20 Failed Movie Plans That'll Ruin Your Day

5. Kathryn Bigelow's Joan of Arc Epic

For over a decade early in her storied career, Kathryn Bigelow considered many ways to bring the story of Joan of Arc, the French war hero who died a religious martyr, and she finally saw an opportunity to craft the film with the aid of director Luc Besson. 

The story goes that, after agreeing to support the film both as producer and financier, Besson dropped out of the film just before filming began, feeling betrayed that his then-wife, Mila Jovovich, hadn't landed the lead role. 

Bigelow sued for breach of contract, and Besson went away to make his own film on the subject called The Messenger. Starring Mila Jovovich, of course. 

A heartbreaking example of a female filmmaker undermined by a more powerful male figure in the industry, Bigelow's Joan of Arc passion project was never meant to be, but surely a match made in heaven given her experience with explosive action (Point Break) and moving drama (The Hurt Locker). Maybe one day.