Even the most cherished films often undergo significant rewrites. Surprisingly, some movies like Good Will Hunting started as entirely different concepts before evolving into their final forms. However, there are instances where rewrites drastically diminish a film's potential, transforming an initially brilliant script into a box-office disappointment. This phenomenon is evident in several cases, such as Dragonball Evolution, Exorcist II: The Heretic, Ghostbusters II, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Justice League.

These films demonstrate how extensive rewriting can lead to catastrophic outcomes, often due to studio interference or shifting creative directions. While some of these rewrites were driven by budgetary concerns, others resulted from directorial dissatisfaction or external pressures. Regardless of the reasons, the end products left fans and critics alike dissatisfied with what could have been exceptional cinematic experiences.

The Ruin of Fan-Favorite Franchises

Certain beloved franchises suffered immensely under the weight of excessive rewrites, resulting in films that failed to meet audience expectations. For instance, Dragonball Evolution was heavily criticized for deviating significantly from its source material. Originally crafted to closely follow the manga's storyline, it underwent numerous revisions at the studio's insistence, which ultimately compromised its quality. Similarly, Ghostbusters II disappointed Bill Murray and audiences alike when the producers altered the original concept, replacing it with something less engaging.

Dragonball Evolution began with a promising script penned by Ben Ramsey that adhered closely to the manga's narrative but was deemed too costly by the production company. Consequently, Ramsey had to rewrite it multiple times, each iteration moving further away from the intended vision. Meanwhile, Ghostbusters II's journey from a compelling story idea pitched to Bill Murray to the eventual lackluster outcome illustrates how producer-driven changes can derail a project. What started as an exciting international adventure morphed into something far more pedestrian, leaving both cast and viewers unimpressed.

Sequels That Missed the Mark

Sequels aiming to capture the magic of their predecessors sometimes falter spectacularly due to misguided rewrites. Exorcist II: The Heretic and Justice League serve as prime examples. Despite William Goodhart's inspiring pitch, John Boorman's relentless rewriting during filming transformed the sequel into an unrecognizable mess. Likewise, Joss Whedon's vision for Buffy the Vampire Slayer was overshadowed by 20th Century Fox's insistence on a lighter tone, leading to a forgettable adaptation.

In the case of Exorcist II: The Heretic, director John Boorman's dissatisfaction with the initial draft led him to continuously rewrite throughout production, disregarding Linda Blair's approval of the original script. The result was a disjointed movie bearing little resemblance to its predecessor. On the other hand, Justice League faced challenges after Zack Snyder's departure following a personal tragedy. Joss Whedon's subsequent involvement introduced drastic changes that alienated fans, prompting years-long campaigns for the "Snyder Cut." Similarly, Buffy the Vampire Slayer lost much of its allure when studio mandates forced Whedon to alter his darker, more complex vision, producing a film that barely resembled the successful series it inspired.