10 Horror Movies That Were Cancelled Because Of Other Movies
Would you believe a Friday the 13th reboot got canned because of a Ring sequel?
Every time an ambitious movie project gets cancelled, it's like a dagger to the heart for cinephiles. These situations can be unavoidable, but it’s still painful when a potential hit vanishes into thin air.
The horror community knows this disappointment all too well, since there've been countless slashers and monster movies that never made it past development hell. (Alas, we're still wondering how Freddy vs. Jason vs. Ash might’ve played out.)
Even when these features had real promise, they fell apart for one reason or another, like studio interference or budget issues.
Strangely, horror movies can get scrapped because of a completely separate property. If a scary film is too similar to something else, studios may decide to pull the plug. If a director’s previous work is met with scathing reviews or pitiful box office returns, the next project can get quietly shelved. And when a subgenre starts losing ticket sales, anything riding that wave can get axed without a second thought.
It’s frustrating when horror movies end up on the chopping block, but it’s worse when they’re casualties because of something else entirely.
10. Planet Of The Dead Was Cancelled Because Of Rebel Moon
Whether moviegoers love or hate Zack Snyder, there's no denying the man has vision. So, when he decided to undertake an original zombie flick, he intended it to be the foundation of an undead universe.
As such, Army of the Dead dropped on Netflix with serious hype, since it served as the launchpad for something more. Snyder planned to follow the action-oriented zomfest with a prequel, Army of Thieves, an anime-styled series, Lost Vegas, and a sequel, Planet of the Dead.
While Army of the Dead proved polarising, the prequel got released and the Army sequel got the go-ahead (as reported here by The Hollywood Reporter). The animatics and voice recordings for Lost Vegas were completed, suggesting the Dead universe was still live and kicking.
But it didn't last. Snyder hoped to direct Planet of the Dead after wrapping up Rebel Moon I + II, but the project was put on hold. Despite strong viewership numbers, several of Snyder's Netflix projects underperformed critically, with the lukewarm response to the Rebel Moon saga not only halting the continuation of that franchise, but Planet of the Dead as well.
It's a mighty shame, but due to Snyder's repeated misfires recently, it's understandable as to why Netflix gave Planet of the Dead the boot.