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James Handy’s last movie project scrapped in wake of death
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James Handy’s last movie project scrapped in wake of death



James Handy’s last movie project has been axed after his tragic death on Wednesday.

Writer Heidi Anderson-Swan told TMZ on Saturday that her final film with Handy, “Kickback, V,” was halted in pre-production due to several issues, including funding.

The comedy was set to follow a group of nerds learning martial arts and the relationship that forms between the students and their karate sensei.

Anderson-Swan gushed over Handy, recalling how sweet he was.

Heidi Anderson-Swan (pictured here) revealed that James Handy’s final film, “Kickback, V,” which she wrote and was producing, won’t go forward.
The movie, starring Handy (pictured here in 1986) and following nerds learning martial arts was halted in pre-production due to issues like financing, per TMZ. 20th Century Fox Licensing/Merch

The producer said the “Top Gun: Maverick” actor supported her when she first stepped onto the scene.

Anderson-Swan added to the outlet that she is shocked over Handy’s passing.

The “Jumanji” star was stabbed to death by his girlfriend’s son, Michael Gledhill.

Handy was found bleeding and unconscious in the front yard of his girlfriend’s home in Tarzana, California, Wednesday morning, per a police report.

The filmmaker added that the late star (pictured here in an episode of “Castle”) supported her when she first broke into Hollywood. ABC
Anderson-Swan noted that she is in shock over Handy’s death.

Authorities said the actor had been stabbed in the chest repeatedly and was rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

According to 911 call audio, Gledhill told the dispatch worker, “I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin.”

Police allege that Gledhill flagged down the cops who arrived on scene and confessed to the stabbing. He was also spotted walking away from the crime scene after the slaying.

On Friday, Gledhill, 44, was charged with one count of murder.

“This is not how anyone’s life should end, stabbed in the chest and left dying in the front yard of a home,” Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said in a press release.

Handy (pictured here in “Jumanji” in 1995) was stabbed to death by his girlfriend’s son, Michael Gledhill. Sony Pictures
The actor (pictured here in 1990 alongside Jeff Daniels, Brian McNamara and Julian Sands) was found bleeding out, from several stab wounds to the chest, in his girlfriend’s front yard. Alamy Stock Photo

“The victim, James Handy, deserved to live out his later years enjoying what he had worked so hard for and enjoying it with those he loved and cared about. Like all murder victims, his life mattered and the person who inexplicably and violently took it must be held accountable for his actions.”

On Friday, Handy’s former girlfriend Wendy Gledhill told The California Post that she “can’t believe” her son allegedly stabbed Handy.

“I’m just trying to make it through one day at a time, a minute at a time,” she added.

Handy (pictured here in 1986 with Matthew Laurance and Ed O’Neill) was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. 20th Century Fox/Everett Collection
Gledhill (seen here walking away from the crime scene on Wednesday) has been charged with one count of murder. Fox11

That same day, Wendy, 76, told TMZ Michael had serious mental health issues and was diagnosed with schizophrenia in 2025.

Wendy said she learned that Michael had stopped taking his meds just a week before Handy’s murder.

A neighbor also told The California Post that Michael could act bizarre and paranoid at times.

Handy’s girlfriend Wendy Gledhill (pictured here) told The California Post that she can’t believe her son allegedly stabbed her partner. David Buchan for CA Post
Michael is facing up to 26 years in prison for the murder of Handy (pictured here in 1991). ABC via Getty Images

“He looked really rugged … he looks like he doesn’t really change his clothes,” Joheina Quibol shared.

Michael is currently being held at the Van Nuys Jail. His bail is set at $2 million.

Gledhill is facing up to 26 years to life in state prison.



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