Joe Eszterhas, the screenwriter behind the original Basic Instinct, has asserted that Emerald Fennell is in negotiations to direct his nearly completed screenplay for a remake. According to The Independent - Main, Joe Eszterhas described Fennell as a director with a sensibility suited to controversy and sexuality, expressing hope that the collaboration would proceed. However, Fennell's representative has stated that she is not in negotiations to direct Amazon's planned reboot of Basic Instinct, contradicting Eszterhas's account. The status of Amazon MGM Studios' development of a Basic Instinct reboot remains unclear, as does whether any other directors are being considered for the project.
Eszterhas was reportedly paid $2 million for the new Basic Instinct screenplay and stands to earn another $2 million if it is produced. He said the new project would focus on copycat serial killers with supernatural elements, though the specific supernatural elements planned for the storyline have not been detailed. In contrast, Sharon Stone, who starred in the original film, has dismissed the possibility of a reboot. She said there is not going to be a Basic Instinct reboot and criticized Joe Eszterhas's writing ability. The current status of Eszterhas's screenplay for the Basic Instinct project is unknown.
The producers are negotiating with a really interesting director — a Brit, Emerald Fennell — who did Promising Young Woman and Wuthering Heights. Her sensibility is exactly right. She's someone who is not afraid of controversy and sexuality. So I'm thrilled by that. I hope it works out.
Emerald Fennell's recent film projects have garnered mixed critical reception. Her Wuthering Heights adaptation divided critics and viewers upon its release in February. Additionally, she has faced criticism for her films Promising Young Woman and Saltburn, with some arguing they rely on shock value and aesthetic excess.