Why ‘Gilligan’s Island’ Was Never Made Into A Movie (There Were Multiple Failed Attempts)

Many shows have had a reboot or have been made into movies in the 20th century. But unfortunately for Gilligan’s Island, it has not had such luck, despite its massive success. Not for a lack of trying, several attempts have been made to make a Gilligan’s Island movie, but they all failed.

In 2008, Sherwood Schwartz, the show’s creator, announced that a deal had been made for a Gilligan Island feature film. The agreement “just happened in the last 48 hours,” Schwartz told TV Guide. “I can’t take this much excitement at my age.”

There were multiple canceled attempts to make the show into a movie

Schwartz had grand ideas for the casting, he wanted Beyonce to play the role of Ginger Grant and Michael Cera as Gilligan. But nothing was heard about it again, the idea for a feature film remained just a plan as the movie never came to life.

The director of Guardians of the Galaxy and The Suicide Squad James Gunn. Also attempted to work on the project and direct it himself. But, it’d have had a sinister twist, a movie version of Gilligan’s Island where the islanders, starving & desperate, would start killing and eating each other. Warner Bros. was ready to jump on the project but Sherwood Schwartz, the creator, disagreed.

‘Gilligan’s Island’ had solid ratings

Gilligan’s Island aired for three seasons from 1964-1967 on CBS. It was about the life and adventures of a group of castaways from different walks of life on an island and their attempts to survive and escape, with Gilligan (Bob Denver) usually doing something that prevents them from getting off the island.

The show remains an iconic piece and a fan favorite. Gilligan’s Island had solid ratings during its original run and was popular during decades of syndication. Sadly, Schwartz, who created the show and The Brady Bunch, passed away in 2011 and the chances of the show being made into a movie remains uncertain.