Emerald Fennell Exits Basic Instinct Reboot: Writer’s Claims Debunked [UPDATED]

Emerald Fennell may soon be at the helm of a new project, the legendary Basic Instinct.

The 1992 thriller Basic Instinct was a major box office success, ranking as the fourth highest-grossing film of that year, with earnings exceeding $117 million globally ($352 million when adjusted for inflation). The film received a range of reviews, largely due to its erotic themes, suspenseful elements, and provocative content. These aspects helped cement the film’s status as a cult classic and propelled its star, Sharon Stone, to fame.

According to an interview with The Guardian, screenwriter Joe Eszterhas has indicated that Fennell is in talks to direct a reboot of Basic Instinct following her acclaimed adaptation of Wuthering Heights. Eszterhas, who also penned the original Basic Instinct and Showgirls, believes Fennell is an ideal choice for this project. Known for her work on Saltburn, Promising Young Woman, and Wuthering Heights, Fennell is seen as a director who embraces controversial and sensual themes. Eszterhas expressed his excitement about the possibility:

“The producers are currently discussing the project with a very intriguing director – a British woman, Emerald Fennell, known for her work on Promising Young Woman and Wuthering Heights. She has just the right sensibility for it. She’s not shy about addressing controversy and sexuality. I’m quite excited about this possibility. I hope it all comes together.”

A follow-up to the original, Basic Instinct 2, was released in 2006 but did not replicate the success of its predecessor, earning only $5.9 million. Despite its failure, Amazon MGM Studios has acquired the rights to the reboot for $2 million.

Not everyone is excited about the potential of a Basic Instinct reboot, especially Sharon Stone, the original film’s lead. In an interview with The Guardian, Stone expressed her dissatisfaction with the idea of revisiting her character, Catherine Tramell, saying, “There’s not going to be a Basic Instinct reboot. I hate to break it to you, but Joe Eszterhas couldn’t write his way out of a Walgreens drug store.” She echoed these sentiments on the Today Show, commenting, “If it follows the same path as the first film, I don’t see why anyone would bother. Go ahead, but good f***ing luck.” Despite Stone’s refusal to participate, Eszterhas remains undeterred, responding to critics of his involvement in the reboot:

“For those wondering what an 80-year-old man is doing writing a sexy, erotic thriller: the rumors of my cinematic decline are greatly exaggerated and reflect ageism. I refer to my writing partner as the ‘Twisted Little Man’ who resides deep within me. He emerged at 29, will always be 29, and he’s ecstatic to craft this script and deliver an exhilarating and titillating experience for audiences. That makes me very happy.”

As of now, no release date has been set for the Basic Instinct reboot.