was announced by Fincher in July 2010 that he was to direct a remake of the 1954 Disney film, with Scott Z. Burns writing the screenplay.[https://web.archive.org/web/20170225131219/http://www.mtv.com/news/2437143/exclusive-david-fincher-confirms-that-work-continues-on-20000-leagues-under-the-sea/ EXCLUSIVE: DAVID FINCHER CONFIRMS THAT WORK CONTINUES ON '20,000 LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA'] Filming was initially planned to begin in late 2012, with Brad Pitt eyed to star.{{cite news|last=Davis|first=Edward|url=http://blogs.indiewire.com/theplaylist/sony-officially-planning-to-make-dragon-tattoo-sequels-but-david-fincher-is-looking-to-direct-20-000-leagues-instead|title=Sony Officially Plans To Make 'Dragon Tattoo' Sequels, But David Fincher Is Looking To Direct '20,000 Leagues' Instead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130605141056/http://blogs.indiewire.com/theplaylist/sony-officially-planning-to-make-dragon-tattoo-sequels-but-david-fincher-is-looking-to-direct-20-000-leagues-instead|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 5, 2013|work=IndieWire|date=January 9, 2012|accessdate=January 9, 2015}}{{Cite web |url=https://variety.com/2012/film/news/fincher-scopes-out-brad-pitt-for-20-000-leagues-1118060967/ |title=Fincher scopes out Brad Pitt for '20,000 Leagues' |date=19 October 2012 |access-date=2020-07-12 |archive-date=2017-10-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171029162253/http://variety.com/2012/film/news/fincher-scopes-out-brad-pitt-for-20-000-leagues-1118060967/ |url-status=live }} Pitt would decline the role, however.[https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a460011/brad-pitt-turns-down-david-finchers-20000-leagues-under-the-sea/ Brad Pitt 'turns down David Fincher's 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea'] The production received a $20 million incentive to film in Australia,[https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/disney-s-20000-leagues-under-432259 Disney’s ‘20,000 Leagues Under the Sea’ Confirmed For Australia Shoot] but Fincher would exit the project in July 2013, citing casting disagreements with Disney, as he wanted to cast Channing Tatum for the lead role, but Disney wanted Chris Hemsworth.{{cite news|last=Davis|first=Edward|url=http://blogs.indiewire.com/theplaylist/exclusive-andrew-kevin-walker-rewriting-dragon-tattoo-sequel-david-finchers-20-000-leagues-is-dead-20130717|title=Exclusive: Andrew Kevin Walker Rewriting 'Dragon Tattoo' Sequel; David Fincher's '20,000 Leagues' Is Dead|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130720030024/http://blogs.indiewire.com/theplaylist/exclusive-andrew-kevin-walker-rewriting-dragon-tattoo-sequel-david-finchers-20-000-leagues-is-dead-20130717|archive-date=July 20, 2013|work=IndieWire|date=July 17, 2013|accessdate=January 9, 2015}}{{cite news|last=Jagernauth|first=Kevin|url=http://blogs.indiewire.com/theplaylist/david-fincher-says-differences-over-casting-and-disneys-corporate-culture-stalled-20-000-leagues-under-the-sea-20140915|title=David Fincher Says Differences Over Casting And Disney's Corporate Culture Stalled '20,000 Leagues Under The Sea'|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140918195018/http://blogs.indiewire.com/theplaylist/david-fincher-says-differences-over-casting-and-disneys-corporate-culture-stalled-20-000-leagues-under-the-sea-20140915 |archive-date=September 18, 2014|work=Indie Wire|date=September 15, 2014|accessdate=January 9, 2015}}

