Development Hell: 12 Hollywood Movies That Will Never See the Light of Day

Movie-making is anything but a simple process. There are myriad steps involved, and sometimes, movies get stuck in progress and never see the light of day — or rather, our screens.

Hollywood films go through four stages:

In the Can: The film has been shot and edited and is waiting for a release date.

Production: Currently filming.

Pre-Production: The movie got the “green light.” Now it’s getting all the ducks in a row.

Development: Catch-all term for “We’re still thinkin’ about it.”

But there’s actually a fifth stage, and if the film project ends up here, it’s dead and buried, with no chance of pulling a Lazarus. They call it Development Hell. (Think anything associated with Johnny Depp.)

Here are 12 movies that have fallen into that category:

1. Fiddler on the Roof – Part 2: Tevya Strikes Back

Steven Spielberg was attached to direct, with Mel Gibson to star. Then Mel went on an anti-Semitic rant so shocking, that he got banned from every synagogue on the planet.

2. Fast and Furious, The Musical

Fast cars, great singing, and fabulous dancing – what’s not to love?

3. White Panther

A young skinhead dreams of becoming a superhero who only saves right-wing Christians.

4. Florida Man

Biopic of a young Ron DeSantis, and the terrifying childhood clown attack that caused him to go into politics instead of joining the circus.

5. Angels in the Backfield

Decades before Disney’s Angels in the Outfield, it’s about a football player who died right after being drafted. When OJ Simpson went from “It” list to “Most Wanted” list, it got scrapped.

6. Sam & Ella

Seafood market workers fall madly in love, but pre-existing conditions keep them apart.

7. The Fairy Godmother

Meryl Streep can play any role – except a lesbian Mafia crime boss.

8. Hostel, A Love Story

Love at first scream!

9. Stinky Posse

A Wild West sheriff with a lisp, and his two deputies who live on a pig farm.

10. Tenet

Oh wait, they actually made this film. We’d love to know why!

11. Trumplestiltskin

After a narcissistic hotel mogul runs for president and loses, he alleges voter fraud and demands all Democrats name their firstborn child after him, regardless of its gender.

12. Trans-Continental Express

A coming-of-age tale of three teenage brothers, all transitioning into girls, learning about life and love on a month-long European railroad adventure.

Cover Photo: Universal