Sharon Stone Mocks Elderly ‘Basic Instinct’ Reboot Writer As Unlikely ‘Expert On What’s Sexy’
Sharon Stone is trusting her instincts when it comes to the upcoming reboot of her iconic film.
The Oscar-nominated actor acknowledges the upcoming remake of “Basic Instinct,” but only discovered during an interview that the screenwriter, Joe Eszterhas, is 81 years old. Stone jokingly commented that his reboot of the erotic thriller could never surpass the original.
“How old is Joe Eszterhas?” Stone asked and then searched the question on Google, per Variety. “Oh, he’s 81. So I bet he’s really an expert on what’s sexy.”
The celebrated screenwriter penned the original, which revolved around a femme fatale character portrayed by Stone named Catherine Tramell, an author who uses the same murder methods as in her novels to provide an alibi that she wouldn’t be foolish to commit such acts.
The reboot, announced last year, is said to be conceived as an “anti-woke” reinterpretation, according to an insider source who spoke to The Wrap. Eszterhas reportedly secured a $2 million deal with Amazon MGM Studios to write the remake.
He was evidently aware of the ageist criticism surrounding his agreement at the time.
“To those questioning why an 80-year-old man is crafting a sexy, erotic thriller: the rumors of my cinematic impotence are exaggerated and ageist,” he informed The Wrap in July. “I refer to my writing partner as the TWISTED LITTLE MAN, residing deep within me.”
Eszterhas went on to say, “He was born 29, and he will die 29, and he assures me that he is ‘sky high’ to write this piece and offer viewers a wild and orgasmic experience. That brings me great joy.”
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“Basic Instinct” propelled Stone to stardom and solidified co-star Michael Douglas as the leading man for erotic thrillers of that era. Stone later starred alongside Robert De Niro in Martin Scorsese’s “Casino” (1994), praising him as “the best kisser in the business.”
In 2001, Stone was compelled to pause her career after experiencing a stroke and brain hemorrhage which she stated nearly terminated her acting career. She also alleged that the scandalous content of “Basic Instinct” contributed to her loss of child custody in 2004.
The film by Paul Verhoeven openly explores casual sex, widespread drug use, and brutal killings, making the concept of an “anti-woke” version challenging for fans of the original. Stone is currently promoting her new movie “In Memoriam” alongside Marc Maron.