Fincher became attached to a new telling of the story of Cleopatra starring Angelina Jolie in March 2011.[https://deadline.com/2011/03/cleopatra-conversation-turns-to-david-fincher-114617/ 'Cleopatra' Conversation Turns To David Fincher] Fincher confirmed his involvement later that year, stating Eric Roth was working on the screenplay and that he wasn't looking to make it in a typical sword-and-sandal style.[https://web.archive.org/web/20150315162240/http://www.mtv.com/news/1579041/david-fincher-discusses-reunion-with-brad-pitt-possible-fight-club-musical/ DAVID FINCHER DISCUSSES REUNION WITH BRAD PITT, POSSIBLE 'FIGHT CLUB' MUSICAL] He left the project in August 2012.[https://www.indiewire.com/2012/08/david-fincher-exits-cleopatra-with-angelina-jolie-sony-searches-for-new-director-with-eye-on-ang-lee-106785/ David Fincher Exits 'Cleopatra' With Angelina Jolie, Sony Searches For New Director With Eye On Ang Lee]

Upon the December 2011 release of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, the American adaptation of the Stieg Larsson novel, Fincher revealed the plan was to make the sequels The Girl Who Played with Fire and The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets' Nest, "back to back."{{cite web|last1=Weintraub|first1=Steve|title=The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo Sequels Likely Shooting Back to Back|url=https://collider.com/girl-with-the-dragon-tattoo-sequels-shooting-back-to-back/|publisher=Collider|accessdate=September 9, 2014|date=December 18, 2011|archive-date=March 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200304193955/https://collider.com/girl-with-the-dragon-tattoo-sequels-shooting-back-to-back/|url-status=live}} The script for Who Played with Fire was revised by Steven Zaillian and Andrew Kevin Walker at various stages.{{cite web |title=Dragon Tattoo Sequel Delayed |date=2012-08-22 |website=IGN |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926002725/https://www.ign.com/articles/2012/08/22/dragon-tattoo-sequel-delayed |archive-date=2022-09-26 |url-status=live |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2012/08/22/dragon-tattoo-sequel-delayed}}[https://www.thewrap.com/girl-dragon-tattoo-sequel-moving-forward-se7en-writer-andrew-kevin-walker-104021/ ‘Girl With the Dragon Tattoo’ Sequel Revived With ‘Se7en’ Writer Andrew Kevin Walker] Upon the release of The Girl in the Spider's Web by David Lagercrantz, Sony Pictures elected to reboot the series instead with an adaptation of the new novel. It was released in 2018, directed by Fede Álvarez and starring Claire Foy. Fincher served as an executive producer.[https://www.businessinsider.com/girl-in-the-spiders-web-director-on-replacing-david-fincher-casting-claire-foy-2018-10 'The Girl in the Spider's Web' director explains how 'The Crown' convinced him Claire Foy should be his lead, and why he hopes some people will leave the movie 'pissed']

As early as 2010, a Queen biopic had been in active development with Sacha Baron Cohen set to portray lead singer Freddie Mercury, and Peter Morgan writing the script.{{cite web|last=Fleming|first=Mike Jr.|url=https://deadline.com/2010/09/exclusive-sacha-baron-cohen-set-to-play-queen-singer-freddie-mercury-in-gk-film-67806/|title=EXCLUSIVE: Sacha Baron Cohen Set To Play Singer Freddie Mercury In GK Film|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=September 16, 2010|access-date=March 17, 2024}} At this time, Fincher, and several others including Tom Hooper and Stephen Frears, circled the Queen biopic as a potential project.{{cite web|last=Finke|first=Nikki|url=https://deadline.com/2013/07/sacha-baron-cohen-exits-freddie-mercury-biopic-546717/|title=Sacha Baron Cohen Exits Freddie Mercury Biopic Over Creative Differences With Queen|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=July 22, 2013|access-date=March 17, 2024}}{{cite web|last=Jagernauth|first=Kevin|url=https://www.indiewire.com/news/general-news/sacha-baron-cohen-says-david-fincher-eyed-queen-biopic-producers-wanted-freddie-mercury-to-die-mid-movie-263717/|title=Sacha Baron Cohen Says David Fincher Eyed Queen Biopic, Producers Wanted Freddie Mercury To Die Mid-Movie|website=IndieWire|date=March 8, 2016|access-date=March 17, 2024}} Impressed with test photos of Cohen in character as Mercury, Fincher campaigned himself to direct the film but was rejected by the band.{{cite web|last=Sharf|first=Zack|url=https://www.indiewire.com/features/general/david-fincher-sacha-baron-cohen-freddie-mercury-biopic-1234617368/|title=David Fincher Says Sacha Baron Cohen Looked 'Spectacular' as Freddie Mercury in Unmade Biopic|website=IndieWire|date=February 17, 2021|access-date=March 17, 2024}} By 2013, Cohen had officially exited the biopic over creative differences with one of the members, and Rami Malek would instead go on to play Mercury in the 2018 film, Bohemian Rhapsody.

