23 Years Later, Hollywood’s Ultimate Writer-Director Dream Team Is Back for Round Three
Twenty-three years after Being John Malkovich, Charlie Kaufman and Spike Jonze are circling a big-screen reunion, with talks underway and Hollywood buzzing—just don’t expect anything in writing yet.
If you were waiting for the next brain-melter from the minds that gave us 'Being John Malkovich' and 'Adaptation', there might finally be movement. Charlie Kaufman says he and Spike Jonze are talking about teaming up again. Emphasis on talking. It is not a go project until someone writes a check.
So, are they actually making a movie or not?
Per World of Reel, Kaufman confirmed he has been in discussions with Jonze about a new film. Translation: they want to do it, they just need a studio or financier to sign on. No title. No production start. Nothing locked.
The history: two films, a lot of influence
Kaufman and Jonze last worked together 23 years ago. First came 'Being John Malkovich' in 1999, a sharp, surreal satire literally starring John Malkovich as John Malkovich. There was a moment when Tom Cruise was floated for the lead idea, but Kaufman would not budge on the concept or the title.
'The screenplay was always "Being John Malkovich", even before I had any expectation that John Malkovich would even read the script.'
He later doubled down on why Malkovich had to be the guy, pointing to that very specific, enigmatic presence only Malkovich has. Then in 2002, they followed up with 'Adaptation', a meta comedy-drama that folds in on itself enough times to make your brain do cartwheels. And then... nothing together. For two decades.
Why the 23-year gap?
There is no single dramatic reason anyone has confirmed. But a few things did happen:
- Kaufman started directing his own features, most recently 'I'm Thinking of Ending Things' (2020), and generally focused on projects he would helm himself.
- He also took on a script about AI for director Bennett Miller, then walked away. World of Reel says the subject spooked him enough that he quit the legally binding deal — reportedly the first time he has ever done that — which unexpectedly freed up his schedule.
- Jonze, meanwhile, has not directed a feature since 2013's 'Her'. A new Kaufman script could be the thing that gets him back behind the camera.
Where things stand right now
Kaufman appears ready to focus purely on writing for this potential reunion, with Jonze directing. Again, nothing is set: no studio, no dates, no title. But if it happens, expect something singular. As World of Reel's Jordan Ruimy put it, Kaufman is a nice reminder that true originality still shows up — it just runs on its own timetable.
Their track record at a glance
If you need a refresher on why this pairing matters, here is how their two previous collaborations landed with audiences and critics:
- 'Being John Malkovich' (1999) — Rotten Tomatoes: 94%, IMDb: 7.7, Box office: $23.1 million
- 'Adaptation' (2002) — Rotten Tomatoes: 90%, IMDb: 7.7, Box office: $32.8 million
Bottom line: the reunion is real in spirit, not yet in ink. If they find backing, we might finally get Kaufman and Jonze: Round 3. Until then, it is a very promising conversation.