Margot Robbie Favored to Lead ’90s Reboot of Basic Instinct

A reboot of the iconic 1992 film Basic Instinct is generating significant buzz, with Margot Robbie emerging as a leading candidate to portray the film’s infamous antagonist, Catherine Tramell. The project, which has been acquired by Amazon MGM Studios’ United Artists, promises to deliver a fresh take on the cult classic known for its provocative content.

The news of the reboot has excited fans, many of whom took to social media to express their support for Robbie. One enthusiastic film lover remarked on X, “OMG Margot Robbie would be perfect for this,” while another chimed in with, “remake it with Margot Robbie.” These sentiments appear to be reflected in the betting odds, where UK bookmaker William Hill has listed Robbie at 3/1, just behind Florence Pugh at 2/1. Other actresses mentioned in the running include Sydney Sweeney at 5/1, Anya Taylor-Joy at 6/1, Ana de Armas at 8/1, and Jodie Comer at 10/1. Pop star Lady Gaga is also in contention, albeit as a long shot at 12/1.

The original Basic Instinct, featuring Sharon Stone and Michael Douglas, was a commercial success, grossing over $350 million globally. It followed Detective Nick Curran, played by Douglas, as he became embroiled in a perilous seduction game with novelist Tramell, who was a prime suspect in a murder investigation. The film’s explicit content, particularly Stone’s now-iconic interrogation scene, solidified its place in cinematic history.

Screenwriter Joe Eszterhas, who penned the original, has signed a lucrative $4 million deal to write the reboot. In a statement, Eszterhas addressed concerns about his age, stating, “To those who question what an 80-year-old man is doing writing a sexy, erotic thriller: the rumours of my cinematic impotence are exaggerated and ageist.” He added, “He [my writing partner] tells me he is ‘sky high up’ to write this piece and provide viewers with a wild and orgasmic ride.”

The reboot aims to capture the essence of the original while appealing to contemporary audiences. The 2006 sequel, which featured Stone reprising her role, did not achieve the same level of success, grossing only $38.6 million against a production budget of $70 million.

In a previous interview, Stone expressed her support for Robbie, stating that she would be an ideal choice to portray her in a biographical film. During her appearance on The Lady Gang Podcast in 2023, she praised Robbie’s talent, saying, “I adore Margot Robbie so probably her. She is so talented. After I saw her playing Tonya Harding, I was like you’re it.”

As anticipation builds for this ambitious project, the casting of Margot Robbie could set the stage for a captivating reinterpretation of a film that continues to resonate with audiences. The release date and additional cast details remain under wraps, but fans eagerly await further announcements from Amazon MGM Studios.