In June 2015, HBO shut down production of this half-hour comedy series after it had filmed 4-5 episodes, with Fincher directing multiple episodes.[https://deadline.com/2015/06/david-fincher-hbo-comedy-series-shut-down-1201441749/ David Fincher’s HBO Comedy Series ‘Videosynchrazy’ Hits Pause Button] It starred Charlie Rowe, Sam Page, Jason Flemyng, Kerry Condon, Elizabeth Lail, Corbin Bernsen and Paz Vega[https://www.indiewire.com/2015/06/hbo-halts-production-on-david-fincher-music-video-comedy-videosyncrazy-series-might-not-be-moving-forward-263051/ HBO Halts Production On David Fincher Music-Video Comedy ‘Videosyncrazy,’ Series Might Not Be Moving Forward] and was set in 1983, following a college dropout who moves to Hollywood with dreams of making a sci-fi epic, but ends up working on music videos. The first season was to begin with the making of the video for Berlin's song The Metro and would have concluded with the filming of Michael Jackson's Thriller. The series was written by Rich Wilkes and Bob Stephenson. Wilkes described it as “a half-hour show in the vein of something like Entourage or Veep.”

{{main|Utopia (2020 TV series)}}

Fincher became interested in making an American remake of the British television series Utopia in July 2013.[https://www.indiewire.com/2013/07/david-fincher-interested-in-producing-remake-of-brit-tv-series-utopia-for-hbo-96299/ David Fincher Interested In Producing Remake Of Brit TV Series ‘Utopia’ For HBO] By February 2014, he teamed with author Gillian Flynn and began developing the series at HBO, which gave it a series order.[https://www.indiewire.com/2014/02/david-fincher-and-gone-girl-writer-gillian-flynn-are-adapting-the-british-series-utopia-for-hbo-30030/ David Fincher and ‘Gone Girl’ Writer Gillian Flynn Are Adapting the British Series ‘Utopia’ for HBO][https://www.indiewire.com/2014/02/david-finchers-hbo-show-utopia-gets-series-order-gone-girl-author-gillian-flynn-on-board-89127/ David Fincher’s HBO Show ‘Utopia’ Gets Series Order, ‘Gone Girl’ Author Gillian Flynn On Board] Fincher was set to direct all the episodes of the show's first season, with Flynn writing.[https://www.indiewire.com/2014/09/david-fincher-will-direct-the-entire-first-season-of-hbos-utopia-in-2015-271802/ David Fincher Will Direct The Entire First Season Of HBO’s ‘Utopia’ In 2015][https://www.indiewire.com/2014/10/gone-girl-author-gillian-flynn-penning-first-season-of-david-finchers-hbo-show-utopia-271594/ ‘Gone Girl’ Author Gillian Flynn Penning First Season Of David Fincher’s HBO Show ‘Utopia’] The series would have starred Rooney Mara, Colm Feore, Eric McCormack, Dallas Roberts, Jason Ritter, Brandon Scott, and Agyness Deyn. HBO cancelled the project in August 2015, due to budget issues.{{Cite web |url=https://www.indiewire.com/2015/08/david-finchers-utopia-with-rooney-mara-is-dead-at-hbo-videosyncrazy-might-be-doa-too-261018/ |title=David Fincher's 'Utopia' With Rooney Mara Is Dead At HBO, 'Videosyncrazy' Might Be DOA Too |date=8 August 2015 |access-date=2020-07-08 |archive-date=2016-08-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160829201731/http://www.indiewire.com/2015/08/david-finchers-utopia-with-rooney-mara-is-dead-at-hbo-videosyncrazy-might-be-doa-too-261018/ |url-status=live }} Fincher stated in an October 2017 interview that it was specifically a disagreement over $9 million.[https://www.indiewire.com/2017/10/david-fincher-utopia-hbo-cancellation-1201889447/ David Fincher Explains the Real Reason His $9 Million HBO Series Never Happened] The series was picked up by Amazon Studios in 2018, with Flynn remaining onboard as creator, executive producer and showrunner.{{Cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2018/04/utopia-series-amazon-studios-gillian-flynn-auk-format-1202367487/ |title=Amazon Orders 'Utopia' Drama Series From Gillian Flynn Based On UK Format |date=19 April 2018 |access-date=2020-07-08 |archive-date=2018-04-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419153905/http://deadline.com/2018/04/utopia-series-amazon-studios-gillian-flynn-auk-format-1202367487/ |url-status=live}} Along with Videosyncrazy and Utopia, the third series in the HBO deal, Shakedown a 50s-set noir series, was also halted.

