List of unproduced film projects based on Marvel Comics

{{Main|The Fantastic Four (unreleased film)}}

In 1983, German producer Bernd Eichinger met with Marvel Comics' Stan Lee at Lee's Los Angeles home to explore obtaining an option for a movie based on the Fantastic Four.{{cite news | title = Fantastic Faux! | first = Robert | last = Ito | work = Los Angeles | date = March 2005 | page = [https://books.google.com/books?id=SF8EAAAAMBAJ&dq=%22selling+the+character%27s+option+to+Universal%22&pg=PA109 109]}} The option was not available until three years later, when Eichinger's Neue Constantin film company obtained it for a price the producer called "not enormous" and which has been estimated to be $250,000.Ito, p. [https://books.google.com/books?id=SF8EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA110 110] Despite some interest from Warner Bros. and Columbia Pictures, budget concerns precluded any production, and with the option scheduled to expire on December 31, 1992, Neue Constantin asked Marvel for an extension. With none forthcoming, Eichinger planned to retain his option by producing a low-budget Fantastic Four film, reasoning, he said in 2005, "They didn't say I had to make a big movie." In September 1992, he teamed with B-movie specialist Roger Corman, who agreed to produce the film on a $1 million budget.

Production began on December 28, 1992, under music video director Oley Sassone. Storyboards were drawn by artist Pete Von Sholly.{{cite news | url = https://www.filmthreat.com/features/37428/ | work = Film Threat | date = October 1993 | issue= 12 | volume = 2 | page = 30 (sidebar: "Stunning Storyboards") | title = What Do You Take Us 4? | first= Christian | last = Gore | access-date = January 1, 2012}} The 21-day or 25-dayGore, p. 40 production was shot on the Concorde Pictures sound stage in Venice, California, as well as in Agoura, California for a spacecraft-crash scene, the Loyola Marymount University campus for a lab-explosion scene, and the former Pacific Stock Exchange building in downtown Los Angeles for team-meeting scenes.Ito, p. [https://books.google.com/books?id=SF8EAAAAMBAJ&dq=%22the+thing.+This+would+be+his+second+movie.%22&pg=PA111 111] Costume designer Réve Richards recalled in 1993 going to Golden Apple Comics on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles to buy Fantastic Four comic books for research, and, upon explaining his task, "[T]hese people in the store just swarmed me and said, 'You are going to be faithful to it?' And I told them, 'This is why I am buying these books.{{'"}}Gore, p. 31 Paul Ahern was hired as weapons consultant, and Scott Billups for computer visual effects.Gore, p. 33 (sidebar: "FF FX") The special-effects makeup was by John Vulich and Everett Burrell of Optic Nerve.Gore, p. 33 Stuntman Carl Ciarfalio, who wore a rubber suit to portray the monstrous superhero Thing, worked with actor Michael Bailey Smith, who played the Thing's human self, Ben Grimm, so that their mannerisms would match. During the months of post-production, music composers David and Eric Wurst personally contributed $6,000 to finance a 48-piece orchestra for the soundtrack.

A 1993 magazine article gave a tentative release date of Labor Day weekend 1993.Gore, p. 41 During that summer, trailers ran in theaters and on the video release of Corman's Carnosaur. The cast members hired a publicist, at their own expense, to help promote the film at a clips-screening at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles and at San Diego Comic-Con. By this time, the world premiere was announced to take place at the Mall of America in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on January 19, 1994, with proceeds from the event earmarked for the charities Ronald McDonald House and Children's Miracle Network.Ito, p. [https://books.google.com/books?id=SF8EAAAAMBAJ&dq=%22the+film+switches+from+live+action+to+cartoon%22&pg=PA218 218] However, the premiere was halted, the actors received a cease and desist order on all promotion from the producers and the studio confiscated the negatives.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.maxim.com/entertainment/fantastic-four-fizzled-box-office-roger-cormans-lost-version-here-save|title=Fantastic Four Fizzled at the Box Office but Roger Corman's 'Lost' Version is Here to Save the Day|magazine=Maxim|date=August 10, 2015|access-date=May 17, 2017}} Eichinger then informed Sassone that the film would not be released. Speculation arose that the film had never been intended for release, but had gone into production solely as a way for Eichinger to retain rights to the characters; Stan Lee said in 2005 that this was indeed the case, insisting, "The movie was never supposed to be shown to anybody," and adding that the cast and crew had been left unaware.Ito, p. [https://books.google.com/books?id=SF8EAAAAMBAJ&dq=%22lee+is+talking+about+a+far+different+movie%22&pg=PA108 108] Corman and Eichinger dismissed Lee's claims, with the former stating in the same article, "We had a contract to release it, and I had to be bought out of that contract" by Eichinger. Eichinger, also in that article, calls Lee's version of events "definitely not true. It was not our [original] intention to make a B movie, that's for sure, but when the movie was there, we wanted to release it." He said future Marvel film impresario Avi Arad, at this point, in 1993, a Marvel executive, "...calls me up and says, 'Listen, I think what you did was great, it shows your enthusiasm for the movie and the property, and ... I understand that you have invested so-and-much, and Roger has invested so-and-much. Let's do a deal.' Because he really didn't like the idea that a small movie was coming out and maybe ruining the franchise.... So he says to me that he wants to give me back the money that we spent on the movie and that we should not release it.

In 2002, Arad recalled that, while on a trip to Puerto Rico in 1993, a fan noticing Arad's Fantastic Four shirt expressed excitement over the film's upcoming premiere, of which Arad said he was unaware. Concerned how the low-budget film might cheapen the brand, he said he purchased the film "for a couple of million dollars in cash" and, not having seen it, ordered all prints destroyed, in order to prevent its release.Ito, p. [https://books.google.com/books?id=SF8EAAAAMBAJ&q=%22So+what+happened%2C+really%3F+Arad%22&pg=PA219 219] Eichinger continued negotiations to produce a big-budget adaptation, speaking with directors including Chris Columbus, Peyton Reed, and Peter Segal. After pre-production briefly went underway in 1996, Eichinger and his company, by that time called Constantin Film, began production in 2004 of Fantastic Four with an estimated $90 million budget. Following that film's 2005 release, Eichinger and Constantin produced a $130 million{{cite web | url = https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=fantasticfour2.htm | title = Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer | website = Box Office Mojo | access-date = January 1, 2013}} sequel, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007). Although never officially released to the general public, but exhibited once on May 31, 1994, The Fantastic Four has been subject to bootleg recordings.{{cite news | url=http://www.newsarama.com/20178-doomed-the-untold-story-of-roger-cormans-the-fantastic-four.html | title=DOOMED! The Untold Story of Roger Corman's THE FANTASTIC FOUR | work=Newsarama | date=January 29, 2014 | access-date=May 17, 2016}} The film is available to watch on YouTube and Dailymotion.

In the mid-1980s, screenwriter Gary Goddard was commissioned to write a script for a film based on Dazzler to star Bo Derek. The project was ultimately abandoned when temperamental director John Derek was brought on board, leading to investors backing out.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbr.com/superhero-movies-that-never-happened/|title=15 Game-Changing Superhero Movies That Almost Were (But Never Will Be)|website=Comic Book Resources|first=Christopher|last=Baggett|date=September 6, 2017|access-date=September 16, 2018}} Dazzler eventually made her film debut in Dark Phoenix, portrayed by Halston Sage.{{cite web|url=https://www.thewrap.com/dark-phoenix-why-dazzler-took-40-years-to-get-to-the-big-screen/|title='Dark Phoenix': Why Dazzler Took 40 Years to Get to the Big Screen|website=TheWrap|last=Molloy|first=Tim|date=June 6, 2019|access-date=June 6, 2019}}{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/movies/2017/06/23/dark-phoenix-dazzler/|title=Dazzler will definitely appear in the upcoming X-Men film 'Dark Phoenix'|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|first=Tim|last=Stack|date=June 23, 2017|access-date=June 6, 2019}}

{{Main|Spider-Man in film#Cannon Films}}

The low box office performance of 1983's Superman III made feature-film adaptations of comic book properties a very low priority in Hollywood until the 1990s.{{cite news|first=Michael A.|last=Hiltzik|title=Spidey's Movie Mess|work=Los Angeles Times|date=September 29, 1998}} In 1985, after a brief option on Spider-Man by Roger Corman expired,{{cite web|url=https://movies.msn.com/paralleluniverse/a-tangled-web/story/across-the-universe/|work=MSN|title=A Tangled Web|first=Don|last=Kaye|access-date=October 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130526002445/https://movies.msn.com/paralleluniverse/a-tangled-web/story/across-the-universe/|archive-date=May 26, 2013|url-status=dead}} Marvel Comics optioned the property to Cannon Films. Cannon chiefs Menahem Golan and his cousin Yoram Globus agreed to pay Marvel $225,000 over the five-year option period, plus a percentage of any film's revenues.{{cite news|first=Ronald|last=Grover|url=https://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnflash/apr2002/nf20020415_7441.htm|title=Unraveling Spider-Man's Tangled Web|work=Business Week|date=April 15, 2002|access-date=January 22, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090510064647/https://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnflash/apr2002/nf20020415_7441.htm|archive-date=May 10, 2009}} However, the rights would revert to Marvel if a film was not made by April 1990.{{cite news|first=Janet|last=Shprintz|url=https://www.variety.com/index.asp?layout=print_story&articleid=VR1117479641&categoryid=13|title=Spider-Man's legal web may finally be unraveled|work=Variety|date=August 19, 1998|access-date=January 22, 2007}}

Tobe Hooper, then preparing both Invaders from Mars and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2, was mooted as director. Golan and Globus misunderstood the concept of the character{{cite news|first=Michael A. |last=Hiltzik |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-mar-24-tm-34460-story.html |title=Untangling the Web |work=Los Angeles Times Magazine |date=March 24, 2002 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110823174920/http://articles.latimes.com/2002/mar/24/magazine/tm-34460 |archive-date=August 23, 2011 |url-status=live}} and instructed writer Leslie Stevens, creator of The Outer Limits, to write a treatment reflecting their misconception. In Stevens' story, a corporate scientist intentionally subjects ID-badge photographer Peter Parker to radioactive bombardment, transforming him into a hairy, suicidal, eight-armed monster. This human tarantula refuses to join the scientist's new master-race of mutants, battling a succession of mutations kept in a basement laboratory.{{cite book|first=Edward|last=Gross|title=Spider-Man Confidential|publisher=Hyperion|year=2002}}

Unhappy with this perceived debasement of his comic book creation, Marvel's Stan Lee pushed for a new story and screenplay, written for Cannon by Ted Newsom and John Brancato. The variation on the origin story had Otto Octavius as a teacher and mentor to a college-aged Peter Parker. The cyclotron accident which "creates" Spider-Man also deforms the scientist into Doctor Octopus and results in his mad pursuit of proof of the Fifth Force. "Doc Ock" reconstructs his cyclotron and causes electromagnetic abnormalities, anti-gravity effects, and bilocation which threatens to engulf New York City and the world. Joseph Zito, who had directed Cannon's successful Chuck Norris film Invasion U.S.A., replaced Tobe Hooper.{{cite news|first=William S.|last=Wilson|url=http://originalvidjunkie.blogspot.com/2010/06/never-got-made-file-19-look-out-here.html|title=The "Never Got Made" File #19: Look Out! Here comes the Spider-Man movie...or maybe not!|work=Video Junkie|date=June 28, 2010|access-date=October 23, 2013}} The new director hired Barney Cohen to rewrite the script. Cohen, creator of TV's Sabrina the Teenage Witch and Forever Knight, added action scenes, a non-canonical comic for the villain, gave Doc Ock the catch phrase, "Okey-dokey", and altered his goal from the Fifth Force to a quest for anti-gravity. Producer Golan (using his pen name "Joseph Goldman") then made a minor polish to Cohen's rewrite. Zito scouted locations and studio facilities in both the U.S. and Europe, and oversaw storyboard breakdowns supervised by Harper Goff. Cannon planned to make the film on the then-substantial budget of between $15 and $20 million.

While no casting was finalized, Zito expressed interest in actor/stunt man Scott Leva, who had posed for Cannon's promotional photos and ads, and made public appearances as Spider-Man for Marvel. The up-and-coming actor Tom Cruise was also discussed for the leading role. Zito considered Bob Hoskins as Doc Ock. Stan Lee expressed his desire to play Daily Bugle editor J. Jonah Jameson.{{cite journal|last=Jankiewicz|first=Pat|date=July 2002|title=Scott Leva, the Man Who Was Almost Spider-Man|journal=Starlog/Comics Scene Presents Spider-Man|volume=1|issue=1|pages=62–64}} Lauren Bacall and Katharine Hepburn were considered for Aunt May, Peter Cushing as a sympathetic scientist, and Adolph Caesar as a police detective.{{cite journal|first=Patrick Daniel|last=O'Neill|journal=Comics Interview Magazine|title=Screenwriter Ted Newsom|publisher=Fictioneer Books Ltd.|date=March 1990|issue=85}} With Cannon finances siphoned by the expensive Superman IV: The Quest for Peace and Masters of the Universe, the company slashed the proposed Spider-Man budget to under $10 million. Director Zito opted out, unwilling to make a compromised Spider-Man. The company commissioned low-budget rewrites from writers Shepard Goldman, Don Michael Paul, and finally Ethan Wiley, and penciled in company workhorse Albert Pyun as director, who also made script alterations.

Scott Leva was still associated with the character through Marvel (he had appeared in photo covers of the comic), and read each draft. Leva commented, "Ted Newsom and John Brancato had written the script. It was good but it needed a little work. Unfortunately, with every subsequent rewrite by other writers, it went from good to bad to terrible." Due to Cannon's assorted financial crises, the project shut down after spending about $1.5 million on the project. In 1989, Pathé, owned by corrupt Italian financier Giancarlo Parretti, acquired the overextended Cannon. The filmmaking cousins parted, Globus remaining associated with Pathé, Golan leaving to run 21st Century Film Corporation, keeping a number of properties (including Spider-Man) in lieu of a cash buy-out. He also extended his Spider-Man option with Marvel up to January 1992.

Golan shelved the low-budget rewrites and attempted to finance an independent production from the original big-budget script, already budgeted, storyboarded and laid out.{{cite news|first=Sheldon|last=Teitelbaum|title=Spider-Man – The Movie: For Cannon Films it was a web too far|work=Cinefantastique|date=September 1987}} At Cannes in May 1989, 21st Century announced a September start date, with ads touting the script by "Barney Cohen, Ted Newsom & John Brancato and Joseph Goldman."{{cite news|title=21stCenturyAd1989|page=11|work=Variety|date=May 5, 1989}} As standard practice, Golan pre-sold the unmade film to raise production funds, with television rights bought by Viacom and home video rights by Columbia Pictures, which wanted to establish a studio franchise. Stephen Herek was attached as director at this point.David Hughes. The Greatest Sci-Fi Movies Never Made {{ISBN|1-55652-449-8}} Golan submitted this "new" screenplay to Columbia in late 1989 (actually the 1985 script with an adjusted "1989" date) and the studio requested yet another rewrite. Golan hired Frank LaLoggia, who turned in his draft but grew disenchanted with 21st Century. Neil Ruttenberg was hired for one more draft, which was also "covered" by script readers at Columbia.{{cite journal|first=Steve|last=Ryfle|journal=Creative Screenwriting Magazine|title=Spider-Man's Tangled Web|publisher=CS Publications|date=May–June 2002}} Columbia's script analysts considered all three submissions "essentially the same story." A tentative production deal was set. In 1990, Stan Lee said, "21st Century [is] supposed to do Spider-Man and now they're talking to Columbia and the way it looks now, Columbia may end up buying Spider-Man from 21st Century."{{cite journal|first=Dan|last=Hagen|title=Publisher Stan Lee Speaks|publisher=Fictioneer Books Ltd.|journal=Comics Interview|year=1990}}

Around 1989, Stan Lee and Chris Claremont entered into talks with Carolco Pictures and Lightstorm Entertainment to make a film adaptation of the X-Men comic book series, with James Cameron as producer, Kathryn Bigelow as director and Gary Goldman as writer.{{cite web|url=https://www.denofgeek.com/us/movies/x-men/235939/the-x-men-movies-you-never-saw|title=The X-Men Movies You Never Saw|website=Den of Geek|date=June 7, 2019 }} Bob Hoskins was slated to star as Wolverine{{cite web|url=https://www.thewrap.com/bob-hoskins-x-men-writers-first-choice-wolverine/|title=Bob Hoskins Was 'X-Men' Writer's First Choice for Wolverine|date=April 30, 2014|website=TheWrap}} and Angela Bassett was attached to star as Storm.{{cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/james-cameron-xmen-bob-hoskins-wolverine-angela-bassett-storm/|title=Chris Claremont On James Cameron's Abandoned 'X-Men' Film & Bob Hoskins as Wolverine|date=March 26, 2012|website=Screen Rant}} Claremont also contacted Marvel Comics editor-in-chief Jim Shooter to revive the character of Jean Grey due to the character's demise in The Dark Phoenix Saga comic book storyline.{{cite web|url=https://www.thewrap.com/chris-claremonts-dream-x-men-movie-james-cameron-kathryn-bigelow-and-bob-hoskins-wolverine-3/|title=Chris Claremont's Dream X-Men Movie: James Cameron, Kathryn Bigelow, and Bob Hoskins as Wolverine|date=March 25, 2012|website=TheWrap}} However, the project entered into development hell when Lee piqued Cameron's interest on the long planned Spider-Man film and after the defunction of Carolco Pictures. A different film was released in 2000 with a different studio, 20th Century Fox, and Bryan Singer as director.

