the film in August 2000 about Col. Wendell Fertig, a soldier serving in the Philippines during World War II. The screenplay was written by William Nicholson. Fincher reiterated his intent to direct in January 2009, revealing Robert Towne had been brought in to rewrite the screenplay, and Brad Pitt was wanted to portray Fretig. Seared In November 2000, Fincher was set to direct an adaptation of Anthony Bourdain's memoir Kitchen Confidential, which Art Linson would produce, and Brad Pitt reportedly interested to star as well as Benicio del Toro. The project was set to film once Fincher completed Panic Room. The book would instead be adapted for television as Kitchen Confidential starring Bradley Cooper as fictional version of Bourdain, which aired for one season in 2005, airing just four episodes. Hard Boiled In 2001, Fincher was announced as directing an adaptation of Frank Miller's three issue comic book series that would see Nicolas Cage star in the lead role. Rendezvous with Rama As early as 2001, Fincher was attached as director for an adaptation of the Arthur C. Clarke book, with Morgan Freeman attached to star. Fincher stated in 2007 he still planned to direct, but by 2008 he stated it was unlikely to be made as no script was written. Fincher reiterated his desire to still make the film in 2010, but it was still down to the matter of finding the right script. In an interview with Empire, in which Fincher was asked several questions by readers, he referred to the film as "a gigantic, expensive movie that didn't have any toys." In December 2021, it was announced Denis Villeneuve would direct the adaptation for Alcon Entertainment, with Freeman involved as producer. Spider-Man Fincher was amongst several directors approached to direct an adaptation of the Marvel Comics character that would eventually be directed by Sam Raimi. Fincher described in a 2011 interview concepts he wanted to do in the film, such as a ten minute title sequence tackling Peter Parker's backstory and featuring Green Goblin killing Gwen Stacy. Confessions of a Dangerous Mind In an interview with BBC, George Clooney revealed that Fincher was one of many directors considered to direct the film. Mission: Impossible III In April 2002, Fincher was sought out by Tom Cruise to serve as director for the third instalment of the Mission: Impossible franchise. Fincher was looking to make the film “really violent”.