{{main|Steve Jobs (film)}}

Fincher entered early talks to direct a biopic about Apple Inc. co-founder Steve Jobs in February 2014.[https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/david-fincher-early-talks-direct-682860 David Fincher in Early Talks to Direct Steve Jobs Film for Sony (Exclusive)] However he would bow out in April over contractual disputes.[https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/117146-david-fincher-exits-steve-jobs-biopic David Fincher Exits Steve Jobs Biopic]

{{main|Red Sparrow}}

In June 2014, it was reported that Fincher was interested in directing Eric Warren Singer's screenplay adaptation of Jason Matthews' espionage novel, Red Sparrow over at Fox, and wanted to reteam with actress Rooney Mara for the lead role.{{cite web|last=Emery|first=Debbie|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/american-hustle-writer-talks-adapt-foxs-red-sparrow-710549/|title='American Hustle' Writer in Talks to Adapt Fox's 'Red Sparrow'|website=The Hollywood Reporter|date=June 9, 2014|access-date=March 15, 2024}} For the final film, Justin Haythe's script was used, Francis Lawrence would direct, and Jennifer Lawrence would star.

In September 2014, Fincher revealed that he had discussed with Kathleen Kennedy a possible directing gig for Star Wars: Episode VII. His idea was to make it like The Empire Strikes Back, his favorite in the series, and that he saw the series as "the story of two slaves [ C-3PO and R2-D2 ] who go from owner to owner, witnessing their masters' folly, the ultimate folly of man."{{cite web |url= https://www.gamesradar.com/david-fincher-discusses-meeting-disney-about-star-wars-episode-vii/|title= David Fincher discusses meeting Disney about Star Wars: Episode VII|date= September 29, 2014|access-date= July 9, 2022|work= Total Film}} In a later interview with Empire, Fincher stated that he was offered to direct Episode IX, but turned it down because he was not interested in "franchise filmmaking" due to the pressure of it all.{{cite magazine |url= https://ew.com/movies/2017/10/22/david-fincher-star-wars/|title= David Fincher explains why he won't be directing a Star Wars movie anytime soon|date= October 22, 2017|access-date= July 9, 2022|first= David|last= Canfield|magazine= Entertainment Weekly}}

