Paramount Pulls Plug on Ferris Bueller Spin-Off Plans

Paramount has decided to shelve its much-talked-about spin-off based on the classic Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. The project, which had been given the green light earlier in 2024, was set to follow the antics of Sam and Victor, two characters who would have taken Cameron Frye’s iconic Ferrari for a joyride. The original 1986 film, a cult favourite, starred Alan Ruck as Cameron, and the new story was meant to unfold over a single day, echoing the spirit of the original.

David Katzenberg was tipped to direct the spin-off, which had the working title Sam and Victor’s Day Off. However, after the recent merger between Paramount and Skydance Media, the new leadership has opted to cancel the project.

Victor and Sam’s Day Off will no longer be going ahead at Paramount.

This move comes as part of a broader shake-up following the change in ownership.

Other Projects Face the Chop

The cancellation isn’t limited to the Ferris Bueller spin-off. Another film, Winter Games, which was set to feature Miles Teller—whose latest work, Eternity, has just hit screens—has also been scrapped. The shake-up has affected a number of projects that were in various stages of development before the merger was finalised.

Colin Trevorrow, best known for his work on the Jurassic World series, was lined up to direct a science fiction blockbuster centred on Area 51. Ryan Reynolds was attached as a producer for the project, but this film has also been dropped from the slate. The new regime at Paramount is clearly making some bold decisions about which projects to back moving forward.

Rush Hour 4 Gets the Nod

While some films have been axed, others are moving ahead. Paramount has reportedly given the go-ahead for Rush Hour 4, following what’s been described as pressure from President Donald Trump, who played a role in approving the merger between Paramount and Skydance. The original director, Brett Ratner, is said to be returning to the franchise, despite having been out of the Hollywood spotlight for years due to multiple allegations of sexual assault.

Ratner is currently working on a documentary about Melania Trump for Amazon MGM Studios, which is owned by Jeff Bezos. The documentary is scheduled for a cinema release on 30 January 2026. The decision to bring Ratner back for Rush Hour 4 has raised eyebrows, given his controversial history and long absence from major film projects.