List of unproduced Sony Pictures Animation projects

This is a list of unmade and unreleased animated projects by Sony Pictures Animation. Some of these films were, or still are, in development limbo. These also include the co-productions the studio collaborated with in the past (i.e Aardman Animations).

2000s

Derek Guiley and David Schneiderman's untitled projects

In 2002, when Sony Pictures Animation opened its doors, writers Derek Guiley and David Schneiderman pitched two separate untitled animated projects to the studio.[1] However, nothing came through and both projects were scrapped. Also, none of them have other details, such as the plot.

Tam Lin

In May 2003, Sony Pictures Animation announced an adaptation of the Scottish fairy tale Tam Lin was being directed by Roger Allers and Brenda Chapman,[2] but one year later, he was later moved to co-direct SPA's first film Open Season.[3]

The ChubbChubbs! film and TV series

A feature-length animated film and a television series based on the short The ChubbChubbs! were in development in 2003, at Sony Pictures Animation.[4][5] Dan Wilson and Dave Gilbreth had been hired to write the film's screenplay,[6] but since then, there has been no further news about the projects, which were most likely cancelled.

Neanderthals

A motion-captured animated film taking place in the prehistoric times that would have been written and produced by Jon Favreau,[7][8] before being cancelled sometime in 2008. As of 2010, some concept art was shown online.[9]

2010s

RollerCoaster Tycoon

In May 2010, it was reported that Sony Pictures Animation was to develop a film adaptation of the RollerCoaster Tycoon series. But nothing came out of that.[10]

The Familiars

In September 2010, it was revealed that Sony Pictures Animation will adapt The Familiars into a 3D animated feature film, with Doug Sweetland set to direct it.[11] According to the books' authors, the film was scheduled to be released in 2014.[12] Fergal Reilly joined Sweetland to co-direct the film,[13] but in 2013, he left to co-direct The Angry Birds Movie.[14] In January 2013, when it was announced that Sweetland will direct a 2015 film for Warner Bros. (that would eventually become Storks from Warner Animation Group in 2016), Sony Pictures Animation responded that "The Familiars is cancelled."[15] Epstein and Jacobson said in September 2013 in an interview."[16] However the production was cancelled and nothing came out since 2014.

Futuropolis

A 3D CGI-animated movie taking place in the future that was cancelled in August 2012 by Sony Pictures Animation. It was to be written and directed by Stephan Franck, and co-written by David Reynolds.[17]

Muncle Trogg

In March 2011, Sony Pictures Animation had acquired the movie rights to Janet Foxley’s children’s book Muncle Trogg. The story is set in a community of giants who live a volcano and centers on a tiny giant (which makes him human-sized) laughed at for his size. He ends up saving his family in a story that involves a solar-powered dragon, a disgraced brother and a kidnapped child. Jane Startz was set to executive produce, while Kane Lee would produce the project.[18] But as of July 2018, no other updates have been announced.

How to Survive a Garden Gnome Attack

In 2011, Sony Pictures Animation announced they were going to make their first R-rated project, which was an adaptation of Chuck Sambuchino's book How to Survive a Garden Gnome Attack: Defend Yourself When the Lawn Warriors Strike (And They Will). It would've been produced by Robert Zemeckis.[19] As of July 2018 no updates have emerged from the project since 2011.

Instant Karma

Sony Pictures Animation had picked up the rights to Instant Karma, a comedy fantasy from Paul Hernandez, who wrote the script and was attached to direct what would be a live-action/CGI hybrid, in 2011.[20] The tale follows a misguided safecracker from New Orleans through his life lessons from a near-death experience only to find himself reincarnated as a fly. As the hero does good deeds to improve his karma, he moves up the food chain through a variety of animals, such as a frog, raccoon and dog, trying to get back to his human body and the woman he loves. As of July 2018 no updates have surfaced.