In 1989, Erik Fleming, then a film student from the USC School of Cinematic Arts, and Robert Letterman approached Marvel Studios and Constantin Film's producer Bernd Eichinger to ask permission to make a short film featuring the Silver Surfer, as a proof of concept for the use of CGI in creating a realistic silver colored human figure.{{cite web |url=https://www.cbr.com/saga-of-the-silver-surfer-film-making-of-the-silver-surfer/|title=Saga of the Silver Surfer (Film): Making of "The Silver Surfer|author=Beau Yarbrough|date=March 15, 2000 |website=Comic Book Resources |access-date=March 1, 2011}} Supervised by Steven Robiner, this 5-minute short film, completed in 1991 and premiered at First Look USC Film Festival on September 21, 1993,{{cite news|author=David Kilmer|url=https://pronountrouble2.wordpress.com/2010/05/25/shadows-on-the-wall/|title=Shadows on the Wall|work=AN EMPIRE OF ONE|date=May 25, 2010|access-date=May 25, 2018}} led to significant interest from major studios in a feature-length Silver Surfer project. However, in 1992, Quentin Tarantino, fresh from his critical success with Reservoir Dogs, had come to Constantin Productions with a Silver Surfer script, but was turned away.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbr.com/saga-of-the-silver-surfer-film-making-of-the-silver-surfer/|title=Saga of the Silver Surfer (Film): Making of "The Silver Surfer"|website=Comic Book Resources|author=Beau Yarbrough|date=May 15, 2000|access-date=October 23, 2018}} Andrew Kevin Walker wrote a different script for 20th Century Fox in 2000, but nothing ever came of this, either.{{cite news|first=Michael |last=Fleming|url=https://variety.com/2000/film/news/marvel-s-daredevil-on-pic-trail-1117783612/|title=Marvel's Daredevil on pic trail|work=Variety|date=July 12, 2000|access-date=October 10, 2014}}

In April 1990, Universal Studios bought the rights to develop Iron Man for the big screen,{{cite news|last=Ryan |first=James |title=Bam! Pow! Heroes take over the silver screen |newspaper=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |date=April 14, 1990}} with Stuart Gordon to direct a low-budget film based on the property. By February 1996, 20th Century Fox had acquired the rights from Universal.{{cite news|last=Smith |first=Andrew |title=Gen X kids not bad on screen |newspaper=The Commercial Appeal |date=February 18, 1996}} In January 1997, Nicolas Cage expressed interest in portraying the character,{{cite news|title=Film Clips Column |newspaper=The Journal Gazette |date=January 3, 1997}} while in September 1998, Tom Cruise expressed interest in producing as well as starring in an Iron Man film.{{cite news|last=Radford |first=Bill |title=Big screen gaining new ground as venue for comics creations |website=The Gazette |date=September 6, 1998}} Jeff Vintar and Iron Man co-creator Stan Lee co-wrote a story for Fox, which Vintar adapted into a screenplay. It included a new science-fiction origin for the character, and featured MODOK as the villain. Over 10 years later, MODOK was included in early drafts of Captain America: The Winter Soldier as the main villain, with Game of Thrones actor Peter Dinklage being the first choice for the role, (Dinklage eventually made his MCU debut in Avengers: Infinity War as Eitri the Dwarf King), but the character was cut from the final draft and replaced by Alexander Pierce.{{cite web|author=Terri Schwartz |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2599259/captain-america-writer-wants-peter-dinklage-as-modok-for-sequel/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160411194622/http://www.mtv.com/news/2599259/captain-america-writer-wants-peter-dinklage-as-modok-for-sequel/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 11, 2016 |title='Captain America' Writer Wants Peter Dinklage As MODOK For Sequel |website=MTV |date=August 29, 2011 |access-date=May 1, 2018}} Tom Rothman, President of Production at Fox, credited the screenplay with finally making him understand the character. In May 1999, Jeffrey Caine was hired to rewrite Vintar and Lee's script.{{cite web|title=Iron Man (Archive) |publisher=Comics2Film |url=http://www.comics2film.com/IronManArch.shtml |access-date=October 1, 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060503043047/http://www.comics2film.com/IronManArch.shtml |archive-date = May 3, 2006}} Fox sold the rights to New Line Cinema the following December, reasoning that although the Vintar/Lee script was strong, the studio had too many Marvel superheroes in development, and "we can't make them all."{{cite news|last=Smith |first=Andrew |title=Superheroes lining up for millennium movie debuts |newspaper=The Commercial Appeal |date=December 26, 1999}} In 1999, Quentin Tarantino was also linked to a live-action Iron Man film, as director and writer.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/iron-man-movie-happened-before-robert-downey-jr-1107846|title=What If Robert Downey Jr. Were Never Iron Man?|website=hollywood reporter|author=Aaron Couch|date=May 2, 2018|access-date=October 23, 2018}} By July 2000, the film was being written for New Line by Ted Elliott, Terry Rossio,{{cite news|last=Epstein |first=Warren |title=X-guys could muscle up more Marvelous screen fare |publisher=The Gazette |date=July 9, 2000}} and Tim McCanlies.{{cite news|last=Richey |first=Rodney |title=Warner Bros. goes Bat to the Future |newspaper=Los Angeles Daily News |date=September 25, 2000}} McCanlies' script used the idea of a Nick Fury cameo to set up his own film. In June 2001, New Line entered talks with Joss Whedon, a fan of the character.{{cite news|last=Elder |first=Robert K. |title=All work and lots of slay |work=Chicago Tribune |date=June 1, 2001}} and in December 2002, McCanlies had turned in a completed script.{{cite news|last=Garcia |first=Chris |title=A firsthand look at Secondhand |newspaper=Austin American-Statesman |date=December 6, 2002}} In December 2004, the studio attached director Nick Cassavetes to the project for a target 2006 release.{{cite news|url=https://www.warnermediagroup.com/newsroom/press-releases/2004/12/13/nick-cassavetes-to-direct-new-line-cinema-and-marvel-s-iron-man |title=Nick Cassavetes to Direct New Line Cinema and Marvel's Iron Man |publisher=Warner Media Group |date=December 13, 2004 |access-date=October 22, 2018}} Screenplay drafts were written by Alfred Gough, Miles Millar, and David Hayter, and pitted Iron Man against his father Howard Stark, who becomes War Machine. After two years of unsuccessful development, and the deal with Cassavetes falling through, New Line Cinema returned the film rights to Marvel.{{cite news|author=El Chavo |title=Iron Man by Alfred Gough & Miles Millar, Revisions By David Hayter |publisher=Latino Review |date=April 24, 2006 |url=http://latinoreview.com/scriptreview.php?id=22 |access-date=March 22, 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080205070555/http://latinoreview.com/scriptreview.php?id=22 |archive-date = February 5, 2008}} In November 2005, Marvel Studios decided to start development from scratch, discarding all previous scripts,{{cite news|last=Fritz |first=Ben |url=https://www.variety.com/article/VR1117932184?categoryid=1236&cs=1 |title=Marvel steels itself for Iron |work=Variety |date=November 2, 2005 |access-date=July 28, 2006}} and announced Iron Man as their first film of the MCU.

{{Main|Spider-Man in film#Carolco Pictures / MGM}}

21st Century's Menahem Golan still actively immersed himself in mounting "his" Spider-Man, sending the original "Doc Ock" script for production bids. In 1990, he contacted Canadian effects company Light and Motion Corporation regarding the visual effects, which in turn offered the stop-motion chores to Steven Archer (Krull, Clash of the Titans).{{cite book|last=Archer|first=Steven|title=Willis O'Brien, Special Effects Genius|publisher=McFarland & Co.|year=1993|isbn=0-89950-833-2|page=177}}

Toward the end of shooting True Lies, Variety carried the announcement that Carolco Pictures had received a completed screenplay from James Cameron.{{cite news|title=Cameron Delivers Spider-Man Script|url=https://variety.com/1993/film/news/cameron-delivers-spider-man-script-110100/|page=3|work=Variety|date=September 1, 1993|access-date=November 7, 2007|first=Christian|last=Moerk|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090228064746/http://www.variety.com/article/VR110100.html?categoryid=13&cs=1&query=cameron+spider-man|archive-date=February 28, 2009}} This script bore the names of Cameron, John Brancato, Ted Newsom, Barry [sic] Cohen and "Joseph Goldmari", a typographical scrambling of Golan's pen name ("Joseph Goldman") with Marvel executive Joseph Calamari.{{cite web|url=http://www.hundland.com/scripts/Spider-Man.txt|title=Spider-Man|publisher=(2nd revision) Hundland.com|date=August 4, 1993|author=Cohen, Barry, Ted Newson, James Cameron, "Joseph Goldmari", John Brancato|access-date=May 20, 2009|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080214112142/http://www.hundland.com/scripts/Spider-Man.txt|archive-date=February 14, 2008}} The script text was identical to the one Golan submitted to Columbia the previous year, with the addition of a new 1993 date. Cameron stalwart Arnold Schwarzenegger was frequently linked to the project as the director's choice for Doctor Octopus.{{cite web|url=http://sai.calu.edu/caltimes/index.php/2010/01/26/web-of-questions-arises-as-marvel-announces-spiderman-reboot/|access-date=August 23, 2012|title=Web of questions arises as Marvel announces Spiderman reboot|publisher=CalTimes|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002040007/http://sai.calu.edu/caltimes/index.php/2010/01/26/web-of-questions-arises-as-marvel-announces-spiderman-reboot/|archive-date=October 2, 2013}}{{cite news|url=http://www.hollywood.com/news/Who_Is_SpiderMan/311891|date=January 26, 2000|title=Who Is Spiderman?|access-date=August 23, 2012|work=Hollywood.com}}

Months later, Cameron submitted an undated 57-page "scriptment" with an alternate story (the copyright registration was dated 1991), part screenplay, part narrative story outline. The "scriptment" told the Spider-Man origin story, but used variations on the comic book characters Electro and Sandman as villains. This "Electro" (named Carlton Strand, instead of Max Dillon) was a megalomaniacal parody of corrupt capitalists. Instead of Flint Marko's character, Cameron's "Sandman" (simply named Boyd) is mutated by an accident involving Philadelphia Experiment-style bilocation and atom-mixing, in lieu of getting caught in a nuclear blast on a beach. The story climaxes with a battle atop the World Trade Center and had Peter Parker revealing his identity to Mary Jane Watson. In addition, the treatment was also heavy on profanity, and had Spider-Man and Mary Jane having sex on the Brooklyn Bridge.{{cite web|first=Scott |last=Chitwood |title=Review of James Cameron's Spider-Man Scriptment |website=IGN |date=February 15, 2000 |url=http://uk.movies.ign.com/articles/034/034412p1.html |access-date=April 28, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110831202555/http://uk.movies.ign.com/articles/034/034412p1.html |archive-date=August 31, 2011 |url-status=dead}}

This treatment reflected elements in previous scripts: from the Stevens treatment, organic web-shooters, and a villain who tempts Spider-Man to join a coming "master race" of mutants; from the original screenplay and rewrite, weird electrical storms causing blackouts, freak magnetic events and bi-location; from the Ethan Wiley draft, a villain addicted to toxic super-powers and multiple experimental spiders, one of which escapes and bites Peter, causing an hallucinatory nightmare invoking Franz Kafka's The Metamorphosis; from the Frank LaLoggia script, a blizzard of stolen cash fluttering down onto surprised New Yorkers; and from the Neil Ruttenberg screenplay, a criminal assault on the New York Stock Exchange. In 1991, Carolco Pictures extended Golan's option agreement with Marvel through May 1996, but in April 1992, Carolco ceased active production on Spider-Man due to continued financial and legal problems.{{cite news|first=Jim|last=Bullard|title=Spider-Man now 30|work=St. Petersburg Times|date=April 17, 1992}}

When Cameron agreed to make Spider-Man, Carolco lawyers simply used his previous Terminator 2 contract as a template. A clause in this agreement gave Cameron the right to decide on movie and advertising credits. Show business trade articles and advertisements made no mention of Golan, who was still actively assembling the elements for the film. In 1993, Golan complained publicly and finally instigated legal action against Carolco for disavowing his contractual guarantee credit as producer. On the other hand, Cameron had the contractual right to decide on credits. Eventually, Carolco sued Viacom and Columbia to recover broadcast and home video rights, and the two studios countersued. 20th Century Fox, though not part of the litigation, contested Cameron's participation, claiming exclusivity on his services as a director under yet another contract. In 1996, Carolco, 21st Century, and Marvel went bankrupt.

Via a quitclaim from Carolco dated March 28, 1995, MGM acquired 21st Century's film library and assets, and received "...all rights in and to all drafts and versions of the screenplay(s) for Spider-Man written by James Cameron, Ted Newsom & John Brancato, Menahem Golan, Jon [sic] Michael Paul, Ethan Wiley, Leslie Stevens, Frank Laloggia, Neil Ruttenberg, Barney Cohen, Shepard Goldman and any and all other writers."{{cite web|url=http://www.secinfo.com/$/Search.asp?Find=1-09264|title=Securities and Exchange Commission Document 1-09264|access-date=November 5, 2007|author=Securities and Exchange Commission|date=April 15, 1995|publisher=SECInfo.com (requires registration)|archive-date=May 16, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120516090512/http://www.secinfo.com/$/Search.asp?Find=1-09264|url-status=dead}} MGM also sued 21st Century, Viacom, and Marvel Comics, alleging fraud in the original deal between Cannon and Marvel. In 1998, Marvel emerged from bankruptcy with a reorganization plan that merged the company with Toy Biz. The courts determined that the original contract of Marvel's rights to Golan had expired, returning the rights to Marvel, but the matter was still not completely resolved. In 1999, Marvel licensed Spider-Man rights to Columbia, a subsidiary of Sony Pictures Entertainment.{{cite web|url=http://www.wipo.int/wipo_magazine/en/2012/03/article_0005.html|title=Marvel's Superhero Licensing|date=June 2012|access-date=August 23, 2012|publisher=World Intellectual Property Organization}} MGM disputed the legality, claiming it had the Spider-Man rights via Cannon, 21st Century, and Carolco.{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-mar-02-fi-13115-story.html|title=Studio Rights to Spider-Man Are Untangled|date=March 2, 1999|access-date=August 23, 2012|newspaper=Los Angeles Times}}

A She-Hulk live-action motion picture was planned in the early 1990s, with Larry Cohen as writer and director. Ten months later, Brigitte Nielsen was announced to play the title role in Cohen's film.{{cite magazine |title=Comics Screen |magazine=Comics Scene |issue=20 |date=August 1991 |publisher=Starlog Communications International, Inc. |page=70}} She posed for photos dressed both as She-Hulk and her alter ego Jennifer Walters, but the movie was never produced. In August 2019, a She-Hulk series was announced for Disney+, set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe with Tatiana Maslany as Jennifer Walters / She-Hulk.{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/marvel-confirms-3-new-disney-shows-including-she-hulk-moon-knight-1232742 |title=Marvel Unveils 3 New Disney+ Shows Including 'She-Hulk' and 'Moon Knight' |last=Couch |first=Aaron |website=The Hollywood Reporter |date=August 23, 2019 |access-date=August 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190823234749/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/marvel-confirms-3-new-disney-shows-including-she-hulk-moon-knight-1232742 |archive-date=August 23, 2019 |url-status=live}}

