A Steve Jobs biopic. Sony and Scott Rudin producing, Aaron Sorkin had written the script and David Fincher in the directing chair. It’s basically a dream re-team of the key principals behind “The Social Network,” which worked out swimmingly well for everyone, right?
Right, but their second collaboration, “The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo,” didn’t go quite as well, so it’s not much of a surprise that Fincher won’t be directing the mooted Steve Jobs biopic. THR reports that Fincher’s demand for up front fees ($10 million) and creative control was the dealbreaker.
But if you’re Fincher, are these demands unexpected? Fincher struggled and battled Sony/Amy Pascal/Rudin tooth and nail over casting Rooney Mara in “The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo” and they paid her a total pittance. Rudin and Pascal were difficult along the way and for Fincher, “The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo” was an arduous experience (which is part of the reason you haven’t seen a sequel yet and probably won’t with Fincher in the director’s chair; Sony’s flubbed all momentum anyhow).
Sources tell THR that Sony is upset with Fincher’s directing fee demands, but the filmmaker evidently doesn’t get out of bed for less. Fincher had wanted Christian Bale for the lead, but this was still in his early negotiating phase that didn’t pan out. The trade says one source says Fincher could potentially re-enter negotiations but that the fee he is seeking is “ridiculous.” Gee, is it, Rudin? We assume this is dead in the water, but we’ll see. People do get over egos and bruised feelings in Hollywood even after the most excruciating working experiences.