Robert Rodriguez's unrealized projects
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{{Use American English|date=January 2020}}
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File:Robert Rodriguez 2019.jpg
During his long career, film director Robert Rodriguez has worked on a number of projects which never progressed beyond the pre-production stage under his direction. Some of these projects are officially cancelled or fell apart in development.
1990s
=''Madman'' film=
In 1998, Rodriguez acquired the film rights to Mike Allred's Madman comics. Both he and Allred gave numerous signals as to the start of production over the years, but as both had been occupied with other projects (Allred was instrumental in connecting Rodriguez with Frank Miller, leading to the production of Sin City), no results emerged despite both remaining eager to see the film made.{{cite web |title=Robert Rodriguez Talks Predators Prequel, Sin City 2, Spy Kids 4 and Madman! [Exclusive] |url=https://movieweb.com/exclusive-robert-rodriguez-talks-predators-prequel-sin-city-2-spy-kids-4-and-madman/ |website=MovieWeb |date=July 2010 |publisher=Watchr Media |access-date=18 October 2019}} In a 2000 interview, Allred mentioned that he had had contact with Robin Williams for the role of Dr. Flem.{{cite book |editor-last1=Irving |editor-first1=Christopher |title=Michael Allred: Conversations |date=2015 |quote=Robin Williams is the only celebrity whom I've had contact with who was a serious contender to be in the film, and that was as Dr. Flem. |isbn=978-1496803269}} At a February 2006 appearance at WonderCon, Allred announced that he and Rodriguez hoped to begin filming in May of that year, he teased fans in attendance by saying that the titular role had already been cast, "but I can't tell you who it is yet."{{cite web |title=WonderCon: Buddy-L has info on the MADMAN movie from Allred, HELLBOY 2 from Mignola and much more!!! |url=https://legacy.aintitcool.com/node/22447 |website=Aint It Cool News |access-date=14 June 2022 |language=en}} However, in December 2006, it was announced that George Huang would take over writing/directing duties, with Rodriguez stepping back to a producer role,{{cite web |title=Madman Movie Moving |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/12/19/madman-movie-moving |website=IGN |access-date=14 June 2022 |language=en |date=19 December 2006}} in a January 2007 interview, Allred indicated that no roles had been cast yet.{{cite web |title=Interview with Madman creator Michael Allred |url=https://www.anarchymusic.net/2007/01/michaelallred.html |access-date=14 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070202011200/https://www.anarchymusic.net/2007/01/michaelallred.html |archive-date=2 February 2007 |date=29 January 2007 |url-status=dead}}
In 2015, Allred indicated on Twitter that the rights to Madman had reverted to him,{{cite tweet |user=AllredMD |author=Mike Allred |number=576854032330792960 |date=14 Mar 2015 |title=MILESTONE: for the first time since 1995 all rights to MADMAN (including IT GIRL & THE ATOMICS) have reverted back to me! #THEFUTUREISNOW!}} and in June 2018, stated that a film production "would have to take a set up even better than what I had with [Robert Rodriguez]" which he considered unlikely.{{cite tweet |user=AllredMD |author=Mike Allred |number=1012087698624937985|date=27 Jun 2018 |title=It would have to take a set up even better than what I had with @Rodriguez & don't see that happening anytime soon.The biggest obstacle: the time it'd take from making comics, which is where I want to spend ALL of my time. At least a couple years of passion projects pending⚡️}}
=''Predators''=
In 1994, Rodriguez wrote an early script for a third Predator film for 20th Century Fox while he was working on Desperado at the time.{{cite web |url= http://movies.ign.com/articles/107/1077485p1.html |title=Predators First Look | publisher= News Corporation | work = IGN |date=2010-03-15 |access-date=2010-05-22}} Rodriguez presented the script to the studio, but was denied when they realized that the budget would be too large. Fifteen years later, the studio decided to go with his script. Rodriguez stated:
It's the story from that script I had written way back then. They had hired me to write a Predator story while I was waiting to do Desperado back in 1995. It was crazy, this thing I came up with. So then fast-forward to now and, like, six months ago, they found the script and called me up. 'Hey, we want to redo this franchise and we found your old script. This is where we should have gone with the series! We want to move forward.' And that's what we're doing.{{cite news| date = 2009-07-08
| first = Geoff
| last = Boucher
| title=Robert Rodriguez has a 'crazy, intense' script for his 'Predator' revival | Hero Complex
| url= http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/herocomplex/2009/07/robert-rodriguez-has-a-crazy-intense-script-for-his-predator-revival.html
| work = Los Angeles Times blogs
| access-date=2010-07-14}}
In 2009, 20th Century Fox studio executive, Alex Young, called Rodriguez to consider using his treatment to revive the individual Predator franchise.{{cite web|url=https://www.aintitcool.com/node/40879 |title=AICN Exclusive: Robert Rodriguez answers some questions about PREDATORS!!! |website= Aintitcool.com |date=2009-04-24 |access-date=2009-12-24}} Predators was produced at Rodriguez's Troublemaker Studios as opposed to 20th Century Fox so that Rodriguez had more creative control over the film.{{cite web |url=https://www.aintitcool.com/node/41590/ |title=AICN Exclusive: Nimród Antal is directing PREDATORS |website=Aintitcool.com |date=2009-07-01 |access-date=2010-03-20 |archive-date=July 3, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090703152850/https://www.aintitcool.com/node/41590/ |url-status=dead}} It was originally thought that Rodriguez would direct, but on July 1, 2009, Nimród Antal was officially signed on to direct.{{cite web|url=https://www.slashfilm.com/2009/06/23/nimrod-antal-to-direct-predators/ |title=Nimród Antal to Direct Predators?|website=/Film |date=2009-06-23 |access-date=2009-12-24}}
=''The Mask of Zorro''=
In 1995, Rodriguez signed on to direct The Mask of Zorro with Antonio Banderas for TriStar Pictures and Amblin Entertainment.{{cite news | first= Claudia |last= Eller| title = Sony Learns to Schmooze Wall Street| date = September 22, 1995 | work = Los Angeles Times}} TriStar and Amblin were impressed with Rodriguez's low budget filmmaking, however, he pulled out of the project in 1996 due to budgetary problems. Rodriguez wanted a budget of $45 million and the studio only wanted to do a $35 million film.{{cite news | title = Budget Dispute Hangs Up 'Zorro' | date = June 13, 1996 | work = San Jose Mercury News}} The film was eventually released in 1998, directed by Martin Campbell, who reteamed with Banderas in 2005's The Legend of Zorro.
