Emerald Fennell in Talks for Basic Instinct Reboot

Emerald Fennell, the director behind films like Promising Young Woman and Saltburn, is in negotiations to helm a reboot of the 1992 erotic thriller Basic Instinct, according to screenwriter Joe Eszterhas. The project, set up at Amazon MGM Studios, would mark a return for Eszterhas, who penned the original script that launched Sharon Stone to stardom.

Eszterhas, now 80, disclosed the potential directing match during an interview with The Guardian. "The producers are negotiating with a really interesting director, a Brit, Emerald Fennell, who did Promising Young Woman and Wuthering Heights," he said. "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." Representatives for Fennell did not immediately respond to requests for comment, and the studio has not confirmed the talks.

The reboot stems from a deal Eszterhas signed last July, reportedly worth up to 4 million for the script. He has described the story as beginning in 2025 and centering on serial killers and copycats, with a demonic element intended to heighten the suspense. Eszterhas has expressed hope that Stone would reprise her role...