Chickenhare

In July 2011, it was announced that Sony Pictures Animation and Dark Horse Comics are adapting the Chickenhare series into an animated feature film.[21] In October 2012, Grine wrote on the official Chickenhare Facebook page: "Read the screenplay last night. It's quite a bit different from the source material, but that doesn't mean it wasn't terrific! I honestly enjoyed it. Now let's hope it stays on course!"[22] In June 2013, he wrote: "Finally got to read the 2nd draft of the Chickenhare screenplay. Man, if this thing makes it to the big screen, you guys in are in for a treat! It's SO full of adventure and laughs I almost can't believe it. Let's all cross our fingers."[23] In January 2016, Grine wrote on his Twitter site that the film had been cancelled.[24]

Pooch Café

In January 2008, Pooch Café author Paul Gilligan revealed on his website that Sony Pictures Animation has signed to make a computer-animated feature film based on the Pooch Café strip.[25] Gilligan then wrote several story treatments and screenplay drafts.[26][27][28][29] In October 2011, it was announced that Kelly Asbury had been hired to write the next script draft.[30][31] In April 2013, on a Twitter Q/A session, Gilligan responded to a question whether there will be a Pooch Cafe film: "Alas, Poncho's movie plans got scuttled by a certain director who I won't bother naming..."[32][33]

Sequel to The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists!

By August 2011, Aardman Animations had been already working on a sequel idea for The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists!,[34] and by June 2012, a story had been prepared, awaiting Sony to back the project.[35] Eventually, Sony decided not to support the project due to insufficient international earnings. According to director Peter Lord, "it got close, but not quite close enough. I was all fired up for doing more. It was such fun to do! We actually have a poster for The Pirates! In an Adventure with Cowboys!. That would have been just great."[36]

The Smurfs 3

By May 10, 2012, just two weeks after production of The Smurfs 2 was announced, Sony Pictures Animation and Columbia Pictures had been already developing a script for The Smurfs 3, with writers Karey Kirkpatrick and Chris Poche.[37] Hank Azaria, who played the live-action Gargamel, said that the third film "might actually deal with the genuine origin of how all these characters ran into each other way back when."[38] In March 2014, Sony announced that it would be rebooting the series with a completely computer-animated film, which eventually became Smurfs: The Lost Village, released in April 2017.[39]

Tonka trucks film

In 2012, an animated movie based on the Tonka trucks toy line was in development. It was to be produced by Sony Pictures Animation, Hasbro Studios, and Happy Madison Productions, and to be distributed by Columbia Pictures.[40] A script was written by Happy Madison alumni Fred Wolf, and was to be produced by Adam Sandler and Jack Giarraputo, Brian Goldner (CEO and president of Hasbro) and Bennett Schneir (Hasbro’s senior vice president and managing director of motion pictures).[40] But nothing came through and its production was shut down.

Kazorn & The Unicorn

In 2012, Deadline reported that Kelly Asbury was in the talks with Sony Pictures Animation to make an animated fantasy film titled Kazorn & The Unicorn. It would've followed the adventures of a young man and a unicorn as he seeks to locate a powerful weapon and prove his worth to his true love. Lloyd Taylor was writing the screenplay. Sam Raimi, Josh Donen and Russell Hollander were producing.[41] However the project was cancelled after no news came and problems at Sony Pictures Animation.

ALF

On May 21, 2012, Paul Fusco said he was pitching an ALF movie.[42] In August 2012, it was reported that Sony Pictures Animation has acquired the rights to ALF and will develop the property into a CGI-Live action hybrid feature. The Smurfs producer Jordan Kerner, will also produce the film, along with Tom Patchett and Paul Fusco.[43] However, its production was scrapped.

Manimal

In September 2012, it was reported that Sony Pictures Animation is developing a live-action/CGI film based on Manimal. The series creator and producer, Glen A. Larson, was once again attached as a producer.[44] In July 2014, Deadline Hollywood reported that the film will be produced by Will Ferrell and Adam McKay through their Gary Sanchez Productions, and by Jimmy Miller through his Mosaic Media Group.[45] Jay Martel and Ian Roberts have been hired to write the script.[45] However, nothing went through and the production was shut down.

Genndy Tartakovsky's Can You Imagine?

Hotel Transylvania director Genndy Tartakovsky was working on an original animated film for Sony, titled Can You Imagine?, announced in 2014,[46][47] but it too was cancelled.[48]

Superbago

In 2014, Sony Pictures Animation was working on a live-action/stop-motion film titled Superbago, with Robot Chicken executive producers John Harvatine and Eric Towner directing, Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, Jared Hess and Eric Robinson producing, and Hess, Ricky Blitt, Hubbel Palmer and Chris Bowman writing the script, which was to center on a pair of superhero wannabes.[49] As of July 2018, there have been no recent developments regarding the film's production.