In the early 2000's, a Deathlok film was at the script stage, with screenwriter Randall Frakes writing the script, but the project never moved forward.{{cite book |last=Frakes |first=Randall |author-link=Randall Frakes |title=Terminator 2: Judgment Day |chapter=About the Author |date=July 1991 |publisher=Bantam Books |isbn=0-553-29169-6 |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/isbn_9780553291698}} Paramount Pictures bought the film rights in 2001, and hired Lee Tamahori to direct. Stu Zicherman and Raven Metzner were assigned as writers, while Avi Arad and Steven Paul would produce.{{cite web |url= http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr/film/brief_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1939225|title= Tamahori has 'Deathlok' on Par-Marvel pic|date= July 23, 2003|access-date= July 12, 2022|first= Zorianna|last= Kit|work= The Hollywood Reporter|archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20040815014808/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr/film/brief_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1939225|archivedate= August 15, 2004}} In 2004, Paul McGuigan was being considered to replace Tamahori, while David Self provided rewrites.{{cite web |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20040919084316/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr/film/brief_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1000617914|url= http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr/film/brief_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1000617914|title= Self reprograms 'Deathlok' script|date= August 25, 2004|access-date= July 12, 2022|first= Liza|last= Foreman|work= The Hollywood Reporter|archive-date= September 19, 2004}} McGuigan later revealed that he was involved, but Marvel Studios put the film on a hiatus. He also praised Self's screenplay and that he envisioned Robert Downey Jr. for the lead role.{{cite web |url= https://gizmodo.com/paul-mcguigan-talks-push-and-deathlok-5131529|title= Paul McGuigan Talks Push — And Deathlok|date= January 15, 2009|access-date= July 12, 2022|first= Charlie|last= Jane Anders|work= Gizmodo}}

In the early 1990s, Charles Band held the rights to film an adaptation of Doctor Strange, but the option expired before production on a film could begin.{{cite web|last=Pauls|first=J. B.|title=The Rewind: Doctor Mordrid|url=http://livingmythmagazine.com/blog/2014/04/21/rewind-doctor-mordrid/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303213342/https://www.livingmythmagazine.com/blog/2014/04/21/rewind-doctor-mordrid/|archive-date=March 3, 2016|work=Living Myth Magazine|access-date=May 9, 2014}} Instead of scrapping the project, the script was rewritten by C. Courtney Joyner to include original characters not directly adapted from the comics property. Concept art for the main character was designed by Jack Kirby.{{Google books|f3Vig8A-GJsC|Collected Jack Kirby Collector|page=113|keywords=Mordrid+Mortalis+Jack+Kirby|text=|plainurl=}} The film was eventually released as Doctor Mordrid, by Full Moon Features.[https://archive.nerdist.com/schlock-awe-doctor-mordrid-the-knock-off-doctor-strange/ Schlock & Awe: DOCTOR MORDRID, the Knock-Off DOCTOR STRANGE - Nerdist]

In 2022, Joyner debunked that this was ever intended to be a Doctor Strange movie and it was only ever intended to be an original character named Doctor Mordrid (although was originally named Mister/Doctor Mortalis).{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUq9Bo4ZfNY | title=Exploring Doctor Mordrid -The Best "Non-Doctor Strange" Doctor Strange | website=YouTube | date=June 6, 2022 }}

"Never. The story has gotten so speculative and messed up. I don't know if Charlie [Band] was ever in negotiations for the Strange rights as he and Stan Lee were good friends and remained so until Stan's death. When I was brought on, Doctor Mordrid was known as Doctor Mortalis and was the creation of Jack Kirby. More along the line was a money problem and I was asked to step in and use the material that was there in the concept. Which was Strange-like for sure. But when I came on there was no switch around from Strange comics or anything like that..."

{{Main|Mort the Dead Teenager#Film adaptation}}

A film adaptation of the 4-issue miniseries Mort the Dead Teenager had been in development since 1997.{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/1997/voices/columns/a-mania-for-marvel-1117434784/|title=A Mania For Marvel|website=Variety|last=Fleming|first=Michael|date=April 14, 1997|accessdate=March 10, 2024}} Robert Zemeckis and Steven Spielberg were attached to produce at Dreamworks with Jim Cooper writing the script. Elijah Wood was in talks for the role of the titular character and Dominique Swain as his love interest.

Production had switched sometime around 2002 with Quentin Tarantino and Madonna replacing Spielberg and Zemeckis, production now at A Band Apart alongside distribution by Dimension Films, with Dean Paraskevopoulos hired to direct.{{cite web|url=https://www.foxnews.com/story/tarantino-to-exec-produce-hip-marvel-comics-film|title=Tarantino to Exec Produce Hip Marvel Comics Film|website=Fox News|last=Friedman|first=Roger|date=May 1, 2002|accessdate=March 15, 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://icv2.com/articles/comics/view/1364/tarantino-to-produce-mort-dead-teenager|title=Tarantino to Produce 'Mort the Dead Teenager'|website=ivc2|date=May 3, 2002|accessdate=March 15, 2019}} Jessica Simpson was reportedly cast as Mort's love interest a year later, with test footage shot.{{cite web|url=https://www.superherohype.com/news/83119-jessica-simpson-in-mort-the-dead-teenager|title=Jessica Simpson in Mort, The Dead Teenager!|website=Superhero Hype|date=September 3, 2003|accessdate=March 15, 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/06/23/jessica-simpson-dead|title=Jessica Simpson Dead|website=IGN|date=June 23, 2005|accessdate=March 10, 2024}} Original comic author Larry Hama later stated that he had no large involvement with any of the attempted adaptations despite writing a screenplay, and that his involvement with the future of the comic ended after it was finished.{{cite web|url=http://www.ugo.com/channels/freestyle/features/larryhama/|title=Larry Hama interview |publisher= UnderGroundOnline.com|access-date=2011-01-08 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080614211120/http://www.ugo.com/channels/freestyle/features/larryhama/ |archive-date=June 14, 2008 }}

As of 2023, the film has not been made and it is assumed to have been shelved.{{cite web|url=https://io9.gizmodo.com/the-10-weirdest-marvel-movies-that-almost-got-made-1548835409|title=The 10 Weirdest Marvel Movies That Almost Got Made|website=io9|last=Anders|first=Charlie Jane|date=March 21, 2014|accessdate=March 15, 2019}} None of any of the attempted adaptations' production material has resurfaced in any form, though Hama has mentioned that some of the Simpson test footage was cut into a pitch trailer.{{cite web|url=https://comicsalliance.com/five-stars-larry-hama-interview/|title=Five Stars: How Larry Hama Made Comics History One Issue At A Time|website=ComicsAlliance|last=Morris|first=Steve|date=August 30, 2016|accessdate=March 10, 2024}}

In May 2000, Marvel Studios brought Artisan Entertainment to co-finance an Iron Fist film,{{cite web | first=Mike Jr. | last=Fleming | url=https://variety.com/2000/film/news/artisan-deal-a-real-marvel-1117781709/ | title=Artisan deal a real Marvel | work=Variety | date=May 16, 2000 | access-date=March 30, 2008}} hiring Ray Park to star and John Turman to write the script in January 2001.{{cite web | first=Dana | last=Harris | url=https://variety.com/2001/film/news/park-turman-marvel-at-fist-2-1117791215/ | title=Park, Turman Marvel at Fist | work=Variety | date=January 3, 2001 | access-date=March 30, 2008}} Park extensively read the comics Iron Fist had appeared in.{{cite web | first=Rob | last=Worley | author-link=Rob Worley | url=http://www.comicbookresources.com/news/newsitem.cgi?id=2697 | title=Comics2Film Wrap For August 13, 2003 | work=Comic Book Resources | date=August 13, 2003 | access-date=March 31, 2008 | archive-date=October 24, 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071024231412/http://www.comicbookresources.com/news/newsitem.cgi?id=2697 | url-status=dead }} Kirk Wong signed to direct in July 2001, with filming set for late 2001/early 2002.{{cite web | first=Dana | last=Harris | url=https://variety.com/2001/film/news/wong-to-forge-marvel-s-iron-1117850356/ | title=Wong to forge Marvel's Iron | work=Variety | date=July 26, 2001 | access-date=March 30, 2008}} Iron Fist nearly went into pre-production in March 2002.{{cite web | first=Rob | last=Worley | url=http://www.comics2film.com/index.php?a=story&b=441 | title=Marvel Chief talks Movies | work=Comics2Film | date=March 18, 2002 | access-date=March 31, 2008}} Wong left the project in April 2002.{{cite web | first=Rob | last=Worley | url=http://www.comics2film.com/index.php?a=story&b=622 | title=Arad Confirms Wong off Iron Fist | work=Comics2Film | date=April 15, 2002 | access-date=March 31, 2008}} By August 2002, pre-production had started.{{cite web | first=Kevin | last=Leung | url=http://www.comics2film.com/index.php?a=story&b=1531 | title=Iron Fist Heating Up | work=Comics2Film | date=August 15, 2002 | access-date=March 31, 2008}} Filming was pushed back to late 2002,{{cite web | first=David | last=Bloom | url=https://variety.com/2002/film/news/comic-capers-captivate-studios-1117868826/ | title=Comic capers captivate studios | work=Variety | date=June 23, 2002 | access-date=March 30, 2008}} and then to late 2003.{{cite web | first=Dana | last=Harris | url=https://variety.com/2003/film/news/artisan-reups-with-summit-for-int-l-distribution-1117884620/ | title=Artisan reups with Summit for int'l distribution | work=Variety | date=April 14, 2003 | access-date=March 30, 2008}} In March 2003, Marvel announced a 2004 release date.{{cite web | first=Rob | last=Worley | url=http://www.comicbookresources.com/news/newsitem.cgi?id=1964 | title=Marvel Movies: The Next Wave | work=Comic Book Resources | date=March 4, 2003 | access-date=March 31, 2008 | archive-date=September 24, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924141230/http://www.comicbookresources.com/news/newsitem.cgi?id=1964 | url-status=dead }} In April 2003, Steve Carr entered negotiations to direct.{{cite web | first=Rob | last=Worley | url=http://www.comicbookresources.com/news/newsitem.cgi?id=2179 | title=Comics2Film Wrap For April 28th, 2003 | work=Comic Book Resources | date=April 28, 2003 | access-date=March 31, 2008 | archive-date=March 4, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304055817/http://www.comicbookresources.com/news/newsitem.cgi?id=2179 | url-status=dead }} In November 2003, the release date was moved to 2006.{{cite web|first=Eric J. |last=Moreels |url=http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=23722 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040104084323/http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=23722 |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 4, 2004 |title=Arad's Mega Marvel Movie, TV Update |work=Comixfan |date=November 5, 2003 |access-date=March 31, 2008}} In March 2007, Carr placed Iron Fist on hold due to scheduling conflicts.{{cite web | author=Ftopel | url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/news/1648519/steve_carr_waits_in_marvel_queue_for_quotiron_fistquot_production/ | title=Steve Carr Waits In Marvel Queue for Iron Fist Production | work=Rotten Tomatoes | date=March 29, 2007 | access-date=March 30, 2008}} In 2009, Marvel announced they had begun hiring a group of writers to help come up with creative ways to launch its lesser-known properties, such as Iron Fist, along with others such as Black Panther, Cable, Doctor Strange, Nighthawk, and Vision.{{cite web | first=Marc | last=Graser | url=https://variety.com/2009/film/markets-festivals/marvel-s-hiring-writers-1118001734/ | title=Marvel's hiring writers | work=Variety | date=March 26, 2009 | access-date=March 27, 2009}} In August 2010, Marvel Studios hired Rich Wilkes to write the screenplay,{{cite web | url=http://www.superherohype.com/news/articles/106236-marvel-moves-on-iron-fist | title=Marvel Moves on Iron Fist | first=Silas | last=Lesnick | work=SuperHeroHype | date=August 25, 2010}} implying that Marvel had a future Iron Fist film project planned.{{cite web|url=https://hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/marvel-cliffhanger-robert-downey-jrs-518837|title=Marvel Cliffhanger: Robert Downey Jr.'s $50 Million Sequel Showdown|website=hollywoodreporter.com|date=May 7, 2013 }} In November 2013, Disney CEO Bob Iger stated that they "probably were never going to make feature films about" characters featured in Marvel's Netflix TV series such as Iron Fist but that if the Netflix series became popular, "[it was] quite possible that they could become feature films."{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2013/digital/news/why-disney-chose-to-put-marvels-new-tv-shows-on-netflix-1200805867/ |title=Why Disney Chose to Put Marvel's New TV Shows on Netflix |last=Graser |first=Marc |work=Variety |date=November 7, 2013 |access-date=February 20, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140215071118/http://variety.com/2013/digital/news/why-disney-chose-to-put-marvels-new-tv-shows-on-netflix-1200805867/ |archive-date=February 15, 2014 |url-status=live}}

In 2001, Stephen Norrington announced that he had agreed to direct a film called The Hands of Shang-Chi: Master of Kung Fu, a film adaptation based on the Marvel character Shang-Chi. Norrington described the film as "a real honest-to-goodness martial arts film, rather than a film that simply has martial arts in it". In 2004, it was announced that Ang Lee had been brought on as producer. In 2005, it was announced that Stan Lee had agreed to executive produce the film for DreamWorks, with Yuen Woo-ping directing from a Bruce C. McKenna screenplay.{{cite web|url=http://blog.moviefone.com/2006/02/27/ang-lees-shang-chi-movie-is-back/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20131015062505/http://blog.moviefone.com/2006/02/27/ang-lees-shang-chi-movie-is-back/|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 15, 2013|title=Ang Lee's Shang-Chi movie is back|website=moviefone.com}} In 2005, Avi Arad stated that he thought that a PG-13 adaptation was possible.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/shared/movies/interviews/a/arad_avi_062005/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120530221924/http://www.mtv.com/shared/movies/interviews/a/arad_avi_062005/|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 30, 2012|title=Future Shocks: What's Ahead For Avi Arad and his Marvel empire?|website=MTV|access-date=February 26, 2020}} In 2006, Ang Lee confirmed his and Yuen's continued involvement with the project. In December 2018, a different film adaptation of Shang-Chi, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe with Simu Liu in the title role, was announced, with a script by David Callaham.{{cite magazine|url=https://deadline.com/2018/12/shang-chi-marvel-studios-first-asian-film-superhero-dave-callaham-kevin-feige-black-panther-1202512660/|title='Shang-Chi' Marvel's First Asian Film Superhero Franchise; Dave Callaham Scripting, Search On For Director Of Asian Descent|magazine=Deadline Hollywood|date=December 3, 2018|access-date=December 3, 2018}} In March 2019, Destin Daniel Cretton was chosen to direct.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/marvels-shang-chi-sets-director-destin-daniel-cretton-1194443|title=Marvel's 'Shang-Chi' Sets Director Destin Daniel Cretton|last1=Couch|first1=Aaron|last2=Kit|first2=Borys|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=March 13, 2019|access-date=March 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190316003019/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/marvels-shang-chi-sets-director-destin-daniel-cretton-1194443|archive-date=March 16, 2019|url-status=live}}

Andrew W. Marlowe was hired to write the script in 2006. The script he wrote was loosely based on Jim Steranko{{'s}} Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. series and involved the S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier. The script was not written for the version of the character appearing in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, as it was constructed before Samuel L. Jackson was cast. Marlowe said that the script could be "tweaked" for Jackson's portrayal, but no further developments took place.{{cite web |url=http://splashpage.mtv.com/2010/08/10/nick-fury-shield-movie/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151003183048/http://splashpage.mtv.com/2010/08/10/nick-fury-shield-movie/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 3, 2015 |title=News – Entertainment, Music, Movies, Celebrity |website=MTV News |date=August 10, 2010}}

In 2007, Guillermo del Toro was attached to direct a Doctor Strange film, which would have been based upon ideas arising from conversations del Toro had with Neil Gaiman.{{cite web | url = https://neil-gaiman.tumblr.com/post/723645119183585280/hello-neil-hope-youre-well-i-just-bumped-into | last = Gaiman | first = Neil | date = 2023-07-23 | title = Neil Gaiman Official Tumblr | website = Neil Gaiman Official Tumblr | access-date = 2023-07-23 | quote = "No, it’s not true. In 2007 Marvel reached out to me about possibly pitching a Dr Strange film, I talked to Guillermo and we came up with ideas, I reached back out to Marvel who said they had decided it wasn’t going to be time for Dr Strange for another 7 or 8 years, and he was too minor a character to do a movie on at that point. There was never a screenplay or anything more than conversations." }} The film was eventually canceled due to low studio interest.{{cite web |url=https://www.indiewire.com/2015/12/neil-gaiman-says-marvel-turned-down-guillermo-del-toros-doctor-strange-pitch-101713/ |title=Neil Gaiman Says Marvel Turned Down Guillermo Del Toro's 'Doctor Strange' Pitch |website=IndieWire |publisher=Penske Media Corporation |last=Davis |first=Edward |date=December 1, 2015 |access-date=February 20, 2019}}

