More than three decades after Basic Instinct became one of Hollywood’s most talked-about thrillers, its original writer is bringing the franchise back with a completely new story. Joe Eszterhas has confirmed that he has finished writing the reboot for Amazon MGM Studios’ United Artists, revealing that the film will once again center on the iconic Catherine Tramell. This time, however, the mysterious novelist won’t be alone, as the screenplay also introduces her daughter, adding a fresh chapter to the psychological thriller franchise.
The project has been in development since last year, and Eszterhas says he only agreed to return because he believed the reboot needed to recapture what made the original film unforgettable. Rather than following the direction taken by the sequel, the veteran screenwriter wants the new movie to embrace the provocative tone, sharp wit, and unpredictability that turned the 1992 classic into a global sensation.
Joe Eszterhas Wanted to Return to the Franchise’s Roots
Speaking about the reboot, Eszterhas revealed that the idea began when the studio approached him with a simple question about whether he had a new direction for the franchise. He explained that he immediately had a concept in mind and wanted to strip the story back to the qualities that made the original so successful. According to the writer, revisiting those foundations became the driving force behind the screenplay.
Recalling the early conversations, Eszterhas said, “They came to me and asked, ‘Do you have any ideas for this?’ And I said, ‘I do.’ I really talked about bare bones. As you know, after Basic, there was a so-called sequel. … it’s really bad.”
The screenwriter also made it clear that he has never been a fan of Basic Instinct 2: Risk Addiction, the 2006 sequel starring Sharon Stone. He explained that although he was paid not to participate in the project, he believed the filmmakers avoided the risks that made the original film stand out. Reflecting on that experience, he said, “They paid me a million five to have nothing to do with it. It’s easy money. Nobody said this to me, but I didn’t think they wanted to take the kind of creative chances the original did. They didn’t want controversy. What they did was turn it into a bland police procedural. They set it in London and the whole piece was really boring. It didn’t have any humor. It didn’t have the spice and earth and wit of the original. In the 30 years since it came out, I went through a lot of Basic Instinct revivals and saw audiences who just adored the fucking movie.”
Catherine Tramell Returns With a New Family Twist
Eszterhas has now confirmed that the reboot script has officially been completed. While he is keeping most of the story under wraps, he did reveal two major details about the film’s central characters. Most importantly, Catherine Tramell remains at the heart of the story, but audiences will also be introduced to a brand-new character connected directly to her.
Discussing the screenplay, Eszterhas said, “be fun and enjoyable. I just finished the script and we’ll see.” He also revealed, “Catherine Tramell is in this one, and so is a new character, her daughter, Jezebel. I can’t say too much about it.” The addition of Catherine’s daughter suggests the reboot will expand the franchise rather than simply retell the original story.
The reboot is being developed by Amazon MGM Studios’ United Artists, with Scott Stuber and Nick Nesbitt producing alongside Craig Baumgarten. Adam Griffin is attached as executive producer. Last year, Eszterhas described the upcoming film as “a wild and orgasmic ride,” hinting that the new version will lean into the provocative style that helped define the original movie.
Sharon Stone Has Already Shared Her Thoughts
Although no casting announcements have been made, Sharon Stone has previously reacted to the planned reboot. The actress, whose portrayal of Catherine Tramell became one of the defining performances of the 1990s, suggested the filmmakers would have a difficult task matching the original. Referring to the poorly received sequel, Stone commented, “If it goes the way the one that I was in, I would just say, I don’t know why you’d do it. I mean, go ahead. Good f*ing luck.”**
Released in 1992 and directed by Paul Verhoeven, Basic Instinct became a worldwide phenomenon by combining psychological suspense with provocative storytelling. The film starred Michael Douglas as Detective Nick Curran opposite Sharon Stone’s unforgettable Catherine Tramell, a bestselling crime novelist who becomes the prime suspect in a brutal murder investigation. Despite mixed critical reactions at the time, the film went on to earn more than $350 million worldwide and remains one of the most influential erotic thrillers ever produced.
With the screenplay now complete, attention will likely shift toward casting and production updates in the months ahead. Whether the reboot can recreate the cultural impact of the original remains to be seen, but Eszterhas has made one thing clear: he wants the franchise to recover the bold identity that audiences have continued to celebrate for more than 30 years.
