Unreleased Films: A Closer Look at Films Never Made

Have you ever wondered about the movies that were never made or were suppressed? Today, we explore some fascinating and often controversial films that remained in the shadows for various reasons. From Top Gun 2 to Bulworth, these movies offer a glimpse into the complex world of filmmaking, censorship, and historical alliances. Let’s dive into the details of these films that never saw the light of day.

Top Gun 2: Why It Took 30 Years to Come True

Top Gun 2 (1990s-2019)

After its inception in the early 1990s, Top Gun 2 was revived in 2010 but then delayed due to the suicide of its co-producer, Tony Scott. Finally, filming wrapped in March 2019, and Top Gun: Maverick is set to release in summer 2022. However, the original attempt to make Top Gun 2 faced significant delays due to the Tailhook scandal. This incident involving sexual misconduct allegations caused a delay, leading to the resurrection of the project decades later.

Censorship and Controversy: Fields of Fire and Unlawful Killing

Fields of Fire (1993) and Unlawful Killing (2011) are two films that faced strong resistance and censorship from governmental bodies. Fields of Fire was a semi-autobiographical novel by Vietnam War veteran James Webb, which explored the realities of combat from a military perspective. However, the Pentagon found some of the depictions objectionable, leading to the film’s cancellation.

Unlawful Killing was a documentary that argued that the British and French authorities covered up the crash resulting in the deaths of Diana, Princess of Wales, and Dodi Fayed. Despite receiving backing from one of Britain’s richest men, the film faced extensive cuts for potential legal issues and ultimately could only be shown in other countries, such as France and the US, but not in the UK.

Political Backlash: Bulworth and Fox Studio

Bulworth (1998) was Warren Beatty's attempt to make a political commentary film in the late 1990s. Despite Beatty's acclaimed performance as Jay Bulworth, the film’s narrative advocating socialism was unpopular with Beatty's studio, Fox, and Rupert Murdoch. Bulworth’s release was limited, and it vanished into obscurity due to the strong political backlash at the time.

Countermeasures (1994), a film about a Navy psychiatrist uncovering a crime ring during the 1991 Persian Gulf War, faced significant resistance from the Pentagon due to the unrealistic and negative portrayal of military personnel. The film’s plot echoed the real-world Iran-Contra scandal, but corporate sensitivities led to its suppression.

Conclusion

These films, from Top Gun 2 to Bulworth, highlight the complex interplay of creative freedom, censorship, and political pressures in the film industry. They remind us of the possibilities that are stifled or delayed for numerous reasons. While some see their non-release as a loss, others see these films as valuable insights into the history of cinema and the challenges faced by filmmakers.