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 | |
| Born | February 14, 1967 United States |
| Occupation | Screenwriter, television producer |
| Genre | Science fiction, thriller, drama |
Career
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
Film writer
| 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
| 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
- ^ Fleming, Mike (August 1, 2013). "'Avatar' Sequels Upped To Three; Fox, James Cameron Set Trio Of Writers To Spearhead". Deadline. Retrieved March 28, 2017.
- ^ "James Cameron Brings in Writer Josh Friedman for 'Avatar 2' Script". The Hollywood Reporter. July 31, 2013. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
- ^ Ryan, Maureen (January 22, 2018). "TNT Parts Ways With 'Snowpiercer' Showrunner Josh Friedman (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
- ^ "Fired 'Snowpiercer' Showrunner Calls Replacement an "Idiot" for Not Reaching Out". The Hollywood Reporter. May 17, 2018. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
- ^ Bushman, David (February 2, 2018). "Listen, and Understand: Interview with Josh Friedman". Paley Matters. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
- ^ Petski, Denise (June 30, 2018). "'Snowpiercer' Director Refuses To Return For Reshoots Over Showrunner's "Radically Different Vision"". Deadline. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
- ^ 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.
External links
- Josh Friedman at IMDb
- Josh Friedman's Blog: I Find Your Lack of Faith Disturbing
- Interview with Chud.com
- Interview with The Scifi World
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