Announced in December 2014, Shakedown was to be an HBO series directed by Fincher and written by James Ellroy. It was to be set in the seedy tabloid world of 1950s Los Angeles, and was inspired by the life of private investigator and Hollywood "fixer" Fred Otash. It was reported to be an original series written by Ellroy, and not an adaptation of his 2012 short story of the same name, also about Otash.{{cite web|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|url=https://deadline.com/2014/12/david-fincher-james-ellroy-drama-hbo-1201329645/|title=David Fincher & James Ellroy Developing 1950s Los Angeles Drama For HBO|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=December 18, 2014|access-date=March 16, 2024}}

It was reported in January 2015 that Fincher was to re-team with Gone Girl actor Ben Affleck and screenwriter Gillian Flynn on a modern update of Alfred Hitchcock's Strangers on a Train for Warner Bros.[https://deadline.com/2015/01/ben-affleck-david-fincher-gillian-flynn-strangers-on-a-train-remake-warner-bros-gone-girl-1201348983/ ‘Gone Girl’s Ben Affleck, David Fincher, Gillian Flynn Plot ‘Strangers On A Train’ Redo At Warner Bros] In a July 2015 interview, Flynn remarked all three individuals were "overcommitted" at the time.[https://www.indiewire.com/2015/07/well-see-gillian-flynn-says-dont-wait-for-that-strangers-on-a-train-remake-with-david-fincher-ben-affleck-261558/ “We’ll See”: Gillian Flynn Says Don’t Wait For That ‘Strangers On A Train’ Remake With David Fincher & Ben Affleck]

Fincher was hired to direct the sequel to 2013's World War Z in June 2017, with filming set to begin in June 2019. Paramount Pictures cancelled the project in February 2019.{{Cite web |url=https://screenrant.com/world-war-z-2-paramount-fincher-pitt/ |title=World War Z 2: Paramount Boss Confirms David Fincher & Brad Pitt |website=Screen Rant |date=23 June 2017 |access-date=2020-07-08 |archive-date=2017-09-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170913032217/http://screenrant.com/world-war-z-2-paramount-fincher-pitt/ |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |url=https://theplaylist.net/paramount-david-fincher-world-war-z-exclusive-20190206/ |title=Paramount Pulls The Plug On David Fincher's 'World War Z' Sequel [Exclusive] |access-date=2020-07-08 |archive-date=2019-02-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190208205703/https://theplaylist.net/paramount-david-fincher-world-war-z-exclusive-20190206/ |url-status=live}} A cited reason for the cancellation was China imposing a ban on films featuring zombies and ghosts.{{Cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/zombie-films-at-cannes-whats-up-all-undead-1211968 |title=Zombie Films at Cannes: What's Up With All the Undead? |website=The Hollywood Reporter |date=18 May 2019 |access-date=2020-07-08 |archive-date=2019-05-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190520030033/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/zombie-films-at-cannes-whats-up-all-undead-1211968 |url-status=live}}

