The Unmade Dream: Why Sex And The City 3 Never Happened

Moshe Schoen 20 Jun 2025

**The allure of New York City, the complexities of modern relationships, and the unwavering bond of female friendship – these elements defined *Sex and the City*, a cultural phenomenon that transcended television to become a global touchstone. For millions of fans worldwide, the journey of Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte, and Samantha was more than just entertainment; it was a mirror reflecting their own lives, loves, and struggles. Following the immense success of the HBO series and its two cinematic sequels, the anticipation for a third film, affectionately dubbed **Sex and the City 3**, reached fever pitch. Yet, despite widespread hope and early plans, this highly anticipated installment never materialized, leaving a void in the hearts of its dedicated fanbase.** The story of *Sex and the City 3* is a fascinating case study in Hollywood's intricate dance of creative vision, commercial viability, and personal dynamics. It’s a narrative fraught with rumors, public disagreements, and ultimately, a quiet concession that some stories, no matter how beloved, are destined to remain incomplete. This article delves deep into the reasons behind the movie's demise, exploring the critical reception of its predecessor, the pivotal role of cast members, and the enduring legacy of a franchise that continues to captivate audiences, even in its absence. *** ## Table of Contents * [The Enduring Legacy of Sex and the City](#the-enduring-legacy-of-sex-and-the-city) * [The Road to Sex and the City 3: Early Hopes and Hurdles](#the-road-to-sex-and-the-city-3-early-hopes-and-hurdles) * [The Shadow of Sex and the City 2: A Critical Look](#the-shadow-of-sex-and-the-city-2-a-critical-look) * [Critical Reception vs. Commercial Success](#critical-reception-vs-commercial-success) * [The Samantha Factor: Kim Cattrall's Stance](#the-samantha-factor-kim-cattralls-stance) * ["What I want to do... is to really play."](#what-i-want-to-do-is-to-really-play) * [The Creative Differences and Public Fallout](#the-creative-differences-and-public-fallout) * [What Could Have Been: Script Rumors and Storylines](#what-could-have-been-script-rumors-and-storylines) * [A Glimpse into the Unseen Script](#a-glimpse-into-the-unseen-script) * [The "And Just Like That..." Evolution: A New Chapter](#the-and-just-like-that-evolution-a-new-chapter) * [Moving Beyond Sex and the City 3](#moving-beyond-sex-and-the-city-3) * [The Enduring Appeal and Lessons Learned](#the-enduring-appeal-and-lessons-learned) *** ## The Enduring Legacy of Sex and the City From its debut in 1998, *Sex and the City* redefined television. Created by Michael Patrick King and Darren Star, the HBO series dared to explore female sexuality, friendship, and the pursuit of happiness in a way that was both groundbreaking and relatable. It introduced us to sex columnist Carrie Bradshaw, who, alongside her best friends Miranda, Charlotte, and Samantha, navigated the exhilarating and often messy landscape of love and lust in New York City. The show became a cultural phenomenon, celebrated for its witty dialogue, iconic fashion, and honest portrayal of women's lives. The series concluded in 2004, but the demand for more stories was undeniable. The franchise later expanded to include two movies, *Sex and the City* in 2008 and *Sex and the City 2* in 2010. The first film, *Sex and the City*, brought the beloved characters back to the big screen, exploring Carrie's big step forward in her relationship with Mr. Big, and how her best friends Charlotte, Miranda, and Samantha were there to help her pick up the pieces when things went awry. It was a commercial success, grossing over $415 million worldwide. The sequel, *Sex and the City 2*, also performed well at the box office, making nearly $300 million globally, further solidifying the franchise's cinematic viability. These movies seamlessly extended the narrative of SATC and laid the foundation for a potential third installment that regrettably never materialized. ## The Road to Sex and the City 3: Early Hopes and Hurdles Following the box office success of the first two movies, 2008’s *Sex and the City* and 2010’s *Sex and the City 2*, a third film was reportedly in the works. Fans eagerly anticipated another chapter in the lives of their favorite New Yorkers, hoping to see how Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte, and Samantha continued to navigate the journey from the complicated reality of life and friendship in their 30s to the even more complicated reality of life and friendship in their 50s. Early versions of a script were indeed in place for a third film, suggesting that the creative team was actively pursuing the project. Cast updates and predicted release dates were topics of constant speculation among the fanbase, with every snippet of information fueling the excitement for **Sex and the City 3**. The idea was not just a pipe dream; it was a tangible