Overview
- Joe Eszterhas told Interview that he has finished a new screenplay for a Basic Instinct reboot and said the script includes the return of Catherine Tramell plus a daughter character named Jezebel; he discussed this on Sunday, July 5, 2026.
- Deadline and other outlets report the project is moving in development with United Artists (Amazon MGM) producers Scott Stuber and Nick Nesbitt and Vault Entertainment’s Craig Baumgarten and Adam Griffin attached.
- Eszterhas framed his return as an effort to recapture the original’s risky, provocative tone and strongly criticized the 2006 sequel for turning the franchise into a bland police procedural and avoiding controversy.
- Sharon Stone’s participation has not been confirmed and she publicly expressed skepticism about another follow-up if it follows the 2006 film’s approach, so casting and a director remain unresolved.
- The original 1992 Basic Instinct was a major commercial hit while the 2006 sequel flopped, so the new script could revive interest in the franchise if it secures a lead, director and production plan, but those steps have not yet been announced.