In November 2019, it was announced that Netflix had closed a deal with Fincher and Robert Towne to develop the pilot script for a series prequel to Chinatown, focusing on a younger version of the J. J. Gittes character. Fincher was to serve as showrunner, and executive produce alongside Joshua Donen.{{cite magazine|url=https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/chinatown-prequel-series-netflix-david-fincher-robert-towne-1203408719/|magazine=Variety|title='Chinatown' Prequel Series in Development at Netflix From David Fincher, Robert Towne|author=Otterson, Joe|date=November 18, 2019|access-date=September 18, 2021}}{{cite web|last=Fleming |first=Mike Jr.|title= Netflix Teams Robert Towne And David Fincher for 'Chinatown' Prequel Series Pilot Script|url=https://deadline.com/2019/11/chinatown-prequel-series-pilot-robert-towne-david-fincher-netflix-1202789041/|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=November 19, 2019|access-date=May 30, 2020}} Fincher confirmed he was still attached to it as of 2021,{{cite web|last=Hersko|first=Tyler|url=https://www.indiewire.com/features/general/david-fincher-tv-series-about-movies-chinatown-show-prequel-1234623075/|title=David Fincher Is Working on a 'Film Appreciation' TV Series Where Guests Discuss Favorite Movies|website=IndieWire|date=March 11, 2021|access-date=March 17, 2024}} and, in 2023, rumors circulated that Henry Cavill had signed on for a role in the series.{{cite web|last=Kamal|first=Nathan|url=https://www.giantfreakinrobot.com/ent/henry-cavill-chinatown-netflix-series.html|title=Exclusive: Henry Cavill In Talks For Chinatown Netflix Series|website=Giant Freaking Robot|date=January 10, 2023|access-date=March 17, 2024}} By 2024, Towne confirmed that the script for each episode had been completed.{{cite magazine|url=https://variety.com/2024/film/features/chinatown-50th-anniversary-robert-towne-prequel-david-fincher-1236043979/|magazine=Variety|title=As 'Chinatown' Turns 50, Robert Towne Reflects on His Netflix Prequel Plans With David Fincher and Writing Jack Nicholson's Most Iconic Role|author=Murphy, J. Kim|date=June 22, 2024|access-date=June 24, 2024}} According to The Playlist, Fincher eyed and wanted Tom Pelphrey to play the young Gittes.{{cite web|last=Perez|first=Rodrigo|url=https://theplaylist.net/david-fincher-to-direct-brad-pitt-in-once-upon-a-time-in-hollywood-sequel-written-by-quentin-tarantino-exclusive-20250401/|title=David Fincher To Direct Brad Pitt In 'Once Upon A Time In Hollywood' Sequel Written By Quentin Tarantino [Exclusive]|website=The Playlist|date=April 1, 2025|access-date=April 1, 2025}}

In September 2024, it was reported that Fincher became attached to direct Bitterroot, a Western crime thriller for Netflix. Its premise follows an elderly rancher who becomes the victim of financial fraud after winning a million-dollar sweepstakes and turns to robbing banks and hunting down the thieves while being pursued by his son, the sheriff.{{cite web|url=https://www.whats-on-netflix.com/news/david-fincher-and-michael-gilio-teaming-for-netflix-western-bitterroot/|title=David Fincher and Michael Gilio Teaming for Netflix Western 'Bitterroot'|date=September 3, 2024|first=Kasey|last=Moore|website=What's on Netflix|access-date=September 3, 2024}} The screenplay written by Michael Gilio originally appeared on The Black List in 2008 under the title Big Hole.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2008/12/the-black-list-is-out-7744/|title=THE BLACK LIST 2008: Top Screenplays|date=December 10, 2008|first=Nikki|last=Finke|website=Deadline Hollywood|access-date=September 3, 2024}} Production was scheduled to begin in January 2025 in Los Angeles.{{cite web|url=https://productionlist.com/production/bitterroot/|title=Bitterroot (Feature Film)|website=Production List {{!}} Film & Television Industry Alliance Production|access-date=October 15, 2024}} The project was put on hold, in place of the Once Upon a Time in Hollywood spinoff.

Also in September 2024, it was additionally reported that Fincher was actively working on three other projects for Netflix including Squid Game: America, the Chinatown prequel series and an as-yet revealed crime thriller film. The latter was then confirmed as a remake of the 1948 Alfred Hitchcock film Rope. Steven Knight was said to have written a draft of the script and Charlize Theron was set to star in one of the lead roles. Denzel Washington was also potentially attached to star in the film.{{cite web|last=Ruimy|first=Jordan|url=https://www.worldofreel.com/blog/2024/9/11/rumor-david-fincher-directing-rope-remake|title=Confirmed: David Fincher Attached to Direct 'Rope' Remake [Updated]|website=World of Reel|date=September 11, 2024|access-date=November 30, 2024}}

• David Fincher filmography

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{{David Fincher}}

Fincher, David