References

  1. ↑ "Sony Animation Take On Two Ani Projects". www.killermovies.com. Retrieved 17 August 2018.
  2. ↑ Harris, Dana (May 8, 2003). "Sony tooning new animation unit". Variety. Retrieved March 7, 2015.
  3. ↑ DeMott, Rick (October 1, 2004). "Lion King Director Up for Open Season, Writers for Surf's Up". Animation World Magazine. Retrieved March 7, 2015.
  4. ↑ Sony Pictures Digital (May 9, 2003). "Sony Pictures Animation Announces Projects for Directors Jill Culton, Anthony Stacchi, Roger Allers, Brenda Chapman and the Brizzi Brothers" (Press release). PR Newswire. Retrieved August 26, 2012.
  5. ↑ Gold, Noe (December 9, 2003). "The hubbub over 'ChubbChubbs'". Variety. Retrieved October 11, 2015.
  6. ↑ Brodesser, Claude (October 22, 2003). "Short 'Chubbchubbs' is going long for Sony". Variety. Retrieved October 11, 2015.
  7. ↑ "Sony Goes Neanderthal with Favreau | Animation Magazine". www.animationmagazine.net. Retrieved 29 July 2018.
  8. ↑ Adler, Shawn (January 9, 2008). "Jon Favreau Gets Animated For 'Neanderthals'". MTV. Retrieved July 29, 2018.
  9. ↑ Serrano, Armand (April 19, 2010). "Neanderthals". Armand Serrano Blog. Retrieved August 1, 2011.
  10. ↑ Kit, Borys (13 May 2010). ""Rollercoaster Tycoon" riding to the screen". Reuters. Retrieved 26 October 2010.
  11. ↑ Adam Jay Epstein and Andrew Jacobson (2010-09-24). "'The Familiars' movie gets a director". TheFamiliars.com. Retrieved 2010-10-04.
  12. ↑ Charaipotra, Sona (May 13, 2011). "Debut Author Q&A: Endcap Entertainment's Andrew Jacobson and Adam Epstein On 'The Familiars'". Teen Writers Bloc. Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  13. ↑ Corcoran, Sorcha (August 25, 2011). "IADT graduate to co-direct big budget animated feature in LA". SiliconRepublic. Retrieved September 14, 2011.
  14. ↑ Weber, Rachel (October 10, 2013). "Angry Birds film signs Disney director". Games Industry. Retrieved December 15, 2013.
  15. ↑ Jardine, William (January 7, 2013). "UPDATED: Warner Bros. Looks to Rejuvenate its Animation House". A113 Animation. Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  16. ↑ Aguirre, Natalie (September 25, 2013). "Adam Jay Epstein and Andrew Jacobson Interview and Starbounders Giveaway". Literary rambles. Retrieved December 15, 2013.
  17. ↑ Bill Graham. "Sony Pictures Animation Teams with FINDING NEMO Co-Writer for Original Animated Film" (15 December 2010). Retrieved 12 August 2016.
  18. ↑ Kit, Borys (2011-03-31). "Sony Pictures Animation Acquires 'Muncle Trogg'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2011-04-06.
  19. ↑ "Robert Zemeckis To Produce R-Rated 'How To Survive A Gnome Attack' For Sony Animation – /Film". /Film. 14 April 2011. Retrieved 29 July 2018.
  20. ↑ Kit, Borys (2011-04-27). "Sony Pictures Animation Acquires 'Instant Karma'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2011-04-28.
  21. ↑ "Sony Animation Catches Chickenhare" (Press release). Sony Pictures Animation via Animation World Network. July 20, 2011. Retrieved July 21, 2011.
  22. ↑ Chickenhare (October 10, 2012). "Read the screenplay last night. It's quite a bit different from the source material, but that doesn't mean it wasn't terrific! I honestly enjoyed it. Now let's hope it stays on course!". Facebook. Retrieved January 5, 2014.
  23. ↑ Chickenhare (June 25, 2013). "Finally got to read the 2nd draft of the Chickenhare screenplay. Man, if this thing makes it to the big screen, you guys in are in for a treat! It's SO full of adventure and laughs I almost can't believe it. Let's all cross our fingers". Facebook. Retrieved January 5, 2014.
  24. ↑ Grine, Chris (January 16, 2016). "@UKTVMovies sigh... No". Twitter. Retrieved January 16, 2016.
  25. ↑ Gilligan, Paul (January 10, 2008). "Pooch Cafe Movie". Pooch Cafe. Archived from the original on October 6, 2011. Retrieved January 19, 2013.
