Joe Eszterhas Completes Script for 'Basic Instinct' Reboot Featuring Catherine Tramell and New Daughter Character
Photo Credit: Amazon MGM
by Chris Tremblay Jul 16
4 MIN READ
The erotic thriller that defined a generation of cinema is poised for a provocative return to the silver screen. Joe Eszterhas, the screenwriter who penned the original 1992 blockbuster "Basic Instinct," has officially completed the screenplay for a high-stakes reboot produced by Amazon MGM Studios and United Artists . The project, which has been the subject of industry speculation since late 2025, represents a significant investment for the studio and a return to the "wild and orgasmic" storytelling that initially made the franchise a global phenomenon .
The Return of Catherine Tramell and Introduction of Jezebel
In a series of recent updates, Eszterhas confirmed that his finished script centers on the return of the franchise’s central antagonist and anti-heroine, Catherine Tramell . The character, originally portrayed by Sharon Stone, is known for her intellectual prowess, psychological manipulation, and status as a groundbreaking, albeit controversial, representation of bisexual identity in mainstream 1990s media. According to Eszterhas, the new narrative will not only feature Tramell but will also introduce a major new character: her daughter, named Jezebel .
"Catherine Tramell is in this one, and so is a new character, her daughter, Jezebel," Eszterhas stated in a recent interview, though he remained tight-lipped regarding specific plot details or how the relationship between the two women drives the story . The inclusion of a daughter character suggests a multi-generational approach to the psychological thriller elements that defined the original film, which followed a police detective's obsession with a novelist who may or may not be a serial killer.
The Casting Conundrum: Will Sharon Stone Return?
Despite the confirmation of Catherine Tramell's presence in the script, the question of whether Sharon Stone will reprise her role remains one of Hollywood's most debated topics. Stone, whose career was launched into the stratosphere by the original film, has expressed public skepticism about the reboot. In August 2025, she reportedly dismissed the idea of a new installment, stating, "I don't know why you'd do it," and offering a simple "Good luck" to the production team .
Earlier reports indicated that Eszterhas had not yet spoken directly with Stone about the new script at the time the deal was signed . While some industry insiders initially suggested that Stone might return for the franchise relaunch, the current status of her involvement is officially unconfirmed . The 2006 sequel, "Basic Instinct 2," in which Stone did return, was a critical and commercial failure, a factor that may influence her decision to revisit the character a third time .
A "Controversial" and "Anti-Woke" Vision
The tone of the new project has already sparked conversation across social media and film circles. Early reports on the production labeled the reboot as "anti-woke," a term that suggests Eszterhas intends to bypass modern blockbuster sensibilities in favor of the shocking, boundary-pushing content that defined the original "Basic Instinct" . Eszterhas has described the work as a "wild and orgasmic ride," emphasizing that the script is intended to be "fun and enjoyable" despite its likely controversial themes .
For the LGBTQ+ community, the "Basic Instinct" franchise holds a complicated legacy. Upon its 1992 release, the film faced significant protests from groups like GLAAD and Queer Nation, who criticized the depiction of bisexual and lesbian characters as predatory and murderous [Windy City Times]. In contemporary discourse, film historians often view Catherine Tramell through an affirming, person-first lens—recognizing her as a complex, albeit villainous, bisexual and queer icon of the era, while acknowledging the problematic tropes of the original script [Windy City Times]. How the new film, and the introduction of the daughter character Jezebel, will navigate these sensitive themes in the current cultural landscape remains to be seen.
Production Details and Directorial Rumors
The business side of the reboot is equally substantial. Amazon MGM and United Artists have reportedly invested heavily in Eszterhas' vision, with a deal that includes a guaranteed $2 million for the script and an additional $2 million if the film enters production . This makes it one of the most lucrative speculative script sales in recent years.
The project is being produced by a team that includes Scott Stuber, Nick Nesbitt, and Craig Baumgarten, with Adam Griffin serving as executive producer . While names like Emerald Fennell were briefly rumored to be in consideration for the director’s chair, her representatives have since labeled those reports as "categorically false" . Currently, no director or cast members have been officially attached to the project following the completion of the script .
Legacy and Impact
The original "Basic Instinct" was a cultural landmark, grossing over $350 million worldwide and cementing the erotic thriller as a staple of 90s cinema . By ignoring the events of the 2006 sequel and returning to the original writer's vision, the reboot aims to reclaim the franchise’s status as a provocateur in the film industry . As the script moves into the development phase, the industry will be watching closely to see if the "wild ride" promised by Eszterhas can capture the zeitgeist once again.
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