Amazon MGM’s United Artists Greenlights Reboot Of Iconic Queer Thriller ‘Basic Instinct’

In a move sparking industry-wide debate and renewed interest in LGBTQ+ cinematic history, Amazon MGM Studios’ United Artists has officially acquired the rights to reboot the iconic 1992 thriller “Basic Instinct” . The original film, renowned for its provocative portrayal of sexuality and its complex bisexual protagonist, became a touchstone for queer audiences and a lightning rod for controversy upon its release.

United Artists, now operating under the Amazon MGM Studios banner, will develop the yet-untitled project with Scott Stuber overseeing production . The remake’s script will be written by Joe Eszterhas, the original screenwriter, who has signed a lucrative deal reported to be the year’s largest spec script sale .

“Basic Instinct” achieved notoriety in the early 1990s for its unapologetic depiction of sexuality, particularly through the character of Catherine Tramell, a bisexual novelist and anti-hero portrayed by Sharon Stone. The film’s blend of suspense, eroticism, and LGBTQ+ representation—albeit controversial—broke new ground in mainstream Hollywood . It became a cultural flashpoint, with LGBTQ+ activists at the time criticizing its portrayal of bisexual women as dangerous and predatory, while others hailed the visibility it granted non-heteronormative identities in a major studio release.

The reboot’s announcement comes at a time when conversations about representation and the responsibility of storytellers are more urgent than ever. While details about the plot and casting remain under wraps, insiders have hinted that Sharon Stone could be considering a return to her legendary role as Catherine Tramell . This prospect alone is generating significant buzz, both within Hollywood and among LGBTQ+ audiences.

According to reporting from World of Reel, the new script has been described by sources as “anti-woke,” signaling an intent to recapture—or perhaps further provoke—the original’s confrontational style . This framing has already sparked concern among LGBTQ+ advocates, who have long called for more nuanced and less stereotypical portrayals of queer and bisexual characters in mainstream media.

The original “Basic Instinct” was both celebrated and criticized for its visibility of bisexuality at a time when such representation was rare in Hollywood. Activists voiced frustration at the association of queerness with criminality and deception, but also recognized the film’s impact in breaking certain taboos. As the reboot takes shape, many in the LGBTQ+ community are watching closely to see if the new creative team will engage with these critiques, ensuring that the new film reflects a broader and more affirming spectrum of queer experiences.

The financial details of the deal underscore the high stakes: Eszterhas is set to receive $2 million upfront for the script, with another $2 million guaranteed if the project proceeds—a record for the current year . This substantial investment signals Amazon MGM’s confidence in the enduring appeal of “Basic Instinct,” as well as the commercial viability of films centering LGBTQ+ narratives.

The film’s production timeline, director, and casting choices have yet to be announced by Amazon MGM Studios or United Artists . However, the project is already reshaping conversations within Hollywood about the legacy of queer cinema, the evolution of LGBTQ+ representation, and the complexities of revisiting controversial classics in a contemporary context.

As the reboot enters development, LGBTQ+ audiences and advocates will be looking for assurances that the new “Basic Instinct” learns from its past while pushing the boundaries of representation forward. The industry’s response—and the choices made by United Artists and Joe Eszterhas—will set a new standard for how mainstream studios engage with queer stories, both their history and their future.