=''Scream 2''=
Following the success of Scream in 1996, Rodriguez was approached by Kevin Williamson and the filmmakers of the Scream franchise about directing Scream 2 due to Wes Craven's hesistancy over directing the sequel due to being worried about career opportunities he may not have if he was "trapped" within the franchise. Rodriguez was willing to take the offer, but ultimately, Craven felt unable to leave the sequel to someone else and agreed to helm the sequel, so Rodriguez moved over to direct The Faculty, also penned by Williamson.{{Cite web |date=June 12, 2025 |title=Scream Creator Confirms Long-Held Theory About Who Almost Directed Scream 2 Before Wes Craven |url=https://screenrant.com/scream-2-almost-directed-robert-rodriguez/ |access-date=June 12, 2025 |website=Screen Rant |archive-date= |archive-url= |url-status=live}}
=''Kiss Me Deadly'' remake=
On the director's commentary track for Sin City, Robert Rodriguez said that he had been attached, in 1997 or 1998, to direct a remake of the 1955 film noir Kiss Me Deadly. It was to have been produced by Michael Mann. Rodriguez said he left the project because he thought it was "too nostalgic".{{cite web |last=Miller III |first=Randy |title=Frank Miller's Sin City: Recut, Extended, Unrated |url=https://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/19223/frank-millers-sin-city-recut-extended-unrated |work=DVDTalk.com |access-date=September 23, 2012}}
2000s
= Animated ''Spy Kids'' series and direct-to-DVD ''Spy Kids 4'' =
In 2001, Rodriguez thought about exploring other avenues for the Spy Kids franchise after Spy Kids 2: The Island of Lost Dreams. Rodriguez is quoted as saying "TV, animation, specials, books, rides and toys. We're keeping the brand of Spy Kids alive."{{Cite web |date=2002-11-15 |title=Cinema Confidential News: 04/16/01 - No "Spy Kids" trilogy |url=http://cinecon.com/news.php?id=0104167 |access-date=2024-12-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021115154829/http://cinecon.com/news.php?id=0104167 |archive-date=November 15, 2002 }} In 2002, he then said it may continue as a cartoon series after Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over.{{Cite web |title=Spy Kid's Are Nearly Spy Teens |url=https://www.cinema.com/news/item/6105/spy-kids-are-nearly-spy-teens.phtml |access-date=2024-12-11 |website=www.cinema.com}} In 2005, Rodriguez also thought about making a fourth Spy Kids movie, which would have been animated and direct-to-DVD.{{Cite web |date=2005-11-23 |title=Latino Review |url=http://www.latinoreview.com/interviews/rr-sincitydvd.html |access-date=2024-12-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051123013033/http://www.latinoreview.com/interviews/rr-sincitydvd.html |archive-date=November 23, 2005 }} Neither the movie or the cartoon ever materialized.
There was eventually both a live-action fourth movie in 2011, Spy Kids: All the Time in the World, and an animated CGI reboot show on Netflix in 2018, Spy Kids: Mission Critical.{{cite web |author=Brian Steinberg |date=June 16, 2016 |title=Netflix Readies Animated 'Spy Kids,' 'Llama Llama' Series (EXCLUSIVE) |url=https://variety.com/2016/digital/news/netflix-kids-show-programming-schedule-1201796795 |access-date=December 8, 2016 |work=Variety}}
=''John Carter''=
In 2004, Rodriguez signed on to direct the film John Carter after his friend Harry Knowles showed him Mark Protosevich{{'}}s script. Recognizing that Knowles had been an adviser to many other filmmakers, Rodriguez asked him to be credited as a producer.{{cite book|last=Hughes |first=David |title=The Greatest Science Fiction Movies Never Made |publisher=Titan Books |date=2008 |pages=311–22 |isbn=9781845767556}} Filming was set to begin in 2005, with Rodriguez planning to use the all-digital stages he was using for his production of Sin City, a film based on the graphic novel series by Frank Miller. Rodriguez planned to hire Frank Frazetta, the popular Burroughs and fantasy illustrator, as a designer on the film.{{cite news |first=Drew |last=McWeeny |title=Holy Crap!! Rodriguez Just Can't Stop!! First SIN CITY, And Now ... PRINCESS OF MARS!!! |work=Ain't It Cool News |date=March 2, 2004 |url=https://www.aintitcool.com/node/17099 |access-date=December 26, 2011}} Rodriguez had previously stirred-up film industry controversy owing to his decision to credit Sin City{{'}}s artist/creator Miller as co-director on the film adaptation, as a result, Rodriguez decided to resign from the Directors Guild of America. In 2004, unable to employ a non-DGA filmmaker, Paramount assigned Kerry Conran to direct and Ehren Kruger to rewrite the John Carter script. The rights to the film would be acquired by The Walt Disney Company, and would be eventually see release in 2012, directed by Andrew Stanton and written by Stanton, Mark Andrews, and Michael Chabon.
