The following is a list of unproduced Scott Derrickson projects in roughly chronological order. During his long career, American filmmaker Scott Derrickson has worked on a number of projects which never progressed beyond the pre-production stage under his direction. Some of these projects fell into "development hell" or were officially cancelled, while others were taken over and completed by other filmmakers after he left them due to creative differences.
2000s
Future Tense
In 2001, Variety reported that Derrickson and Paul Harris Boardman were to write the sci-fi action film Future Tense, set 200 years in the future during World War III.
The Mystic
Another early script by Derrickson and Paul Harris Boardman, The Mystic, was reported by Variety to be in development at Disney after being stuck in pre-production turnaround at Dimension Films.
Ghosting
Variety also reported that Derrickson and Paul Harris Boardman were to write a film titled Ghosting as a part of their three-picture deal at Dimension Films, with Derrickson to direct and Boardman to produce.
Mindbender
Another unseen project announced by Variety was a film called Mindbender, which Derrickson was also attached to direct.
Paradise Lost
In 2006, Derrickson was announced to direct a live-action film version of John Milton's epic poem Paradise Lost for Legendary Entertainment. Milton's 17th century poem, which follows Lucifer's failed rebellion in heaven and subsequent role in Adam and Eve's fall from grace, was adapted by Philip de Blasi and Byron Willinger. "The screenplay takes aspects of the entire arc," Derrickson explained, "What it encompasses is still a fraction of the poem and has to be, because you could make a 50-hour miniseries out of it if you wanted to. But it really covers, end-to-end, the basic events of the poem." Derrickson later shared concept art done for his version of the film.
The Birds remake
In 2008, it was reported that Derrickson would write and direct a remake of Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds for Universal Pictures with Michael Bay producing, and Naomi Watts starring as Melanie Daniels.
Hyperion Cantos
In January 2009, Derrickson was set to direct Hyperion Cantos for Warner Bros. and Graham King, with Trevor Sands penning the script, planning to adapt the novels Hyperion and The Fall of Hyperion into one film.
The Substitute remake
On October 1, 2009, it was reported that Derrickson was going to direct an American remake of the Danish sci-fi film The Substitute for Sam Raimi's production company, Ghost House Pictures. Derrickson co-wrote the film's script with frequent writing partner Paul Harris Boardman.
The Living
On October 18, 2009, Derrickson was tapped by Lakeshore Entertainment to direct the suspense thriller The Living, based on a story he pitched along with Paul Harris Boardman. The film's plot was not revealed.
2010s
Goliath
In January 2011, Derrickson was in talks with Relativity Media to helm Goliath, a retelling of the Biblical tale of David and Goliath on a "heightened 300 level". The script, penned by the screenwriting team J. D. Payne and Patrick McKay, was reported to have been made into a "period action movie made with contemporary sensibilities."
Two Eyes Staring remake
In October 2011, Derrickson was reported to direct Charlize Theron in a remake of the Dutch horror thriller Two Eyes Staring, from a script he wrote with Paul Harris Boardman.
Thunderstruck TV pilot
In November 2011, AMC picked up a TV pilot written by Derrickson and Paul Harris Boardman titled Thunderstruck, about an alien spacecraft that appears in a small Montana town. Derrickson was reported to be directing the series' pilot episode.
The Breathing Method
A film adaptation of the Stephen King novella The Breathing Method was announced as being in development at Blumhouse in October 2012, with Derrickson directing, from a screenplay by Scott Teems. In December 2019, the project was again announced, with the film being marked as his "return to horror" after he finished his work on Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Derrickson was reported to give the adaptation another shot after the release of his film The Black Phone.