10 Upcoming Movie Remakes NOBODY Asked For

Just leave these movies alone.

Robert Downey Jr Vertigo
wiki

It's been said for literally decades at this point that creativity in Hollywood is dead - studios would much rather bankroll a sequel or spin-off to an existing IP than roll the dice on anything new because, of course, it presents far less of a financial risk.

And when a sequel won't do it, why not just remake the original movie altogether?

It would be short-sighted to suggest that all remakes come from an equally cynical, creatively bankrupt place, because there are many that are worthwhile and a precious few that even improve upon the original.

Though there are certainly some upcoming movie remakes worth getting excited about - Robert Eggers' Nosferatu and Chad Stahelski's Highlander - it's fair to say that most announced remakes make film fans roll their eyes with contempt.

After all, the majority of remakes are produced because they allow a studio to generate more money from an existing property with less effort than making something entirely new. It is business rather than art.

And so, you can't really blame anyone for being miffed about these 10 announced remakes, none of which anybody was in any way asking for...

10. Vertigo

Robert Downey Jr Vertigo
Paramount Pictures

Alfred Hitchcock's legendary psychological thriller Vertigo is just one of those perfect movies that probably can't ever be improved upon, and though it's had a tremendous influence on the thriller genre ever since its 1958 release, no studio has had the gall to mount an outright remake.

Until now, that is.

Last month, Paramount announced that they're prepping a Vertigo remake with Robert Downey Jr. set to star in the lead role of traumatised ex-cop John "Scottie" Ferguson, as was of course originated by James Stewart.

Scripting duties will be undertaken by Steven Knight (Eastern Promises, Peaky Blinders, Spencer), though a director hasn't yet been announced.

As talented as Downey and Knight are, there's far more to lose than gain by remaking what most critics agree is one of the greatest films ever made.

Like The Godfather and Citizen Kane, Vertigo seemed like a project even the most industrious of producers knew to leave well alone, especially considering how phenomenally well it's aged over more than 60 years.

Given Hollywood's tepid-at-best track record with remaking Hitchcock, it's tough to have anything but low expectations for this.

Contributor
Contributor

Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.