project that was well into its development stages. The creators, including executive producer Sarah Jessica Parker, who was often seen attending events like AOL On's 'City.Ballet' series premiere, seemed keen on continuing the saga. The narrative potential was immense, with the characters entering a new phase of life, facing new challenges and triumphs. The possibility of another cinematic outing for the iconic quartet seemed not just likely, but inevitable, given the franchise's track record and the enduring affection of its audience. However, as often happens in complex productions, unforeseen obstacles began to emerge, slowly derailing the ambitious plans for **Sex and the City 3**. ## The Shadow of Sex and the City 2: A Critical Look One significant factor that has to be acknowledged in any discussion of why **Sex and the City 3** fell apart is the reception of its predecessor. *Sex and the City 2* was, in many ways, kind of a disaster, at least from a critical standpoint. While the film made nearly $300 million worldwide, its critical reception was overwhelmingly negative. It received scathing reviews from critics, audiences, and even long-time fans of the book and TV series, as well as its predecessor. Many found the plot contrived, the characters out of touch, and the themes problematic. The lavish Abu Dhabi setting, intended to be exotic and glamorous, often came across as tone-deaf and culturally insensitive to many viewers. The film was criticized for its excessive consumerism, its portrayal of women as overly dependent on men, and its apparent abandonment of the progressive themes that had made the original series so revolutionary. It seemed to lose the grounded, relatable essence that had initially drawn audiences in, replacing it with an over-the-top fantasy that felt disconnected from the realities of its characters' lives. This stark contrast between commercial success and critical failure created a challenging environment for any subsequent projects, including the highly anticipated **Sex and the City 3**. The creative team would have faced immense pressure to course-correct and deliver a film that recaptured the magic of the original series while also justifying its existence after such a divisive sequel. ### Critical Reception vs. Commercial Success The dichotomy between the critical panning and the box office success of *Sex and the City 2* highlights a fascinating aspect of franchise filmmaking. Despite the torrent of negative reviews, the movie still managed to rake in significant revenue. This suggests that the sheer loyalty of the fanbase, coupled with the brand recognition of *Sex and the City*, was powerful enough to draw audiences regardless of critical consensus. People watched trailers, learned more about the film, and flocked to theaters, driven by nostalgia and the desire to spend more time with Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte, and Samantha. However, commercial success alone cannot sustain a franchise indefinitely, especially when it comes at the cost of creative integrity and audience goodwill. The widespread disappointment with *Sex and the City 2* undoubtedly cast a long shadow over the prospects of **Sex and the City 3**. It raised questions about the creative direction of the series and whether a third film could genuinely redeem the franchise in the eyes of its most discerning fans. The negative sentiment likely contributed to the internal struggles and external pressures that ultimately led to the project's cancellation, proving that even a lucrative box office cannot always override fundamental creative disagreements or a loss of audience trust. ## The Samantha Factor: Kim Cattrall's Stance Perhaps the most widely publicized reason for the collapse of **Sex and the City 3** centered on Kim Cattrall, who famously portrayed the fiercely independent and sexually liberated Samantha Jones. Cattrall's reluctance to return for a third film became a significant hurdle, ultimately proving insurmountable. News at the 2019 Fox Upfront presentation, Kim Cattrall shared how she feels about doing another *Sex and the City* movie, stating her desire to move on from the role and explore new creative avenues. Her public statements made it clear that her decision was not merely about financial negotiations, but a deeper personal and professional choice. Cattrall had been vocal about her disinterest in reprising the role for some time, citing that she felt the character had run its course and that she wanted to pursue different acting challenges. Her absence would fundamentally alter the dynamic of the core quartet, a dynamic that was central to the show's appeal. The bond between Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte, and Samantha was the heart of the franchise, and the idea of a film without one of its pillars was unimaginable for many fans. The creative team faced a dilemma: proceed without Samantha, or abandon **Sex and the City 3** altogether. Ultimately, the latter became the