The iconic 1992 erotic crime thriller Basic Instinct is set to return with a modern twist. The film, originally directed by Paul Verhoeven and starring Michael Douglas and Sharon Stone, is being rebooted with a fresh spin, while staying true to its original essence.
This time, the updated version of the movie will be penned by the original screenwriter, Joe Eszterhas.
Basic Instinct – The Original Film
Basic Instinct became one of the most polarizing and talked-about films of the 1990s. The movie follows crime novelist Catherine Tramell (played by Sharon Stone) as she becomes the prime suspect in the murder of retired rock star Johnny Boz (Bill Cable).
While investigating the case, detective Nick Curran (Michael Douglas) becomes entangled in a complex and dangerous relationship with the seductive and mysterious Tramell. The film’s mixture of sex, suspense, and controversial themes led it to become both a box office success and a subject of heated debate.
At the time of its release, Basic Instinct was praised for its intense storytelling and cinematic style, earning Academy Award nominations for editing and original score.
However, the film also faced backlash, particularly for its portrayal of an LGBTQ+ character as a dangerous murderer during a time when the HIV/AIDS epidemic was a significant global issue.
Moreover, the infamous interrogation scene, in which Stone’s character appears nude, became a defining moment in the film’s legacy, sparking controversy regarding the film’s portrayal of female nudity.
Reboot Details and Involvement of Joe Eszterhas
According to Variety, the reboot will feature a script written by Joe Eszterhas, the Hungarian-American screenwriter who wrote the original film. Eszterhas is also known for his work on films such as Flashdance and Jagged Edge.
The reboot will be produced under Scott Stuber’s United Artists banner and Amazon MGM Studios, which have partnered to bring this new version of Basic Instinct to the screen.
This new take on the film will aim to capture the essence of the original while introducing fresh elements to appeal to modern audiences.
Stone, who became an international icon thanks to her role in the film, might also reprise her role as Catherine Tramell, though this has not yet been confirmed. PEOPLE reached out to Stone’s representatives for comment but has not received a statement at this time.
The Legacy of Basic Instinct and Its Controversies
Basic Instinct was groundbreaking for its time, but it also courted considerable controversy. One of the biggest criticisms came from the LGBTQ+ community, who felt that the film reinforced harmful stereotypes by presenting an LGBTQ+ character as a killer.
The film’s depiction of nudity, especially the infamous interrogation scene with Stone, sparked debates about exploitation and the portrayal of women in film.
These controversies reached a peak when Stone hosted Saturday Night Live to promote the film, and protests erupted in the studio. Stone recalled the chaotic night during an appearance on the Fly on the Wall podcast in 2024.
“All these people are getting beat up and handcuffed right in front of me, and we went live,” she remembered. She later clarified that she believed the protesters were actually opposing her AIDS-related charity work, but news reports from 1992 confirmed that the protests were against the film itself.
Sharon Stone’s Experience with the Film
In addition to the public controversies, Stone’s experience filming Basic Instinct was fraught with tension, particularly regarding the famous interrogation scene. In her 2021 memoir The Beauty of Living Twice, Stone revealed that she was misled during filming about the nature of the scene.
She wrote that she was told to remove her underwear to avoid reflections from the lights, under the belief that her panties wouldn’t be visible on camera. Later, Stone revealed that she was unaware that her nudity would be shown in the final cut of the film, which became one of its most defining moments.
Despite the controversy, Basic Instinct remains a cultural touchstone, remembered for its bold themes, memorable performances, and lasting impact on the film industry.
The reboot of Basic Instinct will undoubtedly spark excitement among fans of the original film and intrigue from those who have yet to experience its gripping blend of suspense, crime, and controversy.
With Joe Eszterhas returning to write the script and a possible appearance by Sharon Stone, this updated version aims to reintroduce the film’s iconic themes to a new generation of viewers while honoring its legacy.
