Compensation for Creative Work: "Kill Fees" in the Film Industry

A "kill fee" is a payment made to a writer or director who is removed from a project before it is completed. These types of fees are common in Hollywood, particularly in the science fiction genre, where films often go through extensive development before making it to the screen. 

Here are a few examples of famous "kill fees" in science fiction film history:

1. Alejandro Jodorowsky's "Dune": In the 1970s, filmmaker Alejandro Jodorowsky began work on an ambitious adaptation of Frank Herbert's classic sci-fi novel "Dune." Jodorowsky spent years developing the project, assembling a dream team of artists and musicians to help bring his vision to life. However, the project ultimately fell apart, and Jodorowsky was paid a "kill fee" by the studio to compensate him for his work. The experience left Jodorowsky bitter, and he has since referred to the project as "the most important movie never made."
2. David Twohy's "Alien 3": After Vincent Ward left the project, the studio hired David Twohy to write a new script for "Alien 3." Twohy spent several months working on the script before being replaced by David Giler and Walter Hill, who ultimately received the film's screenwriting credit. Twohy reportedly received a "kill fee" for his work on the project.
3. Joss Whedon's "Wonder Woman": In the early 2000s, Joss Whedon was hired to write and direct a film adaptation of the DC Comics character Wonder Woman. Whedon spent several months developing the project, but creative differences with the studio ultimately led to his departure. Whedon received a "kill fee" for his work on the project, and the film was ultimately directed by Patty Jenkins.
4. Neill Blomkamp's "Alien 5": In 2015, Neill Blomkamp announced that he would be directing a new "Alien" film, which would serve as a sequel to "Aliens" and ignore the events of "Alien 3" and "Alien: Resurrection." Blomkamp began work on the project and even shared concept art online, but the film was ultimately canceled. Blomkamp received a "kill fee" for his work on the project, and the franchise has since continued with Ridley Scott and other writers as Covenant and Prometheus.
5. Tim Burton's "Superman Lives": In the late 1990s, Tim Burton was attached to direct a new Superman film, titled "Superman Lives," with Nicolas Cage in the lead role. The film went through numerous script revisions and pre-production work, but creative differences between Burton and the studio led to his departure from the project. Burton has a 'pay or play' fee off 5 million dollars for his work on the film, and the project was ultimately shelved.
6. Guillermo del Toro's "At the Mountains of Madness": In the early 2010s, Guillermo del Toro began work on an adaptation of H.P. Lovecraft's novella "At the Mountains of Madness." The film was set to star Tom Cruise and was described as a passion project for del Toro. However, the project ultimately fell apart due to budget concerns, and del Toro was paid a "kill fee" for his work on the project. Del Toro has since gone on to direct other successful sci-fi and fantasy films, including "Pacific Rim", Pan's Labyrinth and "The Shape of Water."
7. George Miller's "Justice League Mortal": In the mid-2000s, George Miller was attached to direct a new "Justice League" film, titled "Justice League Mortal." The film was set to feature a cast of up-and-coming actors, including Armie Hammer (cannibal?) as Batman and Megan Gale as Wonder Woman. However, the project was ultimately cancelled due to budget concerns, and Miller was reportedly paid a "kill fee" for his work on the film. The project has since been revived with other directors and actors.

Overall, "kill fees" are a common part of the film industry, particularly in the science fiction genre, where films often go through extensive development before making it to the screen. While they can be disappointing for the writers and directors involved, they are designed to compensate them for their time and help avoid potential legal disputes over creative ownership of the project

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