reality, largely due to Cattrall's steadfast refusal. ### "What I want to do... is to really play." Kim Cattrall's sentiment, "What I want to do, especially at this point in my life, is to really play," encapsulates her artistic desire to seek out new and fulfilling roles. This wasn't just a simple "no" to a project; it was a clear articulation of her evolving priorities as an actress and an individual. For an artist, the desire to explore new characters, genres, and challenges is paramount. Being typecast or feeling creatively stagnant can be detrimental to one's passion for the craft. Cattrall's statement reflected a profound need for personal and professional growth, a need that she felt could not be met by returning to a character she had embodied for so long. Her decision highlighted the often-overlooked human element in large-scale productions. While fans and studios might see a franchise as a continuous entity, the actors involved are individuals with their own career aspirations and life stages. Cattrall's choice to prioritize her artistic fulfillment over the continuation of a highly lucrative franchise sent a powerful message about creative autonomy. It demonstrated that for some, the joy of "playing" new roles and pushing boundaries outweighs the comfort and financial security of revisiting a familiar one. This personal conviction played a decisive role in the ultimate fate of **Sex and the City 3**. ## The Creative Differences and Public Fallout Beyond Kim Cattrall's personal decision, the collapse of **Sex and the City 3** was also marred by reports of creative differences and a highly publicized feud between cast members, particularly between Sarah Jessica Parker and Kim Cattrall. While the specific details of the alleged disagreements remain largely speculative, the public exchange of words and the palpable tension between the two actresses certainly contributed to the project's inability to move forward. Parker, who also served as an executive producer, often expressed her desire to make the third film, indicating that the script was ready and that the team was eager to proceed. However, Cattrall's consistent refusal and subsequent public comments about her relationship with her co-stars painted a picture of a deeply fractured dynamic. The media feasted on the "catfight" narrative, which further complicated any potential reconciliation or compromise. The public fallout created an atmosphere where the idea of the four women reuniting on screen, even if Cattrall had been persuaded, would have felt inauthentic to many viewers. The essence of *Sex and the City* was the genuine bond between the friends, and if that bond was perceived as broken in real life, it would inevitably tarnish the on-screen magic. These internal conflicts, exacerbated by external media scrutiny, made the prospect of **Sex and the City 3** increasingly untenable, as the core principle of harmonious collaboration seemed to have eroded. ## What Could Have Been: Script Rumors and Storylines Despite plans eventually falling apart, early versions of a script for **Sex and the City 3** were indeed in place. For years, rumors circulated about the potential storylines that would have unfolded in the unmade film, keeping the dream alive for many fans. While never officially confirmed by the entire cast or crew, leaks and reports suggested a plot that would have brought significant and perhaps controversial developments to the lives of the beloved characters. The narrative would have continued the saga, extending the journey of Carrie, Miranda, and Charlotte as they navigated life and friendship in their 50s. One of the most persistent and widely discussed rumors involved a major plot point for Carrie Bradshaw: the death of Mr. Big. This alleged storyline would have seen Carrie grappling with profound grief and loss, forcing her to redefine her life and identity once again. Such a dramatic turn would have undoubtedly been a challenging and emotional journey for the character and the audience, pushing the boundaries of the typically glamorous and aspirational *Sex and the City* universe. It would have offered a stark contrast to the more lighthearted tone of earlier installments, venturing into more mature and somber themes. ### A Glimpse into the Unseen Script The rumored death of Mr. Big in the **Sex and the City 3** script was a bold choice, indicating a desire to explore the realities of aging, loss, and resilience. This plot point would have forced Carrie to confront life as a widow, potentially revisiting her single-girl roots in a new, more profound way. It would have also provided rich emotional material for her friends, Miranda, Charlotte, and even Samantha (had she been involved), as they rallied around her during a period of immense sorrow. The script likely aimed to delve into how women in their 50s cope with such life-altering events, reflecting the "complicated reality of life and friendship" that the series always aimed to portray. Other speculated plotlines