The Chips Are Down (screenplay)

The Chips Are Down is an unproduced screenplay written by Shane Black and frequent collaborator David Arnott. It is noted for being written in 2000 and rumored to have been intended as a vehicle for Mel Gibson to star in and direct, though this never materialized. The screenplay falls under the action/comedy genre, similar to other works by Shane Black.

The plot details remain largely obscured as the screenplay has not been publicly released. Information about it exists primarily through brief mentions and unverified summaries online. It is generally understood to involve a down-on-his-luck protagonist in a difficult situation, typical of Shane Black's character-driven action narratives. Despite not being produced, the screenplay occasionally surfaces in discussions among screenwriting enthusiasts, particularly those interested in Black's signature style. Its unproduced status contributes to its somewhat mythical status within the screenwriting community.