In December 2015, The Hollywood Reporter reported that Hasbro Studios and Paramount Pictures were creating a movie universe combining Rom with G.I. Joe, Micronauts, Visionaries: Knights of the Magical Light, and M.A.S.K.{{cite news|last=Kilday|first=Gregg|title=Paramount, Hasbro Creating Movie Universe Around G.I. Joe, Four Other Brands|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/paramount-hasbro-gi-joe-universe-848920|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=December 15, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161012094828/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/paramount-hasbro-gi-joe-universe-848920|archive-date=October 12, 2016|url-status=live|access-date=December 22, 2015}} Michael Chabon, Brian K. Vaughan, Nicole Perlman, Lindsey Beer, Cheo Coker, John Francis Daley, Jonathan Goldstein, Joe Robert Cole, Jeff Pinkner, Nicole Riegel, and Geneva Robertson-Dworet had joined the writing team for the project.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/hasbro-cinematic-universe-takes-shape-886316|title=Hasbro Cinematic Universe Takes Shape With Michael Chabon, Brian K. Vaughan, Akiva Goldsman (Exclusive)|work=The Hollywood Reporter|last=Kit|first=Borys|date=April 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160610120217/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/hasbro-cinematic-universe-takes-shape-886316|archive-date=June 10, 2016|url-status=live}} By March 2018, Zak Penn had signed on to write the film's script.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2018/03/rom-spaceknight-zak-penn-ready-player-one-hasbro-paramount-pictures-1202353366/|title='Ready Player One's Zak Penn To Adapt 'ROM' For Paramount & Hasbro's Allspark|website=Deadline Hollywood|last=Fleming|first=Michael Jr.|date=March 26, 2018|access-date=March 26, 2018}}

In 2009, Bruce Timm expressed interest in making an animated film based on the JLA/Avengers comics series.{{cite web |url=http://www.toonzone.net/nycc2009-wonder-woman-roundtable-interview-with-producer-bruce-timm/ |title=NYCC2009: "Wonder Woman" Roundtable Interview with Producer Bruce Timm |work=ToonZone |date=February 16, 2009 |access-date=August 17, 2017 |archive-date=July 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180723064310/https://www.toonzone.net/nycc2009-wonder-woman-roundtable-interview-with-producer-bruce-timm/ |url-status=dead }} Since then, there have been no further announcements.

{{Main|Big Hero 6 (film)#Future}}

On February 18, 2015, the directors of Big Hero 6, Don Hall and Chris Williams, said a sequel was possible. Hall added, "Having said that, of course, we love these characters, and the thought of working with them again some day definitely has its appeal."{{cite news|last=Konow|first=David|title=Subverting Expectations in Big Hero 6: A Family Film with Emotional Depth|url=http://creativescreenwriting.com/subverting-expectations-in-big-hero-6-a-family-film-with-emotional-depth/|access-date=March 29, 2015|work=Creative Screenwriting|publisher=CS Publications Inc.|date=November 7, 2014}} In March 2015, Genesis Rodriguez told MTV that a sequel was being considered, saying, "…There's nothing definitive. There's talks of something happening. We just don't know what yet."{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2101281/big-hero-6-sequel-genesis-rodriguez/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150313185853/http://www.mtv.com/news/2101281/big-hero-6-sequel-genesis-rodriguez/|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 13, 2015|title=Is A 'Big Hero 6' Sequel in the Works? We Asked Honey Lemon|work=MTV News|access-date=March 2, 2016}} In April 2015, Stan Lee mentioned a projected sequel as one of several that he understood were in Marvel's plans for upcoming films.{{cite news|url=http://www.torontosun.com/2015/04/17/stan-lee-on-marvel-versus-dc-spidey-joining-the-avengers-and-his-high-hopes-for-ant-man|title=Stan Lee on Marvel versus DC, Spidey joining the Avengers and his high hopes for|newspaper=Toronto Sun|access-date=May 1, 2015}} A film sequel was scrapped in favor of Big Hero 6: The Series,{{cite web|url=https://ohmy.disney.com/news/2016/03/02/big-hero-6-tv-show/|title=Baymax is Back! Big Hero 6 is Getting Its Own TV Show|work=Oh My Disney|access-date=March 2, 2016|date=March 2, 2016}} created and executive produced by Kim Possible{{'s}} Mark McCorkle and Bob Schooley, and co-executive produced by Nick Filippi.{{cite web|last=Sandberg|first=Byrn Elise|title='Big Hero 6' TV Series Set for Disney XD|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/big-hero-6-tv-series-872040|work=The Hollywood Reporter|publisher=Valence Media|access-date=March 2, 2016|date=March 2, 2016}}{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2016/tv/news/big-hero-6-disney-xd-tv-upfront-1201720222/|title=Disney XD To Launch 'Big Hero 6' TV Series in 2017|website=Variety|publisher=Penske Media Corporation|last=Steinberg|first=Brain|date=March 2, 2016|access-date=March 2, 2016}} The majority of the cast from the film returned to voice the characters, except for Damon Wayans Jr. and T.J. Miller.{{cite web|last=Petski|first=Denis|title='Big Hero 6': Maya Rudolph & More Reprise Roles for Disney XD Animated Series|url=https://deadline.com/2016/11/big-hero-6-maya-rudolph-jamie-chung-reprise-roles-disney-xd-animated-series-1201847587/|website=Deadline Hollywood|publisher=Penske Media Corporation|access-date=November 3, 2016|date=November 3, 2016}}

In March 2021, head animator Zach Parrish expressed a desire for a sequel, "There have definitely been stories told beyond... I think there's still a lot of potential. There's still plenty of time. The beauty of animation is that can pick up the story at the very end of Big Hero, or we could jump in time. We could go wherever we want, since it's animation."{{cite web|url=https://collider.com/zach-parrish-interview-us-again-big-hero-6-disney-plus/|title='Us Again' Director on Bringing 'World of Dance' Stars to Disney Animation and a 'Big Hero 6' Sequel|website=Colider|last=Radish|first=Christina|date=March 5, 2021|access-date=March 5, 2021|archive-date=November 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211115121206/https://collider.com/zach-parrish-interview-us-again-big-hero-6-disney-plus/|url-status=live}}

Baymax!, produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios, was released on Disney+ on June 29, 2022.{{cite news |last=Holloway |first=Daniel |url=https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/moana-the-series-set-for-2023-on-disney-plus-1234851261/ |title='Moana,' 'Cars,' 'Princess and the Frog' Spinoff Series Set for Disney Plus |work=Variety |date=December 10, 2020 |access-date=February 15, 2021}}

{{main|List of unproduced 20th Century Fox projects based on Marvel Comics}}

{{further|List of unproduced X-Men film series projects{{!}}List of unproduced X-Men film series projects}}

In 2004, Lionsgate Entertainment announced that a Black Widow motion picture, featuring the Natasha Romanova version, was in the script stage by screenwriter-director David Hayter.{{cite web|url=http://www.superherohype.com/news/85399-david-hayter-to-direct-the-black-widow|title=David Hayter to Direct The Black Widow!|website=Superhero Hype!|date=April 28, 2004|access-date=July 26, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150922023147/http://www.superherohype.com/news/85399-david-hayter-to-direct-the-black-widow|archive-date=September 22, 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.superherohype.com/features/84705-lions-gate-marvel-sign-iron-fist-black-widow-deal|title=Lions Gate & Marvel Sign Iron Fist & Black Widow Deal|website=Superhero Hype!|date=February 26, 2004|access-date=July 26, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304190606/http://www.superherohype.com/features/84705-lions-gate-marvel-sign-iron-fist-black-widow-deal|archive-date=March 4, 2016}}{{cite web |url=http://movies.about.com/cs/upcomingreleases/a/pun2030204.htm |title=Lions Gate press release (March 2, 2004) |website=Movies.about.com |access-date=January 10, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607040255/http://movies.about.com/cs/upcomingreleases/a/pun2030204.htm |archive-date=June 7, 2011}} Lionsgate subsequently dropped the project.{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/news/1646970/lionsgate_squashes_the_quotblack_widowquot/|title=Lionsgate Squashes the "Black Widow"|last=Weinberg|first=Scott|website=Rotten Tomatoes|date=June 6, 2006|access-date=July 26, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121204212754/http://www.rottentomatoes.com/news/1646970/lionsgate_squashes_the_quotblack_widowquot/|archive-date=December 4, 2012}}{{cite web|url=http://spinoff.comicbookresources.com/2011/11/17/david-hayter-recalls-details-of-abandoned-black-widow-movie/|title=David Hayter Recalls Details of Abandoned Black Widow Movie|last=Melrose|first=Kevin|website=Comic Book Resources|date=November 17, 2011|access-date=July 26, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140926025926/http://spinoff.comicbookresources.com/2011/11/17/david-hayter-recalls-details-of-abandoned-black-widow-movie/|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 26, 2014}}{{cite web|author=Stax |url=http://movies.ign.com/articles/711/711197p1.html |title=IGN.com (June 5, 2006): "The Word on Black Widow" |website=IGN |date=June 5, 2006 |access-date=January 10, 2011}} Since then, the rights to the character were reverted to Marvel. After the character's live action debut in Iron Man 2, Kevin Feige indicated interest in producing a solo Black Widow film,{{cite web|first=Phil |last=Pirrello |url=http://movies.ign.com/articles/112/1122862p1.html |title=Black Widow: The Movie? |website=IGN |date=September 22, 2010 |access-date=January 10, 2011}} and in February 2014, development had begun on it.{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2014/02/13/feige-black-widows-past-to-be-explored-in-avengers-2-and-possible-solo-film |title=Feige: Black Widow's Past to be Explored in Avengers 2 and Possible Solo Film |last=Couto |first=Anthony |website=IGN |date=February 12, 2014 |access-date=February 13, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140223230757/http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/02/13/feige-black-widows-past-to-be-explored-in-avengers-2-and-possible-solo-film |archive-date=February 23, 2014 |url-status=live}} In January 2018, Jac Schaeffer was hired to write the script.{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2018/film/news/marvel-black-widow-jac-schaeffer-screenwriter-1202643908/|title=Marvel's Standalone 'Black Widow' Movie Gains Momentum With Jac Schaeffer Writing|last=Kroll|first=Justin|work=Variety|date=January 10, 2018|access-date=January 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180112002051/http://variety.com/2018/film/news/marvel-black-widow-jac-schaeffer-screenwriter-1202643908/|archive-date=January 12, 2018|url-status=live}} In July, Cate Shortland was hired to direct.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/black-widow-movie-be-directed-by-cate-shortland-1126708|title='Black Widow' Movie Finds Director in Cate Shortland (Exclusive)|last=Kit|first=Borys|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=July 12, 2018|access-date=July 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180713013222/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/black-widow-movie-be-directed-by-cate-shortland-1126708|archive-date=July 13, 2018|url-status=live}} The film was released theatrically and on Disney+ on July 9, 2021, with Scarlett Johansson reprising her role as Natasha.

{{Main|The Punisher (2004 film)#Canceled sequel and reboot}}

Lions Gate Entertainment planned to produce a direct sequel to The Punisher titled The Punisher 2, with Avi Arad, chairman and CEO of Marvel Studios, stating that the second film would "become the fifth Marvel property to become a sequel."{{cite news|first=Clint|last=Morris|url=http://www.moviehole.net/news/3292.html|title=Lions Gate starting on The Punisher 2|website=Moviehole.net|date=February 27, 2004|access-date=August 31, 2006|archive-date= May 5, 2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040505205923/http://www.moviehole.net/news/3292.html}} Jonathan Hensleigh said that he was interested in working with Thomas Jane again for The Punisher 2.{{cite news|first=Ken|last=P.|url=http://filmforce.ign.com/articles/496/496784p5.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040311220849/http://filmforce.ign.com/articles/496/496784p5.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 11, 2004|title=An Interview with Jonathan Hensleigh|website=IGN|date=March 5, 2004|access-date=August 31, 2006}} Jane said that the villain for The Punisher 2 would be Jigsaw.{{cite news|first=William|last=Keck|url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2004-04-13-punisher-premiere_x.htm|title=Rebecca is quiet at 'Punisher' premiere|website=USA Today|date=April 13, 2004|access-date=September 1, 2006}} The project, however, lingered in development for over three years. Jonathan Hensleigh completed a first draft of the script before pulling out around 2006. John Dahl was in talks to direct the film but pulled out due to script quality issues and the studio not wanting to spend a lot of money on the project.{{cite web|first=Jessica|last=Barnes|title=John Dahl Says 'Punisher 2' Script Not That Good|website=Cinematical|date=June 15, 2007|url=http://www.cinematical.com/2007/06/15/john-dahl-says-punisher-2-script-not-that-good/|access-date=January 5, 2009|archive-date=June 30, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120630105257/http://www.cinematical.com/2007/06/15/john-dahl-says-punisher-2-script-not-that-good/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|author=Frosty|title=John Dahl is not directing Punisher 2|website=Collider|date=June 11, 2007|url=https://www.collider.com/entertainment/news/article.asp/aid/4608/tcid/1|access-date=January 5, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080915034847/http://www.collider.com/entertainment/news/article.asp/aid/4608/tcid/1|archive-date=September 15, 2008}} In a statement on May 15, 2007{{cite web|author=Quint|title=AICN Exclusive: Thomas Jane dropping out of Punisher 2?!? – Ain't It Cool News: The best in movie, TV, DVD, and comic book news|website=Ain't It Cool News|date=May 15, 2007|url=https://www.aintitcool.com/node/32673|access-date=January 5, 2009}} and in two audio interviews Thomas Jane said that he pulled out of the project due to creative differences and the budget of the film being cut, in addition to director Walter Hill being turned down as director by Lionsgate.{{cite web|url=http://fanboyradio.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=237976|title=Fanboy Radio – Thomas Jane|website=Libsyn|access-date=September 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090122051929/http://fanboyradio.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=237976|archive-date=January 22, 2009|url-status=dead}}[http://www.fangoriaradio.com/AudioClips/113007/ThomasJane.mp3 Fangoria Radio – Thomas Jane] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081030020259/http://www.fangoriaradio.com/AudioClips/113007/ThomasJane.mp3|date=October 30, 2008}} After reading the new script by Kurt Sutter, Jane stated: "What I won't do is spend months of my life sweating over a movie that I just don't believe in. I've always loved the Marvel guys, and wish them well. Meanwhile, I'll continue to search for a film that one day might stand with all those films that the fans have asked me to watch."{{cite news|url=http://www.superherohype.com/news/topnews.php?id=5685|title=Thomas Jane Pull out of Punisher 2|website=Superhero Hype!|date=May 15, 2007}}{{cite news|url=https://www.aintitcool.com/node/32673|title=AICN Exclusive: Thomas Jane dropping out of PUNISHER 2?!?|website=Ain't It Cool News|date=May 15, 2007}} The film got rebooted in 2008 titled Punisher: War Zone with Ray Stevenson as Castle.

In September 2008, Ray Stevenson and Lionsgate were planning a sequel to Punisher: War Zone, hinting at Barracuda as a possible villain.[http://media.movies.ign.com/media/382/382367/vids_1.html IGN Punisher: War Zone Trailer, Videos and Movies] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080914141031/http://media.movies.ign.com/media/382/382367/vids_1.html |date=September 14, 2008}} At the 2008 San Diego Comic-Con, when asked if he signed on for more Punisher, he said, "If I had my wish, it's going to run and run. It's up to the fan base. If this works, we get to do it all again." After the film was not received well by audiences, the rights for the character eventually reverted to Marvel, resulting in the Netflix series adaptation.