=''Barbarella'' remake=
In May 2007, it was announced that Rodríguez had signed on to direct a remake of Barbarella for a 2008 release.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3i3e0cd5c8b61cf5dd1910e92c972e7e99?imw=Y |title=Rodriguez to direct 'Barbarella' |publisher=Hollywoodreporter.com |date=May 22, 2007 |access-date=April 24, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011232016/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3i3e0cd5c8b61cf5dd1910e92c972e7e99?imw=Y |archive-date=October 11, 2007}} At the 2007 Comic-Con convention, actress Rosario Dawson announced that because of Barbarella, production of Sin City: A Dame to Kill For would be put on hold. She also announced that she would be playing an amazon in the Barbarella film.{{cite web |url=http://www.g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/677874/Dawson_Talks_Occult_on_ComicCon_LIVE.html |title=G4 – The Feed – Dawson Talks 'Occult' on Comic-Con LIVE |publisher=G4tv.com |date=July 24, 2007 |access-date=April 24, 2009 |archive-date=June 29, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170629223314/http://www.g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/677874/Dawson_Talks_Occult_on_ComicCon_LIVE.html |url-status=dead }} As of June 2008, plans to remake the film Barbarella with Rose McGowan as the lead have been delayed; the actress and director are instead remaking the film Red Sonja.{{cite web|url=http://www.superherohype.com/news/topnews.php?id=7407 |title=Rodriguez and McGowan Team for Red Sonja – Superhero Hype! |publisher=Superhero Hype! |date= |access-date=April 24, 2009}}
=''Red Sonja'' remake=
A second Red Sonja film had been in development for several years. In 2008, Rodriguez and his production company Troublemaker Studios were working on a version that would have starred Rose McGowan as the titular character.{{cite news |title=Rose McGowan Explains Why 'Red Sonja' Never Happened |publisher=ReelzChannel |url=http://www.reelz.com/movie-news/11407/rose-mcgowan-explains-why-red-sonja-never-happened |access-date=August 20, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120509175238/http://www.reelz.com/movie-news/11407/rose-mcgowan-explains-why-red-sonja-never-happened/ |archive-date=May 9, 2012}}
=''Woman in Chains!''=
In May 2008, Rodriguez was shopping around a prison drama television series called Woman in Chains!, with Rose McGowan being a possibility for a lead role.{{cite web |url=https://www.collider.com/entertainment/news/article.asp/aid/8033/tcid/Rodriguez |title=shopping around Woman in Chains! |publisher=Collider |date=May 28, 2008 |access-date=April 24, 2009 |archive-date=August 9, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110809130651/http://collider.com/entertainment/news/article.asp/aid/8033/tcid/Rodriguez |url-status=dead }}
=''Grindhouse 2''=
Both Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino have said that they are interested in making a sequel to Grindhouse.{{cite news|first=Peter |last=Sciretta |url=https://www.slashfilm.com/article.php/20061218grindhousesequel |title=Rodriguez talks Grindhouse Sequel |access-date=May 12, 2009 |date=December 18, 2006 |work=Slash Film |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090713202127/http://www.slashfilm.com/article.php/20061218grindhousesequel |archive-date=July 13, 2009}} Tarantino said that he wants to shoot an "old-school Kung Fu movie in Mandarin with subtitles in some countries, and release a shorter, dubbed cut in others" for his segment.{{cite news|first=Peter|last=Sciretta|url=https://www.slashfilm.com/2007/03/29/tarantino-plans-kung-fu-grindhouse-sequel|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930015354/http://www.slashfilm.com/2007/03/29/tarantino-plans-kung-fu-grindhouse-sequel|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 30, 2007|title=Tarantino Plans Kung Fu Grindhouse Sequel|access-date=May 12, 2009|date=March 29, 2007|publisher=Slash Film}} It has also been reported by Rotten Tomatoes that Edgar Wright may expand Don't into a feature film.{{cite web |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/news/comments/?entryid=412779|title=Edgar Wright's "Don't" Trailer Could Be "Grindhouse 2" |access-date=May 12, 2009|first=Jen|last=Yamato|publisher=Rotten Tomatoes|date=April 7, 2007|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080527085504/http://www.rottentomatoes.com/news/comments/?entryid=412779 |archive-date = May 27, 2008|url-status=dead}} According to Eli Roth, he and Edgar Wright have discussed the possibility of pairing Don't with Thanksgiving for a Grindhouse sequel. Roth is quoted as saying "We're talking to Dimension about it. I think they're still trying to figure out Grindhouse 1 before we think about Grindhouse 2, but I've already been working on the outline for it and I would do it in a heartbeat."{{cite web |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/news/comments/?entryid=418358|title=Roth Wants Full Length "Thanksgiving" for "Grindhouse 3" |access-date=May 12, 2009|author=RT-News|publisher=Rotten Tomatoes|date=May 4, 2007|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070605234500/http://www.rottentomatoes.com/news/comments/?entryid=418358|archive-date=June 5, 2007 |url-status=dead}}
Electra and Elise Avellan, Rodriguez's nieces who play the Crazy Babysitter Twins in both films, originally stated their uncle wanted to do a sequel featuring both Machete and The Babysitter Twins, but the latter concept did not materialize with the former's release.{{cite web|url=https://www.bloody-disgusting.com/news/18089|title='Crazy Babysitter Twins' Return to the Big Screen... Twice! – Bloody Disgusting|website=www.bloody-disgusting.com}} In an interview, Electra Avellan discussed a sequel with "Robert mentioned something about the end of the world and Hollywood action films, where we'd be trained in Mexico to come back here and fight."{{cite web|url=https://www.bloody-disgusting.com/news/9438|title=Babysitter Twins Take Over in 'Grindhouse 2'|access-date=May 12, 2009|date=July 24, 2007|publisher=Bloody Disgusting|archive-date=May 23, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090523111816/http://www.bloody-disgusting.com/news/9438|url-status=dead}}
