Emerald Fennell's Rep Denies Involvement In 'Basic Instinct' Reboot After Joe Eszterhas's Interview

Emerald Fennell recently grabbed a lot of attention with her work in Wuthering Heights, released on February 13, 2026. Despite a mixed reaction, the film emerged successful at the box office. While everyone is eager to know the next movie she is working on, there were reports that Emerald is directing the reboot of the 1992 film, Basic Instinct. However, it was recently confirmed that the news was not true. Keep reading to know more!

Joe Eszterhas’s statement led to reports of Emerald Fennell directing a reboot

The rumours of Emerald Fennell directing a reboot of Basic Instinct emerged from the interview of Joe Eszterhas with The Guardian on April 7, 2026 (ET). For the unversed, Joe is the screenwriter of the original film released back in 1992. During his conversation with The Guardian, Joe mentioned Emerald Fennell being considered to direct a reboot of the film, as he said:

“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.”

Notably, Joe did not confirm that Emerald Fennell was finalised as the director of the reboot. On the other hand, Fennell’s representative confirmed while speaking to PEOPLE on April 7, 2026 (ET) that the news was not true. The representative said that Emerald was not involved in any manner with the Basic Instinct reboot.

A reboot to Basic Instinct was confirmed in July 2025

Back in July 2025, a report by Variety stated that a reboot to Basic Instinct was being developed. As per the outlet, the rights for the reboot were obtained by United Artists, which is a part of the Amazon MGM Studios, and Scott Stuber. Although the new title for the movie was not revealed, Joe Eszterhas was confirmed to return as the screenwriter. Furthermore, Adam Griffin of Vault Entertainment has been confirmed as the executive producer.

Moreover, Craig Baumgarten of Vault Entertainment will produce the Basic Instinct reboot along with Scott Stuber and Nick Nesbitt. The original film featured Michael Douglas, Sharon Stone, and many others in the lead. The movie’s graphic sequences created headlines at the time of release. Although the reboot is reportedly being developed, Sharon Stone told Today in August 2025 that she was not interested in the same. She said that a reboot was not needed if the storyline was not going through any changes. Sharon stated:

“If it goes the way the one that I was in went, I will just say, I don’t know why you’d do it. I mean, go ahead, but good f****** luck.”

While Sharon shared her disinterest in returning for the reboot, she returned in the sequel, Basic Instinct 2, released in 2006. Directed by Michael Caton-Jones, the film featured David Morrissey, Charlotte Rampling, and David Thewlis playing the lead roles.

What are your thoughts about the Basic Instinct reboot and the previous reports of Emerald Fennell’s involvement in the film? Let us know.

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