In January 2013, a proposed Ultimate War / Thor dual film DVD, for the Marvel Animated Features series, was passed over for the 2009 released Hulk Versus dual film DVD. Ultimate War would have adapted the Ultimate Marvel comic book of the same name while the Thor movie would have selected a Walt Simonson{{'s}} classic Thor storyline with the original selection being a Beta Ray Bill story.{{cite web |title=Canceled 'X-Men Vs. Avengers' Animated Movie Would've Adapted 'Ultimate War' Miniseries |first=Blair |last=Marnell |url=http://splashpage.mtv.com/2010/01/19/canceled-x-men-vs-avengers-animated-movie-wouldve-adapated-ultimate-war-miniseries/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100122152839/http://splashpage.mtv.com/2010/01/19/canceled-x-men-vs-avengers-animated-movie-wouldve-adapated-ultimate-war-miniseries |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 22, 2010 |website=MTV |date=January 19, 2010 |access-date=August 9, 2013}}

{{Main|Spider-Man 3#Canceled sequels}}

In May 2007, Spider-Man 4 entered development, with Sam Raimi attached to direct and Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst and other cast members set to reprise their roles. Both a fourth and a fifth film were planned and at one time the idea of shooting the two sequels concurrently was under consideration. However, Raimi stated in March 2009 that only the fourth film was in development at that time and that if there were fifth and sixth films, those two films would actually be a continuation of each other.{{cite news|first=Shawn |last=Adler |url=http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1594231/20080905/story.jhtml |title=Tobey Maguire, Sam Raimi Sign On For 'Spider-Man 4': Report |website=MTV News |date=September 5, 2008 |access-date=October 9, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100326181854/http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1594231/20080905/story.jhtml |archive-date=March 26, 2010}}{{cite news|first=Larry |last=Carroll |title=Sam Raimi Talks 'Spider-Man' Sequel Double-Shoot, Futures of Kirsten Dunst & The Lizard |website=MTV News |date=October 16, 2008 |url=http://splashpage.mtv.com/2008/10/16/raimi-talks-spider-man-sequel-double-shoot-futures-of-dunst-the-lizard/ |access-date=October 16, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090220143203/http://splashpage.mtv.com/2008/10/16/raimi-talks-spider-man-sequel-double-shoot-futures-of-dunst-the-lizard/ |archive-date=February 20, 2009}}{{cite news|first=John|last= Harlow|title=Spider-Man Tobey Maguire spins deal for fatherhood|work=The Sunday Times|date=September 14, 2008|url=http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/film/article4749016.ece|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080918030627/http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/film/article4749016.ece|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 18, 2008|access-date=September 16, 2008 | location=London}}{{cite news|title=Sam Raimi 'Can't Imagine' Doing 'Spider-Man 4' Without Kirsten Dunst, Only Working On Fourth Film |website=MTV News |date=March 15, 2009 |url=http://splashpage.mtv.com/2009/03/15/exclusive-sam-raimi-cant-imagine-doing-spider-man-4-without-kirsten-dunst-only-working-on-fourth-film/ |access-date=March 16, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090317222846/http://splashpage.mtv.com/2009/03/15/exclusive-sam-raimi-cant-imagine-doing-spider-man-4-without-kirsten-dunst-only-working-on-fourth-film/ |archive-date=March 17, 2009}} James Vanderbilt was hired in October 2007 to pen the screenplay after initial reports in January 2007 that Sony Pictures was in contact with David Koepp, who wrote the first Spider-Man film.{{cite news | first=Mike Jr. |last=Fleming | url=https://variety.com/2007/film/markets-festivals/columbia-koepp-talk-spider-man-1117957843/ | title=Columbia, Koepp talk 'Spider-Man' | work=Variety | date=January 21, 2007 | access-date=January 24, 2007}}{{cite news|url=https://variety.com/2009/film/markets-festivals/sony-sets-writer-to-spin-spider-man-1118007333/ |title=Sony sets writer to spin 'Spider-Man' |last=Fleming |first=Mike Jr. |date=August 16, 2009 |work=Variety|access-date=October 9, 2009}} The script was subsequently rewritten by Pulitzer-winning playwright David Lindsay-Abaire in November 2008 and rewritten again by Gary Ross in October 2009.{{cite news|url=http://splashpage.mtv.com/2009/10/09/exclusive-sam-raimi-hopes-to-start-shooting-spider-man-4-in-march-2010/ |title=Sam Raimi Hopes To Start Shooting 'Spider-Man 4' In March 2010 |first=Eric |last=Ditzian |date=October 9, 2009 |website=MTV News |access-date=October 11, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110823184644/http://splashpage.mtv.com/2009/10/09/exclusive-sam-raimi-hopes-to-start-shooting-spider-man-4-in-march-2010/ |archive-date=August 23, 2011}} Sony also engaged Vanderbilt to write scripts for Spider-Man 5 and Spider-Man 6. In 2007, Raimi expressed interest in portraying the transformation of Dr. Curt Connors into his villainous alter-ego, the Lizard, a villain which had been teased since Spider-Man 2; the character's actor Dylan Baker and producer Grant Curtis were also enthusiastic about the idea.{{cite news|first=Eric |last=Goldman |title=Exclusive: Lizard Leapin' Into Spidey 4? |work=IGN |date=January 23, 2007 |url=http://uk.movies.ign.com/articles/757/757729p1.html |access-date=May 29, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081230040122/http://uk.movies.ign.com/articles/757/757729p1.html |archive-date=December 30, 2008}}{{cite news | first = Sean |last=Elliott | title = Exclusive Interview: 'Spider-Man 3' Producer Grant Curtis talks about villains for 'Spidey 4' + His own origins – Part 1 | work = iF Magazine | date = May 29, 2007 | url = http://www.ifmagazine.com/feature.asp?article=2127 | access-date = May 29, 2007 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070927224542/http://www.ifmagazine.com/feature.asp?article=2127 | archive-date = September 27, 2007}}{{cite news | first = Larry | last= Carroll | title = Sam Raimi May Not Helm 'Spider-Man 4'; Wants Carnage, Vulture As Villains If He Does | website = MTV news | date = June 26, 2007 | url =http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1563359/20070625/story.jhtml?rsspartner=rssYahooNewscrawler| archive-url =https://archive.today/20130103233812/http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1563359/20070625/story.jhtml?rsspartner=rssYahooNewscrawler| url-status =dead| archive-date =January 3, 2013}} By December 2009, John Malkovich was in negotiations to play Vulture and Anne Hathaway would play Felicia Hardy, though she would not have transformed into the Black Cat as in the comics but a new superpowered figure, the Vulturess. Jeffrey Henderson, who worked on the storyboards for Spider-Man 4, said in 2016 that Bruce Campbell, after making cameos in the first three films, was intended to have been revealed as Quentin Beck / Mysterio.{{cite web|url=http://www.planethenderson.com/storyboards/#/spiderman4/|title=Storyboards|website=Planet Henderson}}{{cite web|url=http://io9.gizmodo.com/spider-man-4-storyboards-reveal-iconic-villains-and-hug-1779949984|title=Spider-Man 4 Storyboards Reveal Iconic Villains and Huge Action That Never Was|first=Germain|last=Lussier|website=Gizmodo|date=June 2016 }}

According to sources online, an early draft of the film would have had the Vulture buying out the Daily Bugle, forcing Spider-Man to kill him. Felicia Hardy, Vulture's daughter in this version of the script, would have had an affair with Peter Parker in order to shatter his engagement with Mary Jane. These rumors were never confirmed. Raimi stated years later during an interview in 2013, however, that Hathaway was going to be Black Cat if Spider-Man 4 had been made.{{cite web|url=http://www.movieline.com/2009/12/exclusive-spider-man-4-circling-john-malkovich-anne-hathaway.php?page=all|title=Exclusive: Spider-Man 4 Circling John Malkovich, Anne Hathaway|website=MoveLine.com|date=December 8, 2009|access-date=December 12, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111002043940/http://www.movieline.com/2009/12/exclusive-spider-man-4-circling-john-malkovich-anne-hathaway.php?page=all |archive-date=October 2, 2011}} Sony Pictures announced in January 2010 that plans for Spider-Man 4 had been cancelled due to Raimi's withdrawal from the project. Raimi reportedly ended his participation due to his doubt that he could meet the planned May 6, 2011, release date while at the same time upholding the film creatively. Raimi purportedly went through four iterations of the script with different screenwriters and still "hated it".{{cite news|last1=Finke |first1=Nikki |last2=Fleming |first2=Mike |url=https://deadline.com/2010/01/urgent-spider-man-4-scrapped-as-is-raimi-and-cast-out-franchise-reboot-planned-21993/ |title='Spider-Man 4' Scrapped; Sam Rami & Tobey Maguire & Cast Out; Franchise Reboot for 2012 |website=Deadline Hollywood |date=January 11, 2010 |access-date=January 11, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110823185904/http://www.deadline.com/2010/01/urgent-spider-man-4-scrapped-as-is-raimi-and-cast-out-franchise-reboot-planned/ |archive-date=August 23, 2011 |url-status=live}}

{{Main|The Amazing Spider-Man 2#Future}}

Sony Pictures had originally intended the film to launch an expansive film universe around Spider-Man to compete with the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In June 2013, Sony Pictures announced a third Amazing Spider-Man film with a release date of June 10, 2016, which Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci, and Jeff Pinkner would return to write, and a fourth film with a release date of May 4, 2018.{{cite web|url=https://hollywoodreporter.com/news/sony-sets-release-dates-third-569963|title=Sony Sets Release Dates for Third and Fourth 'Amazing Spider-Man' Films|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=June 17, 2013}}{{cite web|url=https://hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/amazing-spider-man-3-bringing-640074|title=Sony Snags 'Amazing Spider-Man 2' Writers for Third Film (Exclusive)|last=Kit|first=Borys|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=October 2, 2013|access-date=October 2, 2013}}

However, between December 2013 and the release of The Amazing Spider-Man 2 in May 2014, Andrew Garfield and Marc Webb revealed that while they would both return for the third film, neither was certain of their involvement in the fourth, with Webb adding he would certainly not be directing.{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2014/film/news/analysts-sony-pictures-needs-to-release-more-release-more-tentpoles-1201118909/|title=Analysts: Sony Needs More Bigscreen Franchises|last=Cheney|first=Alexandra|work=Variety | date = February 25, 2014|access-date=February 25, 2014 | archive-date= April 28, 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140428211458/http://variety.com/2014/film/news/analysts-sony-pictures-needs-to-release-more-release-more-tentpoles-1201118909/ | url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/12/10/andrew-garfield-may-not-be-in-the-amazing-spider-man-4|title=Andrew Garfield May Not Be in The Amazing Spider-Man 4|last=DiLeo|first=Adam|website=IGN|date=December 10, 2013|access-date=December 14, 2013}}{{cite web|url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/03/15/marc-webb-takes-us-inside-the-amazing-spider-man-2-and-discusses-his-rise-to-the-a-list.html|title=Marc Webb Takes Us Inside 'The Amazing Spider-Man 2' and Discusses His Rise to the A-List|work=The Daily Beast|date=March 15, 2014|access-date=March 15, 2014}} Following the mixed critical reviews and franchise-low box office performance of The Amazing Spider-Man 2, the future of the franchise was unclear. By July 2014, Orci had left the third film to work on Star Trek Beyond.{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2014/07/11/roberto-orci-off-the-amazing-spider-man-franchise-no-clear-timeline-for-tasm-3-venom-or-sinister-six|title=Roberto Orci off the Amazing Spider-Man franchise, no clear timeline for TASM 3, Venom, or Sinister Six|website=IGN|date=July 11, 2014|access-date=July 11, 2014}} The Amazing Spider-Man 3, which would have included Chris Cooper returning as Norman Osborn{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VwzZMSy_k8|title=Marc Webb Confirms Mysterio And Kraven As Sinister Six !|via=YouTube|date=August 20, 2014}}{{cite web | url=http://www.comicbookresources.com/article/amazing-spider-man-3-would-have-starred-norman-osborns-head-box | title="Amazing Spider-Man 3" Would Have Starred Norman Osborn's Head In A Box | website=Comic Book Resources | date=March 21, 2016 | access-date=July 26, 2016 | archive-date=July 26, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160726213644/http://www.comicbookresources.com/article/amazing-spider-man-3-would-have-starred-norman-osborns-head-box | url-status=dead }} and focused on Peter recovering from Gwen's death,{{cite magazine|url=http://insidemovies.ew.com/2014/05/08/spider-man-marc-webb-gwen-stacy/|title='Amazing Spider-Man 2' director Marc Webb on Gwen Stacy's fate in sequel: 'There's a cost to being a hero'|last= Vilkomerson |first=Sara|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=May 8, 2014|access-date=May 8, 2014}} was delayed to an unspecified date in 2018, and The Amazing Spider-Man 4 was moved to a later, unknown date,{{cite web|last=McNary|first=Drew|title=Sony Pushes Back 'Spider-Man 3' to 2018, Dates 'Sinister Six' for 2016|url=https://variety.com/2014/film/news/spider-man-spinoff-sinister-six-dated-for-nov-11-2016-amazing-spider-man-3-back-to-2018-1201267269|work=Variety|date=July 23, 2014|access-date=July 23, 2014}} before they were ultimately canceled.

{{Main|Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance#Future}}

In February 2012, directors Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor discussed producing a potential Ghost Rider 3, and having someone else direct it.{{Cite web |title=Ghost Rider 3' & 'Crank 3D' Planned |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7NCfwmCHTw |website=YouTube}} Neveldine told The Playlist that Nicolas Cage had expressed interest in appearing in another Ghost Rider film, hinting that the film could move forward provided that Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance was a success, saying, "I know Nic wants to do it, he's very pumped about it.... We'll just have to see how well [this] does."{{Cite web |title=Ghost Rider 3' wanted by Nicolas Cage |url=http://www.digitalspy.ca/movies/news/a365782/ghost-rider-3-wanted-by-nicolas-cage.html}} In March 2013, when Cage was asked about a possible third installment, he said, "It's possible, but it won't be with me... Anything's possible. But I doubt, highly, that I would be in the third installment of that."{{Cite web |date=March 8, 2013 |title=Nicolas Cage Talks 'Ghost Rider' 3; Says it's Possible 'But it Won't Be With Me' |url=https://collider.com/ghost-rider-3-news-nicolas-cage |website=Collider}} Cage said in March 2013 he believes another Ghost Rider film might happen "down the road", saying, "It would be interesting if they did it with a female Ghost Rider." He added, "Personally, I'm done. I've done what I had to do with that part. You never say never, but right now, today, I would say that I'm done."{{Cite web |title=Nicolas Cage: 'I'm Done' Making 'Ghost Rider' Movies |url=http://splashpage.mtv.com/2013/03/08/nicolas-cage-ghost-rider |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130312032905/http://splashpage.mtv.com/2013/03/08/nicolas-cage-ghost-rider |archive-date=March 12, 2013}} In May 2013, the film rights to the character reverted to Marvel Studios,{{Cite web |last=Germain Lussier |date=May 2, 2013 |title=Marvel Studios Once Again Controls Rights to 'Ghost Rider' and 'Blade' |url=https://www.slashfilm.com/marvel-studios-once-again-controls-rights-to-ghost-rider-and-blade/ |website=/Film}} with the Robbie Reyes version appearing as a recurring character during the fourth season of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., portrayed by Gabriel Luna.{{Cite magazine |last=Abrams |first=Natalie |date=July 22, 2016 |title=Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. adds Gabriel Luna as Ghost Rider |url=https://www.ew.com/article/2016/07/22/agents-shield-comic-con-ghost-rider |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160724204043/http://www.ew.com/article/2016/07/22/agents-shield-comic-con-ghost-rider |archive-date=July 24, 2016 |access-date=July 22, 2016 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly}} In the episode "The Good Samaritan", the MCU's version of Johnny Blaze / Ghost Rider, brings Robbie back from the dead by giving him the powers of the Ghost Rider / Spirit of Vengeance.{{Cite episode |title=The Good Samaritan |episode-link=The Good Samaritan (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.) |series=Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. |series-link=Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. |network=ABC |date=November 1, 2016 |season=4 |number=6 |credits=Gierhart, Billy (director); Jeffrey Bell (writer)}}