=''The Jetsons'' film=
In May 2007, Rodriguez was in talks with Universal Pictures and Warner Bros. to make a live-action film adaptation of the 1960s Hanna-Barbera television show The Jetsons for a potential 2009 theatrical release, while also offered at the time to direct a film adaptation of Land of the Lost with Universal. Rodriguez was uncertain which project he would pursue next, though the latest script draft for The Jetsons by Adam F. Goldberg was further along in development.{{cite news|last=Kit|first=Borys|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3i11ad0a8282fd52db145f3235c0a96b6a|title=Future or past for Rodriguez?|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=2007-05-09|access-date=2019-12-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070525055030/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3i11ad0a8282fd52db145f3235c0a96b6a|archive-date=2007-05-25|url-status=live}}
=''Nerverackers''=
In February 2009, Rodriguez was set to write and direct a sci-fi film Nerverackers for Dimension Films, which was going to be released on April 10, 2010 until it was removed from the schedule in August 2009.{{cite news|last=Hewitt|first=Chris|url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/news/robert-rodriguez-direct-nerverackers/|title=Robert Rodriguez To Direct Nerverackers|date=February 18, 2009|work=Empire|access-date=November 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070525055030/https://www.empireonline.com/movies/news/robert-rodriguez-direct-nerverackers/|archive-date=May 25, 2007|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Miska|first=Brad|url=https://bloody-disgusting.com/news/17033/dimension-films-drops-nerverackers-off-release-slate/|title=Dimension FIlms Drops 'Nerverackers' Off Release Slate|date=August 10, 2009|work=Bloody Disgusting|access-date=November 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070525055030/https://bloody-disgusting.com/news/17033/dimension-films-drops-nerverackers-off-release-slate/|archive-date=May 25, 2007|url-status=live}}
2010s
=''Predators 2''=
Nimród Antal had talked about a direct sequel to Predators and said he would love to do one. Rodriguez has said that he has interest in a sequel because of the large number of potential ideas the Predator planet setting provides:
{{blockquote|There are so many great ideas... Just following Laurence Fishburne{{'s}} character (Noland) around in a prequel would be a great movie. Just the tales he tells in this movie alone, I want to see those experiences... That's why I wasn't precious even about the original script I had, because once you come up with the idea of a Predator Planet, that Predators use as their hunting grounds and humans are involved somehow, the story ideas that you can come up with are so numerous that you can come up with any approach. So we already have several ideas that we can go with for a sequel. They would all be good ideas but we would probably put them together to see which one rises to the top, if we made another one.{{cite web|url=http://www.movieweb.com/news/NE2Dq264pfd444|title=Exclusive: Robert Rodriguez Talks Predators Prequel, Sin City 2, Spy Kids 4 and Madman!|work=Movie Web|access-date=July 3, 2010|date=July 1, 2010|archive-date=September 29, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120929074527/http://www.movieweb.com/news/exclusive-robert-rodriguez-talks-predators-prequel-sin-city-2-spy-kids-4-and-madman|url-status=dead}}|sign=|source=}}
In 2010, Rodriguez confirmed that there would eventually be a Predators sequel:
{{blockquote|"[The studio] said, 'Let's do some other ones. What other story ideas do you have?'" says the filmmaker. "Because it was like, let's test out the market with this one. They really wanted it to be pretty contained, pretty scaled-back. They didn't want to put too many of the ideas into it that we could save for a second one. So we could see what the appetite was, because the bigger movie would actually be what comes following that. That kind of sets up a new storyline, new location and world, and then you can really go crazy from there."{{cite web |date=July 22, 2010 |url= http://movies.ign.com/articles/110/1108015p1.html |title=SDCC 10: Rodriguez Confirms Predators 2 |work= IGN | publisher = News Corporation |access-date= July 22, 2010}}}}
Adrien Brody also spoke about reprising his role in a possible sequel:
{{blockquote|"I think a lot of that is determined by the success of the film. And I don't think that far ahead. The idea of reprising the role and going farther into that character is interesting to me... It would be exciting to watch a character progress or deteriorate. That's exciting for an actor. I thoroughly enjoyed playing Royce. Again, part of the attraction is I'm oddly drawn to material that affects me on an emotional level, and characters that are dealing with things that are challenging that I would question, that I'm not so familiar with. Royce has his emotional arc in this that most of the characters I've played don't come close to possessing. That's an interesting thing to cultivate."{{cite web|date=July 1, 2010|first=Joseph|last=McCabe|title=Robert Rodriguez and Adrien Brody on the Sequel to 'Predators'|url=http://www.fearnet.com/news/interviews/b19494_robert_rodriguez_adrien_brody_on_sequel.html}}}}
