Passengers

Before production began for Passengers, screenwriter Jon Spaihts first developed the screenplay in 2007. For almost a decade, his work remained in 'development hell' and was a part of the Black List. These places are often mentioned in the media - film, video game, television series - referring to a limbo that the work inhabits, whether it goes through production or otherwise. Some notable films that were initially stuck in development hell but saw the light of production day include: Alien vs. Predator, Dallas Buyers Club, and Deadpool. The Black List is an industry survey published by Franklin Leonard in 2005 of the most liked motion picture screenplays that haven't yet been produced. Being included in the Black List isn't an issue for screenplays since several of those included have gone on to be released in theaters and even garner prestigious awards. American Hustle, Juno, Arrival, are just some of the films that were ranked as having the most liked screenplay from studio and production company executives.