Josh Friedman (born February 14, 1967) is an American screenwriter and television producer. He is best known for his work on the science-fiction action genre, including on the series Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, the film adaptation of H. G. Wells' War of the Worlds (2005), Terminator: Dark Fate (2019), James Cameron's Avatar: The Way of Water (2022), and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024).[1][2] He also wrote the neo-noir murder mystery The Black Dahlia (2006).

Josh Friedman
Friedman at San Diego Comic-Con in February 2008
Friedman at San Diego Comic-Con in February 2008
Born (1967-02-14) February 14, 1967 (age 57)
United States
OccupationScreenwriter, television producer
GenreScience fiction, thriller, drama

Career

edit

Friedman has developed several television pilots, including the TNT series Snowpiercer, based on Bong Joon-ho's film of the same name. Friedman departed the program in January 2018 due to creative differences with the network, and he was replaced by Graeme Manson.[3] Friedman later claimed that he felt pressured to leave by TNT due to a "radical difference in vision", with an implicit threat of blacklisting should he fail to comply.[4][5] Following his departure, pilot director Scott Derrickson refused to return for reshoots in solidarity with Friedman.[6] He is currently attached to Foundation, based on Isaac Asimov's Foundation series.[7]

Filmography

edit

Film writer

edit
Year Title Director
2005 War of the Worlds Steven Spielberg
2006 The Black Dahlia Brian De Palma
2024 Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes Wes Ball
2025 The Fantastic Four: First Steps Matt Shakman
2029 Avatar 4 James Cameron
TBA Untitled Star Trek film TBA

Story only

Year Title Director
1996 Chain Reaction Andrew Davis
2019 Terminator: Dark Fate Tim Miller
2022 Avatar: The Way of Water James Cameron
2025 Avatar: Fire and Ash

Television

edit
Year Title Credited as Notes
Writer Producer Creator Developer
2008–09 Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles Yes Yes Yes Yes 4 episodes (Writer)
2011 Locke & Key Yes Yes No No TV movie
2012 The Asset Yes No No No
2012 The Finder Yes No No No 1 episode (Writer);
Also consultant producer
2014 Crossbones Yes Yes No No 1 episode (Writer)
2017 Emerald City Yes Yes Yes Yes 3 episodes (Writer)
2020 Snowpiercer Yes No Yes Yes
2021 Foundation Yes Yes Yes No

References

edit
  1. ^ Fleming, Mike (August 1, 2013). "'Avatar' Sequels Upped To Three; Fox, James Cameron Set Trio Of Writers To Spearhead". Deadline. Retrieved March 28, 2017.
  2. ^ "James Cameron Brings in Writer Josh Friedman for 'Avatar 2' Script". The Hollywood Reporter. July 31, 2013. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  3. ^ Ryan, Maureen (January 22, 2018). "TNT Parts Ways With 'Snowpiercer' Showrunner Josh Friedman (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  4. ^ "Fired 'Snowpiercer' Showrunner Calls Replacement an "Idiot" for Not Reaching Out". The Hollywood Reporter. May 17, 2018. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  5. ^ Bushman, David (February 2, 2018). "Listen, and Understand: Interview with Josh Friedman". Paley Matters. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  6. ^ Petski, Denise (June 30, 2018). "'Snowpiercer' Director Refuses To Return For Reshoots Over Showrunner's "Radically Different Vision"". Deadline. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  7. ^ Andreeva, Nellie; Fleming, Mike Jr. (April 10, 2018). "Apple Lands Isaac Asimov 'Foundation' TV Series From David Goyer & Josh Friedman". Deadline. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
edit