Remember back in 2006 when the internet went crazy over Snakes on a Plane? Thanks to an extremely literal title and the presence of the always enjoyable Samuel L. Jackson, the movie looked like it was destined not only for a big box office score, but also eternal cult status. Then reality came and kicked some ass, the movie only making $13 million in its opening weekend and $34 million domestically at the end of its run. Needless to say, the kitschy title didn't really work for director David R. Ellis the first time around, but he's hoping it will the second.
According to Vulture, Ellis' next outing could end up hitting theaters this September with the title Untitled 3D Shark Thriller. Though the movie was sold to foreign markets under the title Shark Night 3D, a source is reporting that Relativity Media hates the title and wants to change it for the domestic release. Reached for comment, Ellis said that he also hates the foreign title and that they have workshopped names like Chums, Fins, and Terror on the Lake, but he likes the idea of Untitled 3D Shark Thriller. "The title says everything you need to know," Ellis said. "'We’ve got sharks.' 'It’s in 3D.' and, 'It’s a thriller.'”
While I understand the concept and theory behind a stunt title, it's never really panned out for anyone. Hot Tub Time Machine, despite being a much more solid movie than Snakes on a Plane, wasn't the "2010 take on The Hangover" that everyone expected, only bringing in $50 million. Is the idea of a movie titled Untitled 3D Shark Thriller kind of funny and interesting? Sure. But I can get the joke while walking past it on a marquee - I don't need to buy a ticket and see it in theaters.