In June 2014, Fox announced plans for a new movie, with Shane Black co-writing and directing, Fred Dekker co-writing and John Davis producing (without the involvement of Rodriguez). At the time, Black said the film is a sequel, rather than a reboot.{{cite web|url=https://collider.com/predator-reboot-sequel-shane-black/|title=Exclusive: Shane Black Says His Predator Film Is a Sequel, Not a Reboot|last=Chitwood|first=Adam|work=Collider|date=June 25, 2014|access-date=June 25, 2014}} In August 2015, Davis said the film would "reinvent the franchise."{{cite web|url=https://collider.com/predator-sequel-shane-black-movie-will-wil-reinvent-the-franchise/|title=Shane Black's 'Predator' Sequel Will "Reinvent the Franchise" Says Producer John Davis|website=Collider|last=Chitwood|first=Adam|date=August 13, 2015}}{{Dead link|date=July 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} In November 2016, it was explained that since the plot takes place on Earth, the story will be more closely linked to the first two films.{{cite web|url=https://uk.yahoo.com/movies/benicio-del-toro-vs-predator-215448421.html|title=Here's everything we know about 'The Predator'|website=Yahoo Movies UK|date=November 3, 2016|access-date=November 3, 2016}} In December 2017, it was announced that while the film would acknowledge the events of Predator and Predator 2, but before the events of Predators.{{cite web|url=https://movieweb.com/the-predator-2018-why-hunters-came-to-earth-jake-busey/|title=The Predator Reboot Explains Why Hunters Have Come to Earth|work=MovieWeb|last=Gallagher|first=Brian|date=December 6, 2017|access-date=December 14, 2023}}
=''From Dusk Till Dawn 4''=
In December 2010, the production of a fourth From Dusk till Dawn film was in the planning stages,{{cite news | last = Block | first = Alex Ben |title=Weinstein Co., Miramax Ink Deal to Produce Movie Sequels | work = The Hollywood Reporter |date=December 16, 2010 | url= https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/weinstein-miramax-ink-deal-produce-60852 | access-date=2012-03-05}} but further work on this possibility has not been revealed. In November 2013, it was reported that From Dusk till Dawn: The Series had begun production, without any further mention of the film.{{cite web|url=http://www.thehollywoodnews.com/2013/11/17/t2s-robert-patrick-join-dusk-till-dawn-series/|title=T2's Robert Patrick & More Join 'From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series'|first=Craig|last=Hunter|work=TheHollywoodNews.com|date=17 November 2013|access-date=15 January 2014}}
=''Fire and Ice'' remake=
In 2010, Rodriquez had plans to make a live-action remake of the 1983 cult classic Fire and Ice, originally directed by Ralph Bakshi.{{cite web|url=https://www.aintitcool.com/node/45169|title=A family friendly Machete? What do you mean no race war? & A secret Frazetta project?? Exclusive Robert Rodriguez interview!!|last=Knowles|first=Harry|work=Ain't It Cool News|date=May 19, 2010|access-date=December 3, 2019}} Despite wanting no involvement in the remake, Bakshi agreed to license the rights to Rodriguez.{{cite web|url=http://www.craveonline.com/film/interviews/184701-the-gods-truth-an-interview-ralph-bakshi-part-2|title=The God's Truth: An Interview With Ralph Bakshi (Part 2)|last=Ashby|first=Devon|work=CraveOnline|date=March 14, 2012|access-date=December 3, 2019}} The deal closed shortly after the death of Fire and Ice's concept artist Frank Frazetta. By December 2014, Sony Pictures Entertainment acquired the rights to make the remake, with Rodriguez still attached to direct the film.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2014/12/robert-rodriguez-frank-frazetta-fire-and-ice-at-sony-pictures-1201330095/|title=Sony Pictures Acquires Robert Rodriguez & His Frank Franzetta Homage 'Fire And Ice'|last=Fleming|first=Mike|work=Deadline Hollywood|date=December 18, 2014|access-date=December 3, 2019}}
=''Heavy Metal'' remake=
In July 2011, Rodriguez announced at San Diego Comic-Con that he had purchased the film rights to Heavy Metal and planned to develop a new animated film at the new Quick Draw Studios.{{cite web | title = SDCC: Robert Rodriguez Takes Heavy Metal | url = https://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=80106 | website = comingsoon.net | date = July 21, 2011 | access-date = November 26, 2011 | archive-date = March 14, 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120314085106/http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=80106 | url-status = dead}} On March 11, 2014, with the formation of his very own television network, El Rey, Rodriguez considered switching gears and bringing it to TV.{{cite web | title = Robert Rodriguez May Bring 'Heavy Metal' to TV. Prepared to Make 'Sin City 3' | url = https://screenrant.com/heavy-metal-tv-show-robert-rodriguez/ | website =Screen Rant | date = March 11, 2014 | access-date = July 19, 2014}}
=''Spy Kids 5''=
Dimension Films had announced the fifth installment in the Spy Kids series following Spy Kids: All the Time in the World. It was under talks to have the original cast expected to return. However, the film was permanently delayed from its intended 2012 production,{{cite web|title=Dimension Films Announces Production Of Spy Kids 5 In 5D|url=http://themq.com/index.php?articles_id=1119&issue=181|date=September 21, 2004|publisher=The MQ|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111002045120/http://themq.com/index.php?articles_id=1119&issue=181|archive-date=October 2, 2011|access-date=August 26, 2016}} as the film's stars Rowan Blanchard and Mason Cook, who are no longer kids, were both committing to current projects (Girl Meets World and Speechless respectively), and the planned sequel got cancelled as a result.
There was eventually a fifth film in 2023, Spy Kids: Armageddon, which served as a reboot of the franchise and released on Netflix.{{Cite web |last=Rubin |first=Rebecca |date=2021-01-26 |title=Robert Rodriguez Rebooting 'Spy Kids' Franchise at Skydance Media |url=https://variety.com/2021/film/news/spy-kids-reboot-robert-rodriguez-1234892682/ |access-date=2024-12-11 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}
=''Machete Kills Again... In Space''=
