It's been clear for several years now that the time and demand for The Girl Who Played with Fire has pretty much passed.  The first film in the Millennium Trilogy underperformed at the box office, Sony couldn't get a deal together for a sequel, David Fincher has moved on, and now Rooney Mara says that The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo sequel is likely kaput.

"I don't think it's going to happen," Mara told E! Online. "I'm sad never to do it again, but it just doesn't seem like it's in the cards."

While I wouldn't be surprised if Sony issues a statement about how they're keeping the movie alive, the picture is stuck in development hell at best.  The Millennium Trilogy is airplane books, not lasting works of literary genius.  If Fifty Shades of Grey stalled out before reaching Fifty Shades Darker, there would be no Fifty Shades Darker.  The Robert Langdon books are chugging along, but those are standalone tales.  It's one character, and as long as you like Tom Hanks, then you'll show up for Tom Hanks.

While I have no love for The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, I can understand Fincher's initial attraction to the project: A big-budget, R-rated franchise comprised of dark thrillers.  That's unique.  It's also unlikely we'll see that kind of franchise for a very, very long time.