In 1991, Quentin Tarantino was planning a Luke Cage film with Laurence Fishburne, but he decided to focus on Pulp Fiction.{{cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/quentin-tarantino-luke-cage-film/|title=The Quentin Tarantino 'Luke Cage' Film that Never Was|website=Screen Rant|first=Ben |last=Moore|date=December 17, 2012|access-date=October 23, 2018}} A different film adaptation of Luke Cage had been in development since 2003 by Columbia Pictures, with a screenplay penned by Ben Ramsey, Avi Arad serving as producer{{cite news |first=Zorianna |last=Kit |url=https://hollywoodreporter.com/hollywoodreporter/film/brief_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1903480 |title=Col locks up 'Cage' rights |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=June 5, 2003 |access-date=July 1, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030609230003/http://hollywoodreporter.com/hollywoodreporter/film/brief_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1903480 |archive-date=June 9, 2003}} and John Singleton directing. Jamie Foxx{{cite news | url=http://www.superherohype.com/news/x-mennews.php?id=2663 | title= Avi Arad on Marvel Studios' Upcoming Slate! | publisher=SuperHeroHype.com | date=March 1, 2005 | access-date=October 24, 2006}} and Tyrese Gibson were considered for the lead role,{{cite news|first=Kellvin |last=Chavez |url=https://latinoreview.com/interviews/trans-lukecage.html |title=Lorenzo di Bonaventura Talks Tranformers And John Singleton Talks Luke Cage |publisher=LatinoReview.com |date=July 25, 2005 |access-date=October 24, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060903210107/https://www.latinoreview.com/interviews/trans-lukecage.html |archive-date=September 3, 2006}} while Dwayne Johnson,{{cite web | url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/05/20/the-rock-wants-to-play-luke-cage | title= The Rock Wants To Play Luke Cage | website= IGN | date=October 2015}} Isaiah Mustafa{{cite news | url=http://g4tv.com/attackoftheshow/moviesandtv/71300/Old-Spices-Isaiah-Mustafa-in-Studio.html | title= Isaiah Mustafa Reveals Secrets Behind Old Spice Commercial | publisher=Attack of the Show | date=July 1, 2010 | access-date=July 2, 2010}} and Idris Elba{{cite web|url=https://comicbook.com/blog/2012/02/14/idris-elba-wants-to-do-dark-and-sexy-luke-cage-movie/|title=Idris Elba Wants To Do Dark And Sexy Luke Cage Movie|last=Johnson|first=Scott|publisher=Comic Book|date=February 14, 2012|access-date=February 14, 2012}}{{cite web|url=https://comicbook.com/blog/2013/11/20/idris-elba-was-up-for-luke-cage-movie-role/|title=Idris Elba Was Up For Luke Cage Movie Role|last=Johnson|first=Scott|publisher=Comic Book|date=November 20, 2012|access-date=November 20, 2012}} expressed interest in playing Luke Cage. In May 2013, it was announced that the film rights for Power Man had reverted to Marvel Studios, resulting in the Netflix series adaptation.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/marvel-cliffhanger-robert-downey-jrs-518837|title=A Spago dinner sets the stage for Downey's epic contract talks that could lead to more "Avengers" and "Iron Man 4" – or a new Tony Stark|last1=Kit|first1=Borys|last2=Bond|first2=Paul|website=The Hollywood Reporter|date=May 7, 2013|access-date=May 8, 2013}}

The Marvel Comics character Eddie Brock, an antagonist of Spider-Man, was first introduced in cinema in the May 2007 film Spider-Man 3, with Topher Grace in the role.{{cite web|url=https://ign.com/articles/2006/07/23/comic-con-2006-spider-man-3|title=Comic Con 2006: Spider-Man 3|last=George|first=Richard|website=IGN|date=July 23, 2016|access-date=May 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131208124114/http://www.ign.com/articles/2006/07/23/comic-con-2006-spider-man-3|archive-date=December 8, 2013|url-status=live}} The character was initially intended to play only a minor role that did not explore his alter-ego Venom,{{cite news|url=http://www.ifmagazine.com/feature.asp?article=2166|title=Exclusive Interview: Out with the Vulture & in with Venom: Grant Curtis Spider-Man 3 Producer – Part 4|last=Elliot|first=Sean|website=iFMagazine.com|date=June 15, 2007|access-date=October 12, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930183600/http://www.ifmagazine.com/feature.asp?article=2166|archive-date=September 30, 2007}} but this was eventually changed to a major villain role for the latter because producer Avi Arad felt the series had relied too much on director Sam Raimi's personal favorite Spider-Man villains and not characters that modern fans were more interested in.{{cite web|url=http://www.themovieblog.com/2007/04/avi-arad-wanted-venom-in-spiderman-3/|title=Avi Arad Wanted Venom in Spiderman 3|website=The Movie Blog|date=April 30, 2007|access-date=May 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171024205458/http://www.themovieblog.com/2007/04/avi-arad-wanted-venom-in-spiderman-3/|archive-date=October 24, 2017|url-status=dead}} Raimi had been hesitant to explore the character due to his "lack of humanity". Arad revealed plans for a spinoff film focused on Venom in July 2007.{{cite news|url=http://www.darkhorizons.com/news07/aviarad.php|title=Exclusive Interview: Avi Arad for "Bratz"|last=Fischer|first=Paul|website=Dark Horizons|date=July 24, 2007|access-date=May 20, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20071227211231/http://www.darkhorizons.com/news07/aviarad.php|archive-date=December 27, 2007}} By July 2008, Sony Pictures was actively developing Venom alongside direct sequels to Spider-Man 3, hoping the character could "add longevity" to the franchise in a similar fashion to Wolverine in 20th Century Fox's X-Men films. Jacob Estes had written a script for the film, but the studio was considering taking it in a different direction from that draft and was seeking new writers. Sony was also not yet convinced that Grace could "carry" the film.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/sony-may-spin-spidey-foe-116623|title=Sony may spin Spidey foe 'Venom'|last=Zeitchik|first=Steven|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=July 31, 2008|access-date=May 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171024211124/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/sony-may-spin-spidey-foe-116623|archive-date=October 24, 2017|url-status=live}}

That September, Sony hired Paul Wernick and Rhett Reese to write a new script, while industry insiders suggested that Grace should return for the spinoff "because the likeable actor could be a sympathetic evildoer", in response to Venom co-creator Todd McFarlane suggesting that a Venom film could not do well with a villain as the central character.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2008/09/exclusive-sony-sets-sam-raimi-studio-may-shoot-4-and-5-at-same-time-6868/|title=EXCLUSIVE: Sony Locks In Sam Raimi & Tobey Maguire in 'Spider-Man 4'; Studio May Shoot '4' and '5' At The Same Time|last=Finke|first=Nikki|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=September 5, 2008|access-date=May 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170703024923/http://deadline.com/2008/09/exclusive-sony-sets-sam-raimi-studio-may-shoot-4-and-5-at-same-time-6868/|archive-date=July 3, 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://ign.com/articles/2008/09/05/venom-takes-two|title=Venom Takes Two|last=Vejvoda|first=Jim|website=IGN|date=September 5, 2008|access-date=May 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170908155702/http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/09/05/venom-takes-two|archive-date=September 8, 2017|url-status=live}} Wernick and Reese had pitched an original story idea for the film to Sony, which Reese described as "realistic, grounded, a little more dark take on the character".{{cite web|url=https://www.flickeringmyth.com/2013/03/gi-joe-retaliation-screenwriters/|title=G.I. Joe: Retaliation screenwriters discuss their Venom script|author=|website=Flickering Myth|date=March 27, 2013|access-date=May 20, 2017|archive-url=https://archive.today/20201224195615/https://www.flickeringmyth.com/2013/03/gi-joe-retaliation-screenwriters/|archive-date=December 24, 2020|url-status=dead}} The pair then worked on an outline with Sony and Marvel, who "had specific rules about the villain and the backstory and stuff like that". They had completed a draft by April 2009,{{cite web|url=http://www.superherohype.com/features/98527-reese-and-wernick-on-the-venom-spin-off|title=Reese and Wernick on the Venom Spin-Off|last=Douglas|first=Edward|website=SuperHeroHype|date=April 9, 2009|access-date=May 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171024205908/http://www.superherohype.com/features/98527-reese-and-wernick-on-the-venom-spin-off|archive-date=October 24, 2017|url-status=dead}} which included a role written specifically for Stan Lee,{{cite web|url=http://www.superherohype.com/features/99039-stan-lee-to-appear-in-the-venom-spin-off|title=Reese and Wernick on the Venom Spin-Off|last=Douglas|first=Edward|website=SuperHeroHype|date=July 3, 2009|access-date=May 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170908154101/http://www.superherohype.com/features/99039-stan-lee-to-appear-in-the-venom-spin-off|archive-date=September 8, 2017|url-status=dead}} and featured a sequence where the Venom symbiote jumps "from body to body [through a city], and each person that it inhabits ends up becoming really violent and striking someone else and then it jumps to [them]." Wernick and Reese had turned in a second draft by September 2009, and Reese said that Sony was "pushing forward in whatever ways they push forward".{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2595118/venom-screenwriter-says-studio-has-script-is-pushing-forward-with-film/|title='Venom' Screenwriter Says Studio Has Script, is 'Pushing Forward' With Film|last=Wigler|first=Josh|website=MTV|date=September 25, 2009|access-date=May 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170908154203/http://www.mtv.com/news/2595118/venom-screenwriter-says-studio-has-script-is-pushing-forward-with-film/|archive-date=September 8, 2017|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.blastr.com/2009/09/venom_movie_takes_the_nex.php|title=Venom movie takes the next oozing step toward reality|last=Castro|first=Adam-Troy|website=Syfy|date=December 14, 2012|access-date=May 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160803182850/http://www.blastr.com/2009/09/venom_movie_takes_the_nex.php|archive-date=August 3, 2016|url-status=dead}}

A month later, Gary Ross, who was rewriting the script for Spider-Man 4 at the time, was hired to also rewrite the Venom script, as well as direct, and produce alongside Arad. Grace was "not considered likely" to return to the role then, with the film starting "from the drawing board" and looking to make the villain "an antihero who becomes a defender of the innocent."{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2009/film/markets-festivals/gary-ross-takes-on-venom-1118009685/|title=Gary Ross takes on 'Venom'|last=Fleming|first=Mike Jr.|work=Variety|date=October 7, 2009|access-date=May 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170614193454/http://variety.com/2009/film/markets-festivals/gary-ross-takes-on-venom-1118009685/|archive-date=June 14, 2017|url-status=live}} In January 2010, Sony announced that the Spider-Man franchise would be rebooted after Raimi decided to no longer pursue direct sequels to Spider-Man 3.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2010/01/urgent-spider-man-4-scrapped-as-is-raimi-and-cast-out-franchise-reboot-planned-21993/|title=Exclusive: 'Spider-Man 4' Scrapped; Sam Rami & Tobey Maguire & Cast Out; Franchise Reboot for 2012|last1=Finke|first1=Nikki|last2=Fleming|first2=Mike Jr.|website=Deadline Hollywood|publisher=Penske Media Corporation|date=January 11, 2010|access-date=January 11, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110823185904/http://www.deadline.com/2010/01/urgent-spider-man-4-scrapped-as-is-raimi-and-cast-out-franchise-reboot-planned/|archive-date=August 23, 2011|url-status=live}}

Additionally, the series was to include spin-off films.

By March 2012, Sony was still interested in a Venom film, now looking to capitalize on the release of the first reboot film, The Amazing Spider-Man. The studio was in negotiations with Josh Trank to direct after Ross left the project to direct The Hunger Games (2012).{{cite web|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/movies/2012/03/chronicle-josh-trank-spider-man-venom-topher-grace-marvel.html|title='Chronicle's' Josh Trank looks to spit some Venom|last=Zeitchick|first=Stephen|work=Los Angeles Times|date=March 6, 2012|access-date=May 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170706075337/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/movies/2012/03/chronicle-josh-trank-spider-man-venom-topher-grace-marvel.html|archive-date=July 6, 2017|url-status=live}} That June, Arad and fellow producer Matt Tolmach discussed Venom connecting to The Amazing Spider-Man, after comparisons to the Marvel Cinematic Universe films crossing over in The Avengers (2012). Arad called it "an Eddie Brock story" only, but Tolmach added, "Hopefully all these worlds will live together in peace someday."{{cite news|url=http://www.hollywood.com/news/Venom_Movie_Amazing_Spider_Man_Avengers_Style_Avi_Arad_Matthew_Tolmach/30237794|title='Venom' Movie May Tie into 'Amazing Spider-Man' Avengers-Style|last=Patches|first=Matt|work=Hollywood.com|date=June 9, 2012|access-date=June 27, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170525231514/http://www.hollywood.com/movies/venom-movie-may-tie-into-amazing-spider-man-avengers-style-exclusive-57235866/|archive-date=May 25, 2017|url-status=live}} In December 2013, Sony revealed plans to use The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014) to establish their own expanded universe based on the Marvel properties the studio had the film rights to, including Venom. Arad and Tolmach would produce the films as part of a franchise brain trust with Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci, and Ed Solomon set to write the screenplay for Venom, which Kurtzman would direct.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2013/12/spider-man-spinoffs-sony-marc-webb-alex-kurtzman-roberto-orci-jeff-pinkner-ed-solomon-drew-goddard-651848/|title=Sony Sets Spider-Man Spinoffs 'Venom,' 'Sinister Six' With New "Franchise Brain Trust"|last=Patten|first=Dominic|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=December 13, 2013|access-date=May 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170524030650/http://deadline.com/2013/12/spider-man-spinoffs-sony-marc-webb-alex-kurtzman-roberto-orci-jeff-pinkner-ed-solomon-drew-goddard-651848/|archive-date=May 24, 2017|url-status=live}}

In April 2014, Arad and Tolmach said Venom would be released after The Amazing Spider-Man 3—which was set for release on May 27, 2016—but before The Amazing Spider-Man 4.{{cite web|url=https://www.denofgeek.com/us/movies/spider-man/234610/exclusive-sinister-six-and-venom-movies-will-arrive-before-amazing-spider-man-4|title=EXCLUSIVE: Sinister Six and Venom Movies Will Arrive Before Amazing Spider-Man 4|last=Brew|first=Simon|publisher=Den of Geek|date=April 10, 2014|access-date=May 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170323203314/http://www.denofgeek.com/us/movies/spider-man/234610/exclusive-sinister-six-and-venom-movies-will-arrive-before-amazing-spider-man-4|archive-date=March 23, 2017|url-status=live}} However, The Amazing Spider-Man 2 underperformed, and, with Sony "under tremendous pressure to perform [that had them taking] a hard look at their most important franchise", the direction of the shared universe was rethought. The Amazing Spider-Man 3 was pushed back to 2018, and the Venom film, now known as Venom Carnage, was moved up to 2017. Kurtzman was still attached to direct, and write alongside Solomon.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2014/08/female-superhero-movie-spider-man-sony-810253/|title=Sony Launches Female Superhero Movie Mining Spider-Man Universe|last=Busch|first=Anita|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=August 4, 2014|access-date=May 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170526155720/http://deadline.com/2014/08/female-superhero-movie-spider-man-sony-810253/|archive-date=May 26, 2017|url-status=live}} In February 2015, Sony and Marvel Studios announced a new partnership that would see Marvel produce the next Spider-Man film for Sony, and integrate the character into their MCU.{{cite web|url=http://marvel.com/news/movies/24062/sony_pictures_entertainment_brings_marvel_studios_into_the_amazing_world_of_spider-man|title=Sony Pictures Entertainment Brings Marvel Studios into The Amazing World of Spider-Man|publisher=Marvel.com|date=February 9, 2015|access-date=February 10, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150210173923/http://marvel.com/news/movies/24062/sony_pictures_entertainment_brings_marvel_studios_into_the_amazing_world_of_spider-man|archive-date=February 10, 2015|url-status=live}} Sony still planned to produce the spinoff films without Marvel's involvement,{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2015/film/news/details-spider-man-appear-in-sony-and-marvel-movies-1201429039/|title=Spider-Man: How Sony, Marvel Will Benefit from Unique Deal (EXCLUSIVE)|last1=Graser|first1=Marc|last2=Land|first2=Brent|work=Variety|date=February 10, 2015|access-date=May 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170519183356/http://variety.com/2015/film/news/details-spider-man-appear-in-sony-and-marvel-movies-1201429039/|archive-date=May 19, 2017|url-status=live}} but by November they were believed to have been canceled so Sony could focus on its new reboot with Marvel.{{cite web|url=https://www.thewrap.com/17-movies-shaken-sony-hack-interview-spectre-steve-jobs/|title=17 Movies Shaken by Sony Hack, From 'The Interview' to 'Spectre' to 'Steve Jobs'|last=Sneider|first=Jeff|website=TheWrap|date=November 10, 2015|access-date=May 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170420060409/http://www.thewrap.com/17-movies-shaken-sony-hack-interview-spectre-steve-jobs/|archive-date=April 20, 2017|url-status=live}}

Sony Pictures had hired Lisa Joy Nolan to write the script for a 2017 film starring Felicia Hardy / Black Cat.{{Cite web |url=https://moviepilot.com/posts/2875570/amp |title=Details for a Spider-Man 2099 movie Released? - moviepilot.com |access-date=September 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160608002954/http://moviepilot.com/posts/2875570/amp |archive-date=June 8, 2016 |url-status=dead}}

In addition, Sony Pictures revealed plans for a spin-off based on Spider-Man 2099 to be released in late 2017.