At the end of the first film{{'s}} theatrical version, two sequels are mentioned, Machete Kills and Machete Kills Again. The trailer for the third film titled, Machete Kills Again... In Space,[https://www.vulture.com/2011/07/robert_rodriguez_sin_city_2.html Robert Rodriguez Tells Vulture About Machete in Space, Sin City 2, and Fire and Ice] precedes the second film as a "Coming Attraction".{{cite web | url = https://collider.com/robert-rodriguez-machete-kills-sin-city-2-heavy-metal/104116/ | title = 'Comic-Con 2011: Robert Rodriguez Updates on MACHETE Sequels and SIN CITY 2; Announces HEAVY METAL Remake' | year = 2011 | website = Collider | access-date = April 17, 2020 | archive-date = January 5, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200105174708/https://collider.com/robert-rodriguez-machete-kills-sin-city-2-heavy-metal/104116/ | url-status = dead}}{{cite web | url = http://io9.com/5823656/robert-rodriguezs-next-projects-sin-city-2-heavy-metal-frank-frazetta-and-machete-in-space | title = "Robert" Rodriguez's next projects: sin city 2, heavy Metal, frank Frazetta... and machete in space! | year = 2011 | website = io9 | access-date = December 7, 2019 | archive-date = October 9, 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141009121237/http://io9.com/5823656/robert-rodriguezs-next-projects-sin-city-2-heavy-metal-frank-frazetta-and-machete-in-space | url-status = dead }} In 2015, Trejo told Halloween Daily News that the third film is happening.{{cite web|url=http://halloweendailynews.com/2015/04/danny-trejo-confirms-machete-kills-in/|title=Danny Trejo Confirms 'Machete Kills In Space' Filming This Year [Exclusive]|website=Halloween Daily News|last=Artz|first=Matt|date= April 2, 2015}} Machete Kills grossed a worldwide total of $15 million, on a budget of $20 million, making a sequel unlikely.{{cite web|url= https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2013/10/08/review-machete-kills-fires-blanks/|title= Review: 'Machete Kills' Fires Blanks|author= Scott Mendelson|website= Forbes|date= August 10, 2013|access-date= March 6, 2014}}{{cite web|url= https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?page=main&id=machete2.htm|title= Machete Kills (2013)|website=Box Office Mojo}} In 2022, when asked about the progress of the project, Trejo said, "Send an email to Robert Rodriguez and tell him to stop being afraid and do it!"{{Cite news |last=Badasie |first=Charlene |date=November 8, 2022 |title=Danny Trejo Reveals What's Holding Up His Sequel |website=Giantfreakinrobot.com |url=https://www.giantfreakinrobot.com/ent/danny-trejo-machete-hold-up.html |access-date=April 16, 2025}} In 2023, Rodriguez addressed the possibility of making Machete in Space stating that "we have to do it [and] give it to them."{{Cite news |last=Bentz |first=Adam |date=March 14, 2023 |title=Machete In Space Possibility Addressed By Robert Rodriguez |website=Screen Rant |url=https://screenrant.com/machete-space-movie-robert-rodriguez-response/ |access-date=April 16, 2025}}
=''Sin City 3''=
Wallace is set to appear in Sin City 3, to be directed by Rodriguez and Frank Miller. Rodriguez has said he wants Johnny Depp to play the part. Depp was originally supposed to play the part of Benicio del Toro's Jack "Jackie Boy" Rafferty. However, filming of Sin City conflicted with that of Depp's movies. Depp has expressed great interest in being a part of the Sin City franchise.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1555630/20070326/story.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070510101205/http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1555630/20070326/story.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 10, 2007|title=Depp, Banderas To Call 'Sin City' Home? Rodriguez, Dawson Talk Sequels|work=MTV News|access-date=29 December 2014}} Frank Miller revealed at the 2014 Comic-Con that he and director Robert Rodriguez have had discussions about a potential third Sin City film.{{Cite news|url=https://www.cinemablend.com/new/Sin-City-3-Already-Works-66474.html|title=Sin City 3 Is Already In The Works|date=2014-07-26|work=CINEMABLEND|access-date=2018-03-27}} Miller said at the event, "So you better show up for number two, or they won't pay for it." Sin City: A Dame to Kill For grossed a worldwide total of $39.4 million, against a production budget of $65 million, making a sequel unlikely.{{cite web|title=Frank Miller's Sin City: A Dame to Kill For (2014) – Box Office Mojo|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=sincity2.htm|access-date=December 7, 2019}}
=''Jonny Quest'' film=
In May 2015, it was announced that Rodriguez would direct a live-action adaptation of Jonny Quest, with a script co-written by Rodriguez and Terry Rossio.{{cite web|url=https://hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/jonny-quest-movie-robert-rodriguez-797743|title=Robert Rodriguez Trackling 'Jonny Quest' or Warner Bros |newspaper=The Hollywood Reporter|last=Kit|first=Borys|date=May 26, 2015}} Adrian Askarieh has stated to IGN that the film will be Indiana Jones meets James Bond with a PG-13 rating.{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zncx3AMvY1U|title=Jonny Quest Movie Will Be "Indiana Jones Meets James Bond"|date=September 8, 2015|publisher=|via=YouTube}}{{cite web|url=https://collider.com/jonny-quest-movie-characters-and-rating-news/|title='Jonny Quest' Movie Characters and Likely Rating Confirmed by Producer Adrian Askarieh|website=Collider|last=Trumbore|first=Dave|date=August 17, 2015}}{{cite web|url=https://collider.com/adrian-askarieh-talks-hitman-agent-47-jonny-quest-and-more/|title=Producer Adrian Askarieh Talks 'Hitman: Agent 47' and 'Jonny Quest'|website=Collider|last=Weintraub|first=Steve|date=August 23, 2015}}
In July 2016, Forbes reported that the film would start a franchise with Rodriguez and Rossio's script and will be directed by either Joe Cornish, Justin Lin or Scott Derrickson. The film will position Jonny in the film as "Harry Potter inside an Indiana Jones movie" and specifically sets the film up with the potential for spinoffs. The script also took inspiration from a few specific stories and elements in the original 1960s TV show. The site reported that the studio was considering actors Idris Elba, Bradley Cooper and Will Smith for the role of Race Bannon.{{cite news |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/markhughes/2016/07/28/exclusive-jonny-quest-could-be-warners-next-big-franchise/|title=Exclusive: 'Jonny Quest' Could Be Warner's Next Big Franchise|work=Forbes|last=Hughes|first=Mark|date=July 29, 2016}}
In November 2018, Warner Bros. announced that the movie would be instead directed by Chris McKay.{{cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/jonny-quest-movie-director-chris-mckay/|title=Jonny Quest Movie Lands LEGO Batman Director Chris McKay|website=Screen Rant|last=Zinski|first=Dan|date=November 8, 2018|access-date=December 8, 2019}}
