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.

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.

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.

“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.

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.

“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.