In December 2013, Sony announced two spin-offs of The Amazing Spider-Man franchise, The Sinister Six and Venom, with Drew Goddard attached to write and direct The Sinister Six. At the end of The Amazing Spider-Man 2, a line-up/set-up of the team was foreshadowed throughout the film and during the end credits: Rhino, Vulture, Doctor Octopus, Mysterio, and Kraven the Hunter were all teased as the members, with the Green Goblin serving as the leader (however, the line-up is left in debate as Goddard stated he wanted to adapt a more classic adaptation of the group which would have included Sandman and Doc Ock as the leader). The film was said to be a redemption story for the characters, and would probably not feature Spider-Man. As the Sinister Six's original goal, however, was to kill him, there would seem to be a chance that he would appear.{{cite magazine|url=https://deadline.com/2013/12/spider-man-spinoffs-sony-marc-webb-alex-kurtzman-roberto-orci-jeff-pinkner-ed-solomon-drew-goddard-651848/|title=Sony Sets Spider-Man Spinoffs 'Venom,' 'Sinister Six' With New "Franchise Brain Trust"|last=Patten|first=Dominic|magazine=Deadline Hollywood|date=December 13, 2013|access-date=December 14, 2013}}{{cite magazine|url= https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/spider-man-spin-sinister-six-694345|title=Spider-Man Spinoff 'Sinister Six' Names Director

|magazine=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=April 7, 2014}}{{cite web|url= https://ign.com/articles/2014/04/11/the-sinister-six-is-a-tale-of-redemption/|title=THE SINISTER SIX MOVIE IS A TALE OF REDEMPTION|website=IGN|date=April 11, 2014|access-date=April 11, 2014}}{{cite web|url=https://ign.com/articles/2014/04/15/the-sinister-six-movie-line-up-nothing-is-sacred-says-producer|title=THE SINISTER SIX MOVIE LINE-UP: "NOTHING IS SACRED," SAYS PRODUCER|website=IGN|date=April 15, 2014|access-date=April 15, 2014}} The film was originally scheduled for release on November 11, 2016. However, after the announcement in February 2015 of a new Spider-Man franchise with Marvel Studios, the spin-offs were postponed and eventually cancelled.{{cite news|url=https://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2015/02/10/disney-delays-4-marvel-films-to-make-room-for-spider-man-in-2017/|title=Disney Delays 4 Marvel Films to Make Room for 'Spider-Man' in 2017|first=Ben|last=Fritz|newspaper=Wall Street Journal |date=February 10, 2015}}{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2015/film/news/details-spider-man-appear-sony-and-marvel-movies-1201429039/|title=Spider-Man: How Sony, Marvel Will Benefit from Unique Deal (EXCLUSIVE)|first=Marc Graser, Brent|last=Lang|date=February 10, 2015}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.ew.com/article/2015/02/09/its-finally-happening-spider-man-joining-marvel-cinematic-universe|title=It's finally happening: Spider-Man is joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe|last=Breznican|first=Anthony|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=February 9, 2015|access-date=February 10, 2015}}{{cite magazine|url=https://variety.com/2015/film/news/details-spider-man-appear-in-sony-and-marvel-movies-1201429039/|title=Spider-Man: How Sony, Marvel Will Benefit from Unique Deal (EXCLUSIVE)|magazine=Variety|last=Lang|first=Brent|date=February 10, 2015}}

In July 2017, following the collaboration between Marvel Studios and Sony Pictures, a different film featuring the Sinister Six was announced to be in development.{{cite web|url=https://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2015/02/10/disney-delays-4-marvel-films-to-make-room-for-spider-man-in-2017/|title=Disney Delays 4 Marvel Films to Make Room for 'Spider-Man' in 2017|first=Ben|last=Fritz|date=February 10, 2015|website=WSJ}} The team was teased in the mid-credits scene of Spider-Man: Homecoming, showing Adrian Toomes in prison where he is told by Mac Gargan that he's got some "boys on the outside". In an email leaked by the Sony Pictures hack, Pascal revealed that she planned for Tom Holland{{'s}} Spider-Man to appear in a Sinister Six film set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, depending on the success of the then-upcoming licensing agreement with Marvel Studios.{{Citation needed|date=June 2023}} In October 2018, Goddard acknowledge that his script could eventually be reworked for the film.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/why-bad-times-at-el-royale-cast-took-pay-cuts-1151419|title=How 'Bad Times at the El Royale' Director Convinced Stars to Work for Less|website=The Hollywood Reporter|first=Aaron|last=Couch|date=October 11, 2018|access-date=October 11, 2018}} By December of the same year, producer Amy Pascal confirmed that the studio intends to use the script in the upcoming project and expressed the company's desire for Goddard to direct the film as well.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2018/12/sony-spider-man-future-amy-pascal-phil-lord-interview|title=Sony Finally Untangles Its Spider Web|magazine=Vanity Fair|first=Joanna|last=Robinson|date=December 14, 2018|access-date=December 14, 2018}}

{{main|Silver & Black (unproduced film)}}

In March 2017, it was reported that Sony Pictures was developing a Black Cat and Silver Sable-centered film with writer Christopher Yost. It was intended to be a part of a shared universe called Sony's Spider-Man Universe, centered on characters from the Spider-Man mythology, beginning with Venom in 2018. The films would have been more adult-oriented and though they would have taken place in the "same reality" as the Marvel Cinematic Universe, they would have not crossed over with each other.{{cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/sony-venom-movie-mcu-connections/|title=Sony's Venom Is In 'Same Reality' As MCU|date=June 29, 2017|access-date=June 29, 2017|website=Screen Rant}} In May 2017, it was announced that Gina Prince-Bythewood would direct the film, now titled Silver & Black.{{cite news|title='Spider-Man' Spinoff: Silver Sable, Black Cat Movie Finds Director with 'Secret Life of Bees' Filmmaker (Exclusive)|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/spider-man-spinoff-silver-sable-black-cat-movie-finds-director-secret-life-bees-filmmaker-1007556|access-date=May 25, 2017|website=The Hollywood Reporter|date=May 25, 2017}} Production was to begin in March 2018, but was delayed "indefinitely". Prince-Bythewood revealed that the cause of the delay was due to script issues.{{cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/silver-sable-black-cat-production-delay/|title=Silver & Black's Production Delayed Indefinitely|website=Screen Rant|last=Hood|first=Cooper|date=February 23, 2018|access-date=February 23, 2018}} While the film was initially scheduled to be released on February 8, 2019, Sony removed the release date from the schedule.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/silver-black-no-longer-has-a-release-date-1116361|title=Sony Pulls Spider-Man Spinoff 'Silver & Black' from Calendar|website=The Hollywood Reporter|last=Couch|first=Aaron|date=June 1, 2018|access-date=June 1, 2018}} Production was slated to begin in 2019.{{cite web|url=https://omegaunderground.com/2018/06/22/update-sonys-silver-and-black-production-expected-to-be-delayed-until-2019/|title=UPDATE: Sony's 'Silver and Black' Production Expected To Be Delayed Until 2019|website=Omega Underground|last=Marc|first=Christopher|date=June 22, 2018|access-date=June 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625052103/https://omegaunderground.com/2018/06/22/update-sonys-silver-and-black-production-expected-to-be-delayed-until-2019/|archive-date=June 25, 2018|url-status=dead}} In August 2018, Sony announced that Silver & Black would be canceled in favor of having both characters having their own feature films. Black Cat would reportedly be a re-worked version of the Silver & Black script, while the studio searched for screenwriters for Silver Sable. Prince-Bythewood was set to serve as a producer on both projects.{{cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/sony-silver-black-update-silver-sable-black-cat-solo-movies/|title=Sony Scrapping Silver & Black In Favor of Silver Sable & Black Cat Solo Movies|website=Screen Rant|last=Freeman|first=Molly|date=August 9, 2018|access-date=August 9, 2018}}

In October 2008, Blade director Stephen Norrington was developing a prequel trilogy to Blade, featuring Stephen Dorff reprising his role as Deacon Frost.{{cite web |url=https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/56913-norrington-dorff-teaming-on-blade-spin-off |title=Norrington, Dorff Teaming on Blade Spin-Off |website=Coming Soon |date=July 7, 2009 |access-date=February 20, 2020}}{{cite web |url=http://dietrichthrall.wordpress.com/2009/07/08/blade-spinoff-in-development-will-feature-stephen-dorff-reprising-deacon-frost-role/ |title=Blade Spinoff In Development: Will Feature Stephen Dorff Reprising Deacon Frost Role |website=Dietrichthrall |date=July 8, 2009 |access-date=February 16, 2020}}

In 1997, David S. Goyer wrote a script for a film featuring the Marvel Comics character Venom, which was to be produced by New Line Cinema.{{cite web |url=https://www.looper.com/70054/untold-truth-venom/ |title=The untold truth of 'Venom' |website=Looper |last1=Kubai |first1=Andy L. |last2=Sims |first2=Chris |access-date=September 18, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180204235955/https://www.looper.com/70054/untold-truth-venom/ |archive-date=February 4, 2018 |url-status=dead}} Dolph Lundgren was rumoured to be tipped to star in the film, which would have included the character Carnage as the main villain.{{cite web|url=https://comicbook.com/marvel/2017/03/16/unmade-venom-movies/1|title=The History of Unmade Venom Movies|website=comicbook|last=Jason|first=Jay|date=March 16, 2017|access-date=September 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170317091659/http://comicbook.com/marvel/2017/03/16/unmade-venom-movies/2|archive-date=March 17, 2017|url-status=dead}} The project ultimately did not move forward, and the rights to the character moved to Sony Pictures along with those for the character Spider-Man, whom Venom is an antagonist of in the comics.

In October 2018, a trilogy of Venom films set in Sony's Spider-Man Universe (SSU) started.{{Cite web |last=Busch |first=Anita |date=May 19, 2017 |title=Tom Hardy Is 'Venom' In New Sony Marvel Film To Be Directed By Ruben Fleischer |url=https://deadline.com/2017/05/venom-movie-tom-hardy-eddie-brock-sony-marvel-film-1202098343/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170520071205/http://deadline.com/2017/05/venom-movie-tom-hardy-eddie-brock-sony-marvel-film-1202098343/ |archive-date=May 20, 2017 |access-date=January 26, 2025 |website=Deadline Hollywood}}

Filmmaker Philip Kaufman had been in discussions with Marvel Studios to develop Namor: Sub-Mariner in 1997,{{cite news|last= Fleming|first= Michael|url= https://variety.com/1997/voices/columns/a-mania-for-marvel-1117434784/|title= A Mania for Marvel|work= Variety|date= April 14, 1997|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20141218234238/http://variety.com/1997/voices/columns/a-mania-for-marvel-1117434784/|archive-date= December 18, 2014|url-status= live|access-date= October 10, 2014|df= mdy-all}} and courted Sam Hamm to write the script in 1999, but the outing never materialized.{{cite news|last= Fleming|first= Michael|url= https://variety.com/1999/voices/columns/marvel-takes-cue-from-its-superheroes-1117503960/|title= Marvel takes cue from its superheroes|work= Variety|date= July 13, 1999|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20141218234913/http://variety.com/1999/voices/columns/marvel-takes-cue-from-its-superheroes-1117503960/|archive-date= December 18, 2014|url-status= live|access-date= October 10, 2014|df= mdy-all}} Saban Entertainment became involved as a producing partner with Marvel, with a script written by Randall Frakes.{{cite news|last= Dunkley|first= Cathy|url= https://variety.com/2002/scene/news/frakes-blazes-into-ember-1117871138/|title= Frakes blazes into Ember|work= Variety|date= August 12, 2002|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20141218234916/http://variety.com/2002/scene/news/frakes-blazes-into-ember-1117871138/|archive-date= December 18, 2014|url-status= live|access-date= October 10, 2014|df= mdy-all}} By 2001, Namor was set up at Universal Pictures,{{cite magazine|last= Susman|first= Gary|url= https://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,129746,00.html|title= Screen Splash|magazine= Entertainment Weekly|date= June 12, 2001|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20141016215603/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,129746,00.html|archive-date= October 16, 2014|url-status= dead|access-date= October 10, 2014|df= mdy-all}} who hired David Self to write a new script the following year. They hoped for filming to begin in 2003 for a mid-2004 release,{{cite magazine|last= Hiatt|first= Brian|url= https://ew.com/article/2002/07/12/comics-trips/|title= Comics' Trips|magazine= Entertainment Weekly|date= July 12, 2002|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20141016215659/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,305211,00.html|archive-date= October 16, 2014|url-status= live|access-date= October 10, 2014|df= mdy-all}} but development stalled for two years until Chris Columbus entered talks to direct in July 2004{{cite news|last=Brodesser|first=Claude|url=https://variety.com/2004/film/news/columbus-off-to-sea-1117914347/|title=Columbus off to sea|work=Variety|date=December 2, 2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141219000702/https://variety.com/2004/film/news/columbus-off-to-sea-1117914347/|archive-date=December 19, 2014|url-status=live|access-date=October 10, 2014}} and the release date was subsequently moved to 2007.{{cite web |url= http://www.superherohype.com/news/87061-marvels-film-slate-from-3rd-quarter-report|title= Marvels' Film Slate From 3rd Quarter Report|date= October 28, 2004|publisher= Superherohype.com|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20141016111335/http://www.superherohype.com/news/87061-marvels-film-slate-from-3rd-quarter-report|archive-date= October 16, 2014|url-status= live}} Columbus departed in 2005,{{cite web |url= http://www.superherohype.com/features/89791-chris-columbus-passes-on-sub-mariner|title= Chris Columbus Passes on Sub-Mariner|first= Edward|last= Douglas|date= November 12, 2005|website= Superherohype.com|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20141016111337/http://www.superherohype.com/features/89791-chris-columbus-passes-on-sub-mariner|archive-date= October 16, 2014|url-status= live}} and Universal replaced him with Jonathan Mostow in September 2006.{{cite web|url= https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/09/14/mostow-swims-to-sub-mariner|title= Mostow Swims to Sub-Mariner|author= Stax|date= September 14, 2006|website= IGN|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131009054810/http://www.ign.com/articles/2006/09/14/mostow-swims-to-sub-mariner|archive-date= October 9, 2013|url-status= live|access-date= March 7, 2013|df= mdy-all}} In 2012, Marvel CCO Joe Quesada thought Namor's film rights had reverted to Marvel, but in August 2013 it was revealed by Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige that this was not the case, and the rights remained at Universal Pictures.{{cite web|url=https://comicbook.com/blog/2013/09/06/could-vin-diesel-be-hinting-at-playing-namor-the-sub-mariner/|title=Could Vin Diesel Be Hinting at Playing Namor The Sub-Mariner?|last=Johnson|first=Scott|website=ComicBook.com|date=September 6, 2013|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20141018031113/http://comicbook.com/blog/2013/09/06/could-vin-diesel-be-hinting-at-playing-namor-the-sub-mariner/|archive-date= October 18, 2014|url-status= live|access-date= September 8, 2013}}

On June 3, 2014, Borys Kit confirmed that Marvel, not Universal Pictures, now had the Namor film rights.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/Borys_Kit/statuses/469600691921502208|title=Borys Kit on Twitter|website=twitter.com}} On July 18, 2014, Kevin Feige told IGN in an interview that the Namor film rights were not with Universal and Legendary Pictures, but he explained that there were a number of contracts and deals that needed to be sorted out.{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2014/07/18/kevin-feige-talks-guardians-of-the-galaxy-the-avengers-the-sub-mariner|title=Kevin Feige Talks Guardians of the Galaxy, The Avengers & The Sub-Mariner|first=Chris|last=Tilly|date=July 18, 2014|website=IGN}} On June 2, 2016, Marvel Chief Creative Officer Joe Quesada told Kevin Smith on his podcast that the Namor rights were back with Marvel.{{cite web|url=http://www.comicbookresources.com/article/joe-quesada-says-marvel-studios-has-the-rights-to-namor|title=Joe Quesada Says Marvel Studios Has the Rights to Namor|date=June 2, 2016|website=comicbookresources.com|access-date=September 16, 2018|archive-date=October 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161030103326/http://www.cbr.com/joe-quesada-says-marvel-studios-has-the-rights-to-namor/|url-status=dead}} On February 16, 2017, Production Weekly listed The Sub-Mariner as a project going into production.{{cite web|url=https://www.productionweekly.com/preview-production-weekly-issue-1032-thursday-february-23-2017/|title=Production Weekly|website=Production Weekly|access-date=September 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170217180855/https://www.productionweekly.com/preview-production-weekly-issue-1032-thursday-february-23-2017/|archive-date=February 17, 2017|url-status=dead}} In April 2018, Feige stated in an interview with IGN that Namor's movie rights were "complicated" and in a similar situation to solo film rights for The Hulk, with Universal holding distribution rights.{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/04/23/marvel-studios-boss-addresses-namors-complicated-rights-status|title=Marvel Studios Boss Addresses Namor's Complicated Rights Status|first=Shabana|last=Arif|date=April 23, 2018|website=IGN}} However, Namor appeared in a main role in 2022's Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, signaling that the rights issues have been cleared.