=''Escape from New York'' remake=
In March 2017, it was announced that Rodriguez will direct the remake of the 1981 dystopian sci-fi action film Escape from New York, with the original's director Carpenter producing.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2017/03/robert-rodriguez-escape-from-new-york-director-1202051424/|title=Robert Rodriguez To Direct 'Escape From New York'|first=Mike Jr.|last=Fleming|date=March 24, 2017|access-date=March 28, 2019|work=Deadline Hollywood|publisher=Penske Media Corporation}} In February 2019, new development surfaced when Leigh Whannell and Luther creator Neil Cross were hired by 20th Century Fox to write a new script.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/leigh-whannell-tackle-escape-new-york-remake-1181620|title=Leigh Whannell to Tackle 'Escape From New York' Remake for Fox|website=The Hollywood Reporter|last=Kit|first=Borys|date=February 1, 2019|access-date=March 28, 2019}}
=''UglyDolls''=
On March 28, 2017, Rodriguez signed on to direct, write, and produce the film UglyDolls.{{Cite news|url=https://variety.com/2017/film/news/robert-rodriguez-ugly-dolls-animated-movie-1202017936/|title=Robert Rodriguez to Direct 'Ugly Dolls' Animated Film for STX|last=Khatchatourian|first=Maane|date=March 28, 2017|work=Variety|access-date=August 16, 2017}} He was replaced by Kelly Asbury, after Rodriguez left production to focus on Alita: Battle Angel.{{cite news |last=Donnelly |first=Matt |title=STX Sets 'Uglydolls' Animated Series, Feature Streaming Deal at Hulu |url=https://www.thewrap.com/stx-sets-uglydolls-animated-series-feature-streaming-deal-hulu/ |access-date=June 18, 2018 |work=TheWrap |date=May 23, 2018}} He remained intact with a producer and story credit. In May 2018, Hulu signed a deal with STX Entertainment to produce an animated television series based on the film of the same name. Hulu also gained VOD rights to the animated film. The series was meant to consist of 26 episodes per season with a projected release date of early 2020.{{cite web|url=https://www.comingsoon.net/tv/news/947823-stxs-uglydolls-franchise-gets-animated-for-hulu|title=STX's Uglydolls Franchise Gets Animated for Hulu|last1=Musnicky|first1=Sarah|website=ComingSoon.net|date=May 23, 2018|access-date=April 16, 2025}}
=''Alita: Battle Angel 2''=
James Cameron and Rodriguez have hinted that Alita: Battle Angel could lead to multiple sequels.{{cite web |url=https://screenrant.com/alita-battle-angel-sequels-saga/ |title=Battle Angel 2 Details |first=Padraig |last=Cotter |website=Screen Rant |date=April 28, 2018 |access-date=February 8, 2019}} On February 6, 2019, they announced that they have plans for Alita: Battle Angel 2 in the future. The casting of Edward Norton in a non-speaking role as Nova in this film was intended to be a setup for the sequel.{{cite web |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a26141266/alita-battle-angel-2-plot-cast-release-date-trailer/ |title=Alita: Battle Angel plans for the sequel in the Future |first=Hugh |last=Armitage |website=Digital Spy |date=February 6, 2019 |access-date=February 6, 2019}} Additionally, the uncredited cameos by Michelle Rodriguez and Jai Courtney were meant to set up larger roles in a sequel.{{cite web |title=Exclusive: Robert Rodriguez on Those Big Alita Cameos & Sequels |url=https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/1040751-exclusive-robert-rodriguez-on-those-big-alita-cameos-sequels |website=ComingSoon.net |date=18 February 2019}} In July 2019, Salazar urged fans to buy the film on physical media and expressed her hope that a sequel would be made.{{cite web |last1=Sharf |first1=Zack |title=Rosa Salazar Urges 'Alita' Fans to Show Disney There's Demand for Sequel: 'Buy Those Blu-rays' |url=https://www.indiewire.com/2019/07/rosa-salazar-buy-alita-blu-ray-get-sequel-made-1202161752/ |website=IndieWire |date=29 July 2019}}
In an interview with BBC Radio 1, Cameron explained the reason for rearranging the film title from the initial source material, allowing the possibilities of sequel titles, "It's Alita, colon, Battle Angel. Because the next one will be "Alita: Fallen Angel" and then Alita... you know "Avenging Angel" and then Alita whatever. I mean, that's assuming we make some money".{{cite AV media |url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVb3VqX6CiM |title="They Crushed it!" James Cameron on how Team Avatar built Alita: Battle Angel |publisher=BBC Radio 1 |via= Youtube |date=February 8, 2019 |access-date=May 5, 2019}} On December 2, 2019, John Landau, discussing the possibility of the sequel in an interview with CinemaBlend, said the following: "What I think the Alita Army should do is keep peppering our family now at Disney and [let them know] how important it is to have another Alita movie and hopefully we'll venture there one day."{{cite web |title=Alita: Battle Angel's Producer Reveals How Fans Can Help Make Alita 2 Happen |url=https://www.cinemablend.com/news/2485830/alita-battle-angel-producer-reveals-how-fans-can-help-make-alita-2-happen |website=CinemaBlend |date=3 December 2019}} The film is listed with losses as high as $53 million, making a sequel unlikely.{{cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |title='How 'Terminator: Dark Fate' Conked Out With $27M+ & Why 'The Irishman' Is Not A Missed Strategic Opportunity – Box Office |url=https://deadline.com/2019/11/terminator-dark-fate-linda-hamilton-harriet-motherless-brooklyn-weekend-box-office-1202774477/ |website=Deadline Hollywood |publisher=Penske Media Corporation|access-date=November 2, 2019 |date=November 2, 2019}}
However, in January 2021, director Rodriguez said that he was hoping that a sequel to the film would be made.{{cite web |last1=Bui |first1=Hoai-Tran |title=Robert Rodriguez is Still Holding Out Hope for 'Alita: Battle Angel 2' |url=https://www.slashfilm.com/robert-rodriguez-alita-battle-angel-2/ |website=/Film |publisher=News |access-date=April 20, 2025 |date=January 1, 2021 |archive-date=May 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506201949/https://www.slashfilm.com/robert-rodriguez-alita-battle-angel-2/ |url-status=live }} In September 2021, during an interview with "The Nerdy Basement", Rodriguez claimed that he would try pitching an Alita sequel if The Book of Boba Fett series, directed by him, succeeded in "knock[ing
