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David Fincher’s Rendezvous With Rama is Not Happening

Posted on Monday, October 13th, 2008 by Peter Sciretta

David Fincher has been trying to get Rendezvous With Rama off the ground for some time now. Arthur C. Clarke’s 1972 novel is set in the 22nd century, a group of human explorers, who intercept a thirty-mile-long cylindrical alien starship that passes through Earth’s solar system, and attempt to unlock its mysteries. Last we heard the Zodiac director was still waiting on a script, with preliminary plans to shoot the film using performance-capture. Our friends at First Showing got a chance to speak with Fincher over the weekend, and the director confirmed that the project will probably never happen.

“It looks like it’s not going to happen. There’s no script and as you know, [Morgan Freeman's] not in the best of health right now,” admitted Fincher. “We’ve been trying to do it but it’s probably not going to happen.”

This is unfortunate. I think I speak for everyone in saying that the idea of Fincher making a Sci-Fi movie should induce geekgasms. And I’m talking about a science fiction film where he has full control, unlike Alien 3. The plot however never fully intrigued me, and without Fincher or someone on his level involved, I’m not sure I care to see it on the big screen. I mean, who exactly wants to see Paul WS Anderson’s version of 2001: A Space Odyssey?

Comments

the other hunter

there are a couple rama books and they're all amazing sci-fi. too bad this isnt happening. fincher could have really brought something.

Louie

There are actually four. The original stand alone novel and a subsequent trilogy Clarke wrote with Gentry Lee.

Tim

Alternate title: David Fincher cancels the next ten Christmases.

M&Co

Worst. News. Ever

GregoryV

I'm sad. I'm sad because I was looking forward to a sci-fi masterpiece from David Fincher. Hollywood really needs a really good space odyssey, like right about now.

dan

"Fincher or someone on his level"?

I don't know if there are many other directors THAT shitty.

Georg

It's a shame that we'll probably never see Fincher's take on Rama, the first book is excellent and would make a perfect science fiction film. I was looking forward to this flick since ... when was the first announcement, 1997? Shame, really. :-(

The other three Rama books are fun to read (despite the clicheed characters) but have a scope that is way too epic, they would never translate to film, unless they're given -- in addition to a serious amount of cash -- some space, maybe as a series of ten 90 minute episodes (a la Spielberg's "Taken")?

Captain Awesome

:(

WATCH US EXPLODE

Wow - the project has been around for long. I think I remember reading about it in the late 90s, with Morgan Freeman attached to it from the start - I think he even bought the rights, if I remember correctly. It's a shame that after so long in gestation, we'll never see it - at least, likely not with Morgan Freeman.

Ender21

Hope Morgan Freeman's okay. He's one of my favorite actors.

spikeshinizle

I was just talking to a friend about this the other day, we were both saying that we'd love to see a modern film which captures the same awe (and weirdness) that 2001 was able to deliver. I realize there will never be abother Kubrick, and therefore nothing quite like 2001 ever again...but I think it's possible for a really intelligent and interesting sci-fi to come along again.

This sounds like it could have possibly been that a film of that calibur, and it's a shame we won't be getting to see it.

As for your question at the end Peter, I wouldn't want to see Paul W.S. Anderson direct it, but since we're on the subject of "Andersons"...P.T. Anderson directing a sci fi like this? I think that'd be AMAZING!!

Also, Arthur C Clarke is freaking awesome.

spikeshinizle

Damn me for not proof reading before I post, I hate typos!

robotplague

I'm PISSED! I was really, really, really looking forward to this.

bazmondo

This. Sucks. Big-time.

gocitizen

It's hard to argue when there is no script. This is exactly the type of thing that a writer with ambition should take on. You have a great book and a great director that wants to do it. Pretty good start.

Perhaps, there is a similar sci-fi project that Fincher will become enamored with. One can hope.

Personally, I think that the film, "Sunshine" showed that Danny Boyle has great sensibility for this type of film. I'd love to see him do something similar. It could be something great.

Spookydragon

Agree, what a top film 'Sunshine' is, it held my attention from start to finish.

Mikey M

Lets hope it is better than "Sphere."

TheHoldSteady

Remember: the Ramans always do things in threes.

michael ambjorn

"Remember: the Ramans always do things in threes." Well spoken. This is not over yet. There will be a movie some how.

max

Oh no, that's absolutely terrible, I had such high hopes as I'm a huge fan of Fincher's work, I even feel that ALien 3 was among the top two in the series. I can't really imagine anyone else apart from Darren Aronosfky or J. Cameron perhaps who would be ideal for making this film. Otherwise just let it be. Above someone mentioned the Sphere and that was an absolute disaster, another magnificent book turned to trash.

isaacgesser

I think that this news is more than unfortunate. You would think that the unfortunate passing of Arthur C. Clarke would at least get this dedication. It is sad there will be no more screen adaptations of this great mans work. Shows that medioracy has taken over.

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