Emerald Fennell Not Attached to ‘Basic Instinct’ Reboot, Representative Denies Claims After Joe Eszterhas Interview

Emerald Fennell has addressed growing speculation about her involvement in a reboot of the iconic 1992 film Basic Instinct, with her representative confirming that she is not connected to the project.

The rumors began following comments made by Joe Eszterhas in an interview with The Guardian on April 7, 2026. During the conversation, Eszterhas suggested that producers were in talks with Fennell to direct the reboot, stating, “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.”

However, Eszterhas did not confirm her official involvement. Shortly after, Fennell’s representative clarified the situation in a statement to People, confirming that the filmmaker is not involved in the reboot in any capacity.

Fennell recently gained attention for her latest film Wuthering Heights, released on February 13, 2026. Despite receiving mixed reviews, the film performed well commercially, increasing curiosity around her upcoming projects.

Plans for a reboot of Basic Instinct were first reported in July 2025. According to Variety, the project is being developed by Amazon MGM Studios under United Artists, with Eszterhas returning as the screenwriter. Producers attached to the project include Scott Stuber, Craig Baumgarten, and Nick Nesbitt, with Adam Griffin serving as executive producer.

The original film starred Michael Douglas and Sharon Stone and became widely known for its controversial themes and explicit content.

Stone has previously expressed skepticism about revisiting the franchise. In an earlier interview, she remarked, “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 the reboot remains in development, it is now clear that Emerald Fennell is not currently part of the project, despite earlier speculation.