=''Cobra'' series=
At the 2019 Cannes Film Festival, Sylvester Stallone revealed he had plans to reboot his 1986 action film Cobra as a streaming series, say "That (conceit) was what if Bruce Springsteen had a gun? That was rock n' roll meets drama. That should have been another franchise because that character was so cool. And I blew it. My personal life got in the way. But we're trying to bring it back as a streaming TV series. Bring out the zombie squad. I'm long gone, but the idea is really good."{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2019/05/sylvester-stallone-cannes-film-festival-rambo-v-1202621832/ |title=Sylvester Stallone Celebrated At Cannes: Promises 'Serious Vengeance' In 'Rambo V', Rebooting 'Cobra' & Plans For New 'Rocky' |website=Deadline Hollywood |first=Anthony |last=D'Alessandro |date=May 24, 2019 |access-date=September 19, 2020}} Later that year Stallone revealed to Fandango that "I'm talking with Robert Rodriguez right now about Cobra, which looks like that could happen," and that "It's basically his baby now."{{cite web |url=https://www.fandango.com/movie-news/sylvester-stallone-teaming-with-robert-rodriguez-on-cobra-reboot-is-tango-and-cash-next-753897 |title=SYLVESTER STALLONE TEAMING WITH ROBERT RODRIGUEZ ON 'COBRA' REBOOT; IS 'TANGO & CASH' NEXT? |website=Fandango |last=Davis |first=Erik |date=September 16, 2019 |access-date=September 30, 2020}}
=''El Gato''=
{{Main|El Gato (TV series)}}
In September 2019, Rodriguez signed on as director and executive producer on the television series El Gato for Apple TV+.{{Cite web|last=Kit|first=Borys|date=September 13, 2019|title=Robert Rodriguez, Diego Boneta Team for 'El Gato Negro' TV Series for Apple (Exclusive)|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/robert-rodriguez-diego-boneta-team-el-gato-negro-apple-1239492|website=The Hollywood Reporter|language=en|access-date=April 16, 2025}} By February 2024, Rodriguez left the project, prior to Amazon Prime Video taking over from Apple TV+.{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2024/02/diego-boneta-cast-prime-video-series-el-gato-1235838863/|title=Diego Boneta To Lead New Prime Video Series 'El Gato' Based On Comic Book|language=en|date=February 26, 2024|website=Deadline|first=Rosy|last=Cordero|access-date=April 16, 2025}}
2020s
=''Zorro'' (TV series)=
In December 2020, Rodriguez was set to executive produce a Zorro television series for NBC.{{Cite web|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|date=December 10, 2020|title='Zorro' Drama With Female Lead From Robert Rodriguez, Rebecca Rodriguez, Sofia Vergara & Propagate In Works At NBC|url=https://deadline.com/2020/12/zorro-drama-series-female-lead-robert-rodriguez-rebecca-rodriguez-sofia-vergara-propagate-ben-silverman-nbc-reimagening-1234653379/|access-date=April 16, 2025|website=Deadline}} In January 2022, the series was moved from NBC to The CW and later ordered six scripts.{{cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/zorro-female-series-nbc-cw-move-network-update/|website=Screen Rant|title=Robert Rodriguez's Female Zorro Series Moves From NBC to The CW|last=Fink|first=Richard|date=January 11, 2022|access-date=April 16, 2025}}{{cite web|url=https://collider.com/robert-rodriguez-zorro-tv-series-the-cw/|title=Robert Rodriguez's Female-Led 'Zorro' TV Series Gets 6-Episode Order at The CW|website=Collider|last=Oddo|first=Marco Vito|date=February 3, 2022|access-date=April 16, 2025}}
=''We Can Be Heroes 2''=
In January 2021, Netflix announced they were planning to develop a sequel to Rodriguez's We Can Be Heroes.{{cite web|last=White|first=Peter|url=https://deadline.com/2021/01/bridgerton-we-can-be-heroes-netflix-ratings-1234664619/|title="Bridgerton" and "We Can Be Heroes" Join "The Midnight Sky" As Top Netflix Festive Titles, Streamer Lines Up Sequel To Robert Rodriguez Kids Film|access-date=April 16, 2025|date=January 4, 2021|work=Deadline Hollywood|archive-date=January 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210104223835/https://deadline.com/2021/01/bridgerton-we-can-be-heroes-netflix-ratings-1234664619/|url-status=live}} By August of the same year, Rodriguez confirmed that he would return in his role as director, while announcing that principal photography would take place in 2022.{{cite web|url=https://collider.com/we-can-be-heroes-2-filming-robert-rodriguez-directing/|work=Collider|title=Exclusive: Robert Rodriguez Says He Is Directing the 'We Can Be Heroes' Sequel Next Year|last=Weintraub|first=Steve|date=August 27, 2021|access-date=April 16, 2025|archive-date=March 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220322040600/https://collider.com/we-can-be-heroes-2-filming-robert-rodriguez-directing/|url-status=live}}
=''Spy Kids: Armageddon'' sequels=
In September 2023, Rodriguez confirmed that Netflix intended to develop additional Spy Kids movies,{{cite web|url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/spy-kids-james-bond-comparisons-robert-rodriguez-interview-part-5-armageddon-netflix-173037983.html|work=Yahoo! Entertainment|title=Can 'Spy Kids' be the next James Bond? Robert Rodriguez has a plan.|last=Polowy|first=Kevin|date=September 22, 2023|access-date=April 16, 2025}} with the filmmaker expressing hope to begin production on a sequel the following year.{{cite web|url=https://collider.com/we-can-be-heroes-2-robert-rodriguez-comments/|work=Collider|title=Robert Rodriguez Gives an Update on 'We Can Be Heroes' Sequel|last=Peralta|first=Diego|date=September 21, 2023|access-date=April 16, 2025}} Rodriguez explained that Spy Kids: Armageddon incorporated a new family because so much time had passed since Spy Kids: All the Time in the World, and so he wanted to incorporate a new set of characters before returning to what came before; confirming that he intends to bring back "legacy characters" from the previous installments in future movies.
See also
References
{{Reflist}}