included Miranda's continued professional and personal growth, Charlotte's navigation of motherhood and marriage in midlife, and Samantha's ongoing adventures, though her specific arc remains less clear given Kim Cattrall's early disinterest. The proposed script for **Sex and the City 3** seemed poised to tackle more serious and grounded themes, perhaps as a response to the criticisms leveled against *Sex and the City 2*. It suggested a return to the emotional depth and relatability that defined the original series, but ultimately, these intriguing possibilities remained just that – possibilities – as the film never saw the light of day. ## The "And Just Like That..." Evolution: A New Chapter While **Sex and the City 3** never materialized, the story of Carrie, Miranda, and Charlotte did find a new chapter in the form of the HBO Max series *And Just Like That...*. This spin-off, created by Michael Patrick King, brought back Sarah Jessica Parker, Cynthia Nixon, and Kristin Davis to reprise their iconic roles, albeit without Kim Cattrall's Samantha Jones. The series directly addresses Samantha's absence by explaining that she moved to London after a falling out with Carrie, maintaining a distant but eventually reconciliatory relationship via text messages. *And Just Like That...* attempts to fill the void left by the unmade film, picking up the narrative thread years later and exploring the characters' lives in their 50s. It delves into new challenges, including grief, identity, social issues, and the complexities of aging in contemporary New York City. While it has received a mixed reception, much like *Sex and the City 2*, it signifies the franchise's enduring power and the creators' determination to continue telling these stories, even if it means reimagining the core group. The show serves as an alternative future for the characters, a path taken when the original vision for **Sex and the City 3** could not be realized. ### Moving Beyond Sex and the City 3 The creation of *And Just Like That...* represents a pragmatic decision to move beyond the impasse that stalled **Sex and the City 3**. It acknowledges the impossibility of reuniting the original four, while still capitalizing on the immense love for the characters and the world they inhabit. This new series allows for the exploration of themes that might have been touched upon in the third film, such as aging, loss, and evolving friendships, but within a different format and without the pressure of a direct cinematic sequel. For fans who desperately wanted to see more of Carrie, Miranda, and Charlotte, *And Just Like That...* offered a form of closure, even if it wasn't the **Sex and the City 3** they had envisioned. It proved that the franchise could adapt and continue, even with a significant change to its core dynamic. This evolution highlights the resilience of popular culture properties and the creative ways in which narratives can be extended when original plans falter. It also underscores the profound impact that individual cast members can have on the trajectory of a beloved series. ## The Enduring Appeal and Lessons Learned The saga of **Sex and the City 3** is a complex tale of creative aspirations, commercial realities, and personal boundaries. While the film's cancellation was undoubtedly a disappointment for many, it offers valuable insights into the intricate workings of the entertainment industry. It highlights how the convergence of critical feedback, individual artistic choices, and interpersonal dynamics can ultimately shape the destiny of even the most beloved franchises. The fact that the series continues to resonate, inspiring spin-offs and maintaining a strong fanbase years after its original run, speaks volumes about its enduring appeal. *Sex and the City* remains a touchstone for discussions on female friendship, fashion, and the evolving landscape of relationships. The legacy of Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte, and Samantha transcends the unmade film, living on in the original series, the two movies, and now *And Just Like That...*. The desire for **Sex and the City 3** was a testament to the characters' timeless relevance and the profound connection audiences felt with their stories. While the third movie remains a tantalizing "what if," the franchise's ability to adapt and continue in different forms ensures that the spirit of *Sex and the City* will continue to inspire and entertain for generations to come. What are your thoughts on why **Sex and the City 3** never came to be? Did you wish it had been made, or do you prefer the direction the franchise took with *And Just Like That...*? Share your opinions in the comments below! And if you're looking to revisit the original magic, you can watch trailers & learn more about the series and movies, or visit the TV show page for 'Sex and the City' on Moviefone to discover the show's synopsis, cast details, and season information, watch trailers, exclusive interviews, and episode reviews.