Larry David Script Leaks Online: Read ‘Prognosis: Negative’

Larry David, the comedic genius behind “Seinfeld” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” had another project in the works before these iconic shows took off. In the 1980s, David wrote a film script titled “Prognosis: Negative,” but unfortunately, it was never produced.

Recently, a Reddit user named Jeremy Smith from Rochester, N.Y., made a surprising discovery. He purchased a 1983 draft of the screenplay on eBay from a seller offering unpublished scripts. The script has now been shared online for the first time, allowing fans to delve into David’s earlier work.

“Prognosis: Negative” centers around a man named Leo Black who struggles with commitment to women. When he learns that an ex-girlfriend is terminally ill, he sees an opportunity to rekindle their relationship, knowing she won’t be around for long. The premise of the script bears the trademark wit and humor that would later define David’s successful TV shows.

Interestingly, the protagonist’s name in “Prognosis: Negative,” Leo Black, bears a striking resemblance to J.B. Smoove’s character Leon Black from “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” This connection adds an intriguing layer to the script’s backstory.

Robert B. Weide, who later worked on “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” was an early supporter of “Prognosis: Negative.” As a head of development at a comedy-focused Hollywood agency, Weide believed the script was one of the funniest he had encountered. However, when the script was presented to the agency’s partners in 1983, there were concerns about the likability of the main character, Leo. The partners felt Leo was too Jewish and neurotic, making it challenging for audiences to connect with him.

Despite suggestions to make Leo more sympathetic, David remained true to his vision and declined to make the changes. As a result, “Prognosis: Negative” never made it to the big screen. Weide reflected on the situation, expressing empathy for David’s creative integrity in the face of commercial pressures.

Looking back, it’s evident that the character of Leo Black in “Prognosis: Negative” mirrors Larry David’s own personality and comedic style. Weide noted the similarities between David’s characters across different projects, highlighting his consistent attitude towards life and interactions with others.

Weide once asked David about revisiting “Prognosis: Negative,” but David indicated that he had moved on from that script. With his unparalleled success in television, David felt that he had outgrown the project. Despite the script’s fate, the legacy of Larry David’s unique humor and storytelling continues to captivate audiences worldwide.