10 Cancelled Horror Movies That Would Have Been LEGENDARY
Clive Barker's The Mummy? George A. Romero's Resident Evil? We missed out!
Every year, countless horror projects disappear before they have a chance to reach production. While it’s easy to assume these properties weren't up to standard, the truth tends to be far more complicated.
At the end of the day, horror is built on risk. And when it comes to niche ideas or indie flicks, the financial outcome can be uncertain. As a result, studios will pull the plug on features that are hard to advertise or don't hit a major demographic, even if they sound incredible. Budgets also play a role, since practical effects, elaborate sets, and CGI can cost a pretty penny.
Creative conflicts are another silent killer for the genre, as directors and writers frequently clash with studios over tone, the ending, or a big twist. When neither side is willing to compromise, the easiest solution can be abandoning ship.
Perhaps the most heartbreaking reason why horror showstoppers fail to materialise is timing. If a similar movie is in production or there's a shift in trends, an innovative slasher, supernatural drama, or psychological thriller can get shelved.
It's understandable why the following movies got canned, but it feels like the masses missed out on seeing something truly legendary.
10. From A Buick 8
Stephen King is such a prolific writer, it's not surprising to learn Christine isn't his only novel detailing a haunted car. In 2002, the master of horror penned From a Buick 8, which centres around a 1953 Buick that's actually a portal to a demonic dimension.
Numerous directors considered adapting the story, including William Brent Bell, Tobe Hooper, and Jim Mickle. However, George A. Romero's iteration got the furthest in development. Romero already proved he could adapt King's work with The Dark Half and had directed the esteemed author in Creepshow, and after King gave the script a thumbs up and Tobe Hooper was signed on to direct, it seemed like a sure thing.
Unfortunately, From a Buick 8 was shaping up to be more of a cosmic mystery than a standard popcorn flick, causing financing to stall, but there is some good news, as co-creator of Saw and The Conjuring, James Wan, has recently purchased the rights for From a Buick 8, so it's likely an adaptation will emerge.
Considering how passionate George A. Romero was for the project and Stephen King's work as a whole, it's a pity that version didn't see the light of day.