Amazon plans anti-woke reboot of Basic Instinct

Original screenwriter Joe Eszterhas is back with a new Basic Instinct script after 33 years.

Amazon develops an anti-woke reboot of Basic Instinct

Thirty-three years after the release of Basic Instinct, Amazon MGM Studios has acquired the rights to a reboot from original screenwriter Joe Eszterhas. The reboot will reportedly have an anti-woke theme, though details on whether it will be a sequel or a remake remain unclear. Eszterhas entered into a deal that could total $4 million depending on the film's completion, including a guaranteed $2 million. The original film faced criticism from the LGBTQ+ community and feminists due to its explicit content. Joe Eszterhas defended his return to the genre, asserting his confidence in his writing despite his age. The original Basic Instinct became one of the highest-grossing R-rated films of its time, while a 2006 sequel starring Sharon Stone was met with poor reception.

The announcement of an anti-woke reboot of Basic Instinct highlights shifting cultural tensions in Hollywood. As classic films are revisited, the choice of themes can spark significant public debate, especially when juxtaposed against contemporary social values. Eszterhas's comments reflect a deep-seated defiance against ageism in storytelling, while also addressing the controversy that surrounded the original film. The way audiences will react to this new interpretation remains uncertain, especially among those who hold strong views on issues of representation and equality in media.

Highlights

As Hollywood revisits classics, the reception of this reboot will reveal much about evolving cultural norms.