{{Main|The Incredible Hulk (film)#Development}}

At the time of the release of Ang Lee's Hulk, screenwriter James Schamus was planning a sequel, featuring the Grey Hulk. He was also considering the Leader and the Abomination as villains.{{Cite news|date=June 18, 2003 |first=William |last=Keck |title=Busting out: 'Hulk' stars aglow for the premiere |url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/2003-06-18-hulk_x.htm |work=USA Today |access-date=August 18, 2006 |archive-date=October 24, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024071523/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/2003-06-18-hulk_x.htm |url-status=live}} Marvel wanted the Abomination because he would be an actual threat to the Hulk, unlike General Ross. During the filming of Hulk, producer Avi Arad had a target May 2005 theatrical release date.{{Cite news|date=March 22, 2002 |url=http://www.mania.com/arad-talks-bispiderman-2ib-bihulk-2ib_article_87918.html |author-link=Rob Worley |last=Worley |first=Rob |title=Arad Talks Spider-Man 2, Hulk 2 |work=Mania.com |access-date=June 9, 2008 |archive-date=June 24, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130624223429/http://www.mania.com/arad-talks-bispiderman-2ib-bihulk-2ib_article_87918.html |url-status=dead}} On January 18, 2006, Arad confirmed Marvel Studios would be providing the money for The Incredible Hulk{{'}}s production budget, with Universal distributing,{{Cite news|date=January 18, 2006 |author-link=Harry Knowles |last=Knowles |first=Harry |title=Hulk 2-story BS! |work=Ain't It Cool News |url=https://www.aintitcool.com/node/22216 |access-date=February 23, 2013 |archive-date=May 18, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130518022518/http://www.aintitcool.com/node/22216 |url-status=live}} because Universal did not meet the deadline for filming a sequel.{{Cite news|date=February 23, 2006 |first=Steven |last=Zeitchik |title=Marvel stock soars on rev outlook |url=https://variety.com/2006/scene/markets-festivals/marvel-stock-soars-on-rev-outlook-1117938775/ |work=Variety |access-date=June 17, 2008 |archive-date=November 18, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121118184456/http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117938775 |url-status=live}} Marvel felt it would be better to deviate from Ang Lee's style to continue the franchise, arguing his film was like a parallel universe one-shot comic book, and their next film needed to be, in Kevin Feige's words, "really starting the Marvel Hulk franchise". Producer Gale Anne Hurd also felt the film had to meet what "everyone expects to see from having read the comics and seen the TV series". After the mixed reception of Hulk, Marvel Studios reacquired the film rights to the character, and writer Zak Penn began work on a sequel titled The Incredible Hulk. However, Edward Norton rewrote Penn's script after he signed on to star, retelling the origin story in flashbacks and revelations, to help in establishing the film as a reboot; director Louis Leterrier agreed with this approach.{{cite news| title = Norton's Double Duty on Hulk | work = SuperheroHype.com | date = August 15, 2007 | url = http://www.superherohype.com/news/topnews.php?id=6209 | access-date=September 6, 2007}} Leterrier acknowledged that the only remaining similarity between the two films was Bruce hiding in South America.{{cite news| title = Exclusive: Leterrier [sic], Feige and Hurd on Hulk's Return | work = SuperheroHype.com | date = April 21, 2008 | url = http://www.superherohype.com/news/topnews.php?id=6209 | access-date=February 9, 2013}}

In 1984, George Lucas announced development of an animated film based on the character created by Steve Gerber and quoting lines from Bill Mantlo. Director Willard Huyck and producer Gloria Katz strongly felt that the film should stay animated, but a contractual obligation with Universal Pictures required Lucas to provide the distributor with a live-action film, so he decided to make the film using live actors and to use special effects for Howard, resulting in the 1986 box office bomb.{{cite web|url=https://www.sbs.com.au/movies/article/2018/02/21/howard-duck-film-marvel-too-embarrassed-talk-about|title='Howard the Duck': The film Marvel is too embarrassed to talk about|work=SBS|last=Morris|first=Anthony|date=February 21, 2018|access-date=February 24, 2019}}{{cite book|last=Shone|first=Tom|title=Blockbuster: How Hollywood Learned To Stop Worrying And Love The Summer|year=2004|publisher=Simon and Schuster|isbn=0-7432-3568-1|page=[https://archive.org/details/blockbusterhowho00shon/page/136 136]|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/blockbusterhowho00shon/page/136}} Katz said that the animated Howard the Duck film "would have taken too much time and too much money."{{cite web|url=https://decider.com/2016/03/11/howard-the-duck-the-oral-history/?_ga=1.192178989.608980329.1302539496|title='Howard The Duck': The Oral History|work=Decider|last=Gaines|first=Caseen|date=March 11, 2016|access-date=June 13, 2021}} In 2019, another animated adaptation of Howard, as a television series, was announced to be released on Hulu, from writers Kevin Smith and Dave Willis; however, it was cancelled.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/marvel-hulu-set-four-show-animated-slate-howard-duck-modok-hit-money-tigra-dazzler-1185246|title=Marvel, Hulu Set Four-Show Animated Slate|website=The Hollywood Reporter|last=Goldberg|first=Lesley|date=February 11, 2019|access-date=February 11, 2019}}

The following is a list of unproduced films that would be part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe

{{Further|Runaways (TV series)}}

Marvel Studios was originally developing a film based on the Runaways team in May 2008, with Brian K. Vaughan writing the screenplay. Peter Sollett was hired to direct in April 2010, with Drew Pearce hired to write the next month.{{Cite web |date=2010-04-07 |title=Marvel Taps Peter Sollett For 'Runaways' – Deadline.com |url=https://deadline.com/2010/04/marvel-taps-sollett-for-runaways/ |access-date=2024-01-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100407073329/https://deadline.com/2010/04/marvel-taps-sollett-for-runaways/ |archive-date=April 7, 2010 }} That October, the film was put on hold in favor of The Avengers and had the potential to release in Marvel's Phase Three slate of films.{{Cite web |title=Marvel Puts On The Brakes For Peter Sollett's 'Runaways' Film |url=https://theplaylist.net/marvel-puts-on-the-brakes-for-peter-solletts-runaways-film-20101022/ |access-date=2024-01-11 |website=theplaylist.net}} When Kevin Feige announced the Phase Three slate in October 2014, he said the studio retained the script and that Runaways was discussed for upcoming films and television projects, but noted that they could not make all of them. In August 2016, Marvel Television announced that they were moving forward with the series Marvel's Runaways for the streaming service Hulu,{{Cite web |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=August 17, 2016 |title=Hulu Orders 'Marvel's Runaways' Series From Josh Schwartz & Stephanie Savage |url=https://deadline.com/2016/08/hulu-marvels-runaways-series-josh-schwartz-stephanie-savage-marvel-comics-1201799746/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818070622/https://deadline.com/2016/08/hulu-marvels-runaways-series-josh-schwartz-stephanie-savage-marvel-comics-1201799746/ |archive-date=August 18, 2016 |access-date=August 17, 2016 |website=Deadline Hollywood}} receiving a full-series order in May 2017 and premiered that November.{{Cite web |last=Evans |first=Greg |date=July 20, 2017 |title=Hulu Sets Fall Premieres: Slate Includes 'Mindy Project', 'Marvel's Runaways' |url=https://deadline.com/2017/07/hulu-fall-premiere-dates-mindy-project-marvels-runaways-1202132101/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170723233938/https://deadline.com/2017/07/hulu-fall-premiere-dates-mindy-project-marvels-runaways-1202132101/ |archive-date=July 23, 2017 |access-date=July 20, 2017 |website=Deadline Hollywood}} The series ended with its third season in December 2019.{{Cite web |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=November 18, 2019 |title='Marvel's Runaways' To End With Season 3 On Hulu |url=https://deadline.com/2019/11/marvels-runaways-to-end-season-3-hulu-canceled-final-season-trailer-1202788430/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191118225801/https://deadline.com/2019/11/marvels-runaways-to-end-season-3-hulu-canceled-final-season-trailer-1202788430/ |archive-date=November 18, 2019 |access-date=November 18, 2019 |website=Deadline Hollywood}}

{{Further|Marvel One-Shots|Guardians of the Galaxy (film)}}

Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) director James Gunn had originally intended to introduce each of the members of the Guardians through a series of Marvel One-Shots that would have played before the film in theaters.{{Cite web|date=2021-10-24|title=Guardians of the Galaxy Almost Had 4 One-Shot MCU Prequels|url=https://screenrant.com/guardians-galaxy-prequels-oneshot-plans-canceled/|access-date=2021-10-25|website=Screen Rant|language=en-US}} Partial footage for a Groot and Rocket Raccoon episode was shot, and shown at San Diego Comic Con, with a role for Alan Tudyk also written into the short by Gunn. Only the script for the Groot and Rocket short had been completed at the time of cancellation. Gunn considers the events of the short, which showcased the meeting of the two characters, to still have occurred.{{Cite web|last=Nebens|first=Richard|date=2021-10-26|title=Marvel Wanted Iron Man 3 & Thor 2 to Include Guardians of the Galaxy Shorts In Theaters|url=https://thedirect.com/article/iron-man-3-thor-2-marvel-theaters-guardians-of-the-galaxy|access-date=2021-10-26|website=The Direct|language=en}}

In March 2020, Drax actor Dave Bautista revealed that James Gunn, director of the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy, had pitched a film based around the characters of Drax and Mantis to Marvel Studios, but that it could not release within the next five years due to a full release schedule. Bautista was interested in appearing in the film.{{Cite web|last=Reichert|first=Corinne|title=James Gunn wanted a Drax and Mantis film but Marvel didn't have room|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/guardians-of-the-galaxy-director-wanted-a-drax-and-mantis-film/|access-date=2021-07-20|website=CNET|language=en}} In May 2021, Bautista theorised that the studio may have had no interest in the project, due to a lack of communication about it. He indicated that he would likely retire from playing the role of Drax after Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 due to his age, but Drax would remain in the MCU. Gunn replied through Twitter stating that he believed the role should not be recast.{{Cite web|last=Edmonds|first=Lauren|title=Marvel's Dave Bautista says he won't play Drax the Destroyer after 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3'|url=https://www.insider.com/dave-bautista-wont-play-drax-guardians-of-the-galaxy-vol3-2021-5|access-date=2021-07-20|website=Insider|language=en-US}}

{{See also|Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase Six}}

In July 2022 during their Hall H panel at San Diego Comic-Con, Marvel Studios officially announced Avengers: The Kang Dynasty as the first of two films set to conclude Phase Six of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), as well as The Multiverse Saga arc that began with the MCU's Phase Four, alongside Avengers: Secret Wars.{{Cite web |last=Vary |first=Adam B. |date=2022-07-24 |title=Marvel Studios’ Phases 5 and 6: Everything We Learned at Comic-Con About the Multiverse Saga |url=https://variety.com/2022/film/news/marvel-studios-phase-5-phase-6-multiverse-saga-comic-con-1235323893/ |access-date=2024-08-09 |website=Variety |language=en-US}} Later that month, it was reported that Destin Daniel Cretton would serve as The Kang Dynasty's director after previously working with Marvel Studios on the Phase Four film Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021).{{Cite web |last=Kit |first=Borys |date=2022-07-26 |title=‘Avengers: The Kang Dynasty’ to Be Directed by ‘Shang-Chi’ Filmmaker Destin Daniel Cretton (Exclusive) |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/avengers-the-kang-dynasty-to-be-directed-by-shang-chi-filmmaker-destin-daniel-cretton-exclusive-1235186348/ |access-date=2024-08-09 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}} In September 2022, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023) screenwriter Jeff Loveness, was hired to pen the film following his work on conceiving the MCU's adaptation of Kang the Conqueror played by Jonathan Majors.{{Cite web |last=Kroll |first=Justin |date=2022-09-14 |title=‘Avengers: The Kang Dynasty’: Jeff Loveness Tapped To Write Next Installment In Marvel Series |url=https://deadline.com/2022/09/marvel-jeff-loveness-avengers-kang-dynasty-1235118412/ |access-date=2024-08-09 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}} Both The Kang Dynasty and Secret Wars were initially set for theatrical releases on May 2, 2025, and November 7, 2025, respectively, but were subsequently delayed to new dates on May 1, 2026, and May 7, 2027, due to progress on both screenplays being indefinitely halted by the ongoing 2023 Writers Guild of America strike.{{Cite web |last=Goslin |first=Austen |date=2023-06-13 |title=Disney just blew up the plans for the next Avengers |url=https://www.polygon.com/23759520/marvel-movies-release-dates-disney-avengers-delayed-kang-dynasty |access-date=2024-08-09 |website=Polygon |language=en-US}} In March 2023 following Quantummania's release, Majors was arrested in New York City on multiple counts of physical harassment and assault during his relationship with dancer Grace Jabbari. By the time of Majors' arraignment, Marvel had not begun discussing alternate courses of action for the character, such as removing Majors from the franchise.{{Cite web |last=Patten |first=Anthony |last2=D'Alessandro |first2=Dominic |date=2023-04-18 |title=Jonathan Majors & Manager Entertainment 360 Part Ways; Actor Facing Domestic Violence Allegations In NYC |url=https://deadline.com/2023/04/jonathan-majors-dropped-hollywood-manager-domestic-violence-1235325576/ |access-date=2024-08-09 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}} In November 2023, Cretton left the film amicably while retaining involvement in other MCU projects, while Loveness was let go by Marvel as they were preparing to creatively pivot the film's focus away from Kang as the antagonist due to Majors' ongoing legal situation.{{Cite web |last=Couch |first=Aaron |last2=Kit |first2=Borys |date=2023-11-15 |title=‘Avengers: The Kang Dynasty’ Loses Director Destin Daniel Cretton |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/avengers-the-kang-dynasty-loses-director-1235648140/ |access-date=2024-08-09 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}} The next month, Majors was found guilty of third-degree assault and harassment in a final court verdict, prompting Disney and Marvel to sever ties with the actor, with plans to retitle and pivot the fifth Avengers film being publicly announced the following March.{{Cite web |last=Vary |first=Adam B. |date=2023-12-18 |title=Marvel Studios Drops Jonathan Majors Following Guilty Verdict for Harassment and Assault |url=https://variety.com/2023/film/news/jonathan-majors-marvel-studios-dropped-kang-1235587971/ |access-date=2024-08-09 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}

In July 2024 at SDCC, Marvel Studios announced Avengers: Doomsday as the new predecessor to Secret Wars, with returning MCU actor Robert Downey Jr. portraying the film's new primary villain Victor von Doom / Doctor Doom and the Russo brothers directing both installments.{{Cite web |last=Patches |first=Matt |last2=Goslin |first2=Austen |date=2024-07-27 |title=Avengers 5 now called Avengers: Doomsday, will introduce Doctor Doom to the MCU |url=https://www.polygon.com/sdcc/24201657/avengers-doomsday-5-kang-dynasty-doom-robert-downey-jr |access-date=2024-08-09 |website=Polygon |language=en-US}} The announcement of Doomsday and confirmation of Doctor Doom as the overarching antagonist effectively confirmed Marvel Studios' decision to dissociate from the planned storyline with Kang the Conqueror alongside ending Majors' involvement with the franchise as opposed to recasting the character.{{Cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |last2=Grobar |first2=Matt |date=2024-07-28 |title=‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Unveiled As Official Title Of Marvel Pic; Core Four Will Appear In Next Two ‘Avengers’ Movies – Comic-Con |url=https://deadline.com/2024/07/the-fantastic-four-first-steps-marvel-comic-con-1236021939/ |access-date=2024-08-09 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}} Responding to the announcement, Jonathan Majors said he was "heartbroken" to learn of the films moving forward with Doctor Doom over his character, and added he would be open to returning to the MCU if offered.{{Cite web |last=Sharf |first=Zack |date=2024-07-31 |title=Jonathan Majors ‘Heartbroken’ Over Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom Replacing Kang in Next ‘Avengers’ Films; He’d Still Return to MCU ‘If That’s What Marvel Wants’ |url=https://variety.com/2024/film/news/jonathan-majors-heartbroken-robert-downey-jr-doctor-doom-avengers-marvel-1236091366/ |access-date=2024-08-09 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}

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