Before achieving widespread acclaim with television series like “Seinfeld” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” Larry David penned a film script in the 1980s titled “Prognosis: Negative,” which ultimately remained unproduced. This long-lost screenplay has recently surfaced online, thanks to a 24-year-old Reddit user from Rochester, N.Y., named Jeremy Smith. Smith acquired a 1983 draft of the script from an eBay seller specializing in unpublished screenplays, though the original method of the script's acquisition remains unclear. While the existence of “Prognosis: Negative” has been known for years, even being referenced as a recurring joke in “Seinfeld,” the actual screenplay had never been publicly available until now.

The plot of “Prognosis: Negative” centers on a character named Leo Black, a man perpetually struggling with commitment in his relationships. The narrative takes a dark comedic turn when Leo discovers that an ex-girlfriend is dying, prompting him to decide to rekindle their relationship, driven by the morbid logic that she won’t be around for much longer. This premise bears a striking resemblance to the signature themes and character dynamics found in later works like “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and “Seinfeld,” with the protagonist’s name, Leo Black, notably echoing J.B. Smoove’s “Curb” sidekick, Leon Black.

Robert B. Weide, who later became a prominent producer and director for “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” was an early champion of “Prognosis: Negative.” During his tenure as head of development at a Hollywood comedy agency, Weide considered it “probably the funniest script that I read” at the time. In 1983, he brought the script to the agency’s partners—Jack Rollins, Larry Brezner, Buddy Morra, and Charles Joffe—and facilitated a meeting with Larry David. While the partners acknowledged the script’s potential, they concluded it wasn’t ready for submission to studios. Their primary concern, according to meeting notes and Weide’s recollection, was that “the main character, Leo, is not at all likable.” They also described Leo as “‘too ethnic’ — too Jewish/neurotic.”

Weide recalled Brezner inquiring if David could make Leo more sympathetic. After a moment of contemplation, David famously responded, “No, I don’t think so.” His refusal to implement the agency’s requested changes ultimately sealed the fate of “Prognosis: Negative,” preventing its production. Weide reflected on the situation in an interview with The New York Times, expressing empathy for David’s predicament in 1983, noting the creative integrity required to decline notes, especially when in need of financial support.

Despite this early setback, Larry David went on to forge an incredibly successful career in television, often creating characters who defy traditional standards of likability, embodying traits such as arrogance and pettiness. Weide draws a clear connection, stating, “Leo Black is Larry David. Just as George wound up being Larry David on ‘Seinfeld’ and then Larry would up being Larry David on ‘Curb.’ There’s a definite through line. It’s the personality. It’s his attitude about life. It’s about not suffering fools gladly.” Approximately 15 years ago, Weide reportedly asked David if he would consider revisiting “Prognosis: Negative,” especially given his established career that could easily attract studio interest. David’s response was conclusive: “I think I’ve outgrown that script.”