  26. ↑ Gilligan, Paul (April 5, 2008). "Treatment Contract". Pooch Cafe. Archived from the original on January 16, 2012. Retrieved January 18, 2013.
  27. ↑ Gilligan, Paul (May 20, 2009). "Little Movie Update". Pooch Cafe. Archived from the original on March 21, 2012. Retrieved January 18, 2013.
  28. ↑ Gilligan, Paul (February 2, 2010). "Script". Pooch Cafe. Archived from the original on March 21, 2012. Retrieved January 18, 2013.
  29. ↑ Gilligan, Paul (May 10, 2010). "Pooch Cafe Movie News". Pooch Cafe. Archived from the original on March 21, 2012. Retrieved January 19, 2013.
  30. ↑ Kit, Borys (October 7, 2011). "'Gnomeo and Juliet' Filmmaker Penning Pooch Cafe for Sony Pictures Animation". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved October 6, 2011.
  31. ↑ Gilligan, Paul (October 9, 2011). "Pooch Cafe Movie News". Pooch Cafe. Archived from the original on January 20, 2012. Retrieved January 19, 2013.
  32. ↑ GoComics (April 19, 2013). "We are LIVE w/ Paul Gilligan, creator of Pooch Café #comics! Ask him anything using hashtag #PoochLIVE. GO!". Twitter. Retrieved April 28, 2013.
  33. ↑ GoComics (April 19, 2013). "Alas, Poncho's movie plans got scuttled by a certain director who I won't bother naming..." Twitter. Retrieved April 28, 2013.
  34. ↑ Lord, Peter (14 August 2011). "Happy to say we're working on a sequel idea already. Just so we're prepared!". Twitter. Retrieved 15 August 2011.
  35. ↑ Jardine, William (21 June 2012). "Interview: Peter Lord, Co-founder of Aardman and Director of The Pirates!". A113 Animation. Retrieved 6 July 2012.
  36. ↑ Ritman, Alex (2 November 2016). "Aardman Animations Co-Founders Talk 'Early Man,' 'Shaun the Sheep' and Their Swashbuckling Near-Miss (Q&A)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 6 March 2017.
  37. ↑ Sneider, Jeff (April 26, 2012). "Sony already smurfing Smurfs 3". Variety. Retrieved May 10, 2012.
  38. ↑ Nemiroff, Perri (July 14, 2013). "Exclusive: The Smurfs 3 Will Include an Origin Story". ComingSoon.net. Retrieved July 15, 2013.
  39. ↑ Sony Pictures Animation (March 12, 2014). "Sony Pictures Animation Unveils Updated Production Slate" (Press release). PR Newswire. Retrieved March 12, 2014.
  40. 1 2 Fleming, Mike (June 11, 2012). "Sony To Make Tonka Trucks Animated Pic". Deadline. Retrieved June 30, 2012.
  41. ↑ Patten, Dominic (June 23, 2012). "Sony Animation In Talks With Kelly Asbury For 'Kazorn & The Unicorn'". Deadline. Retrieved June 22, 2012.
  42. ↑ Zakarin, Jordan (May 22, 2012). "Greetings From Melmac: ALF Creator Paul Fusco on His Star Alien and Potential Comeback". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved August 9, 2012.
  43. ↑ Kit, Borys (August 8, 2012). "'ALF' Movie Lands at Sony Animation With 'Smurfs' Producer (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved August 9, 2012.
  44. ↑ Kit, Borys (September 17, 2012). "'Manimal' TV Series Being Turned Into Movie at Sony Pictures Animation (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved September 17, 2012.
  45. 1 2 Yamato, Jen (July 22, 2014). "'Manimal' To Roar With Will Ferrell, Adam McKay & Jimmy Miller". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved July 22, 2014.
  46. ↑ Han, Angie (March 13, 2015). "Genndy Tartakovsky Exits Sony's 'Popeye'". /Film. Retrieved March 14, 2015.
  47. ↑ Koch, Dave (March 13, 2014). "Sony Updates Animated Feature Film Roster". Big Cartoon News. Archived from the original on March 13, 2014. Retrieved March 13, 2014.
  48. ↑ Scott Wills (July 8, 2017). "Story pitch art for a Genndy Tartakovsky feature that didn't get made". Instagram. Retrieved July 26, 2018.
  49. ↑ McNary, Dave (July 9, 2014). "Sony Pictures Animation Developing 'Superbago'". Variety. Retrieved July 11, 2014.
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