Margot Robbie Emerges as Top Choice for ‘Basic Instinct’ Reboot

A reboot of the 1992 erotic thriller Basic Instinct is gaining momentum, with Australian actress Margot Robbie emerging as a leading contender for the role of Catherine Tramell, originally portrayed by Sharon Stone. The announcement comes following Amazon MGM Studios’ acquisition of the film rights, sparking excitement among fans and the film industry alike.

As reported on July 19, 2025, by The Wrap, the project aims to capture the essence of the original while offering a contemporary twist. The film is expected to retain the provocative nature that characterized the original, which was notorious for its explicit content and gripping narrative. Fans have taken to social media to express their enthusiasm, with one commenter on X exclaiming, “OMG Margot Robbie would be perfect for this!” Another echoed the sentiment, stating, “Remake it with Margot Robbie.”

Bookmakers appear to agree, with William Hill listing Robbie at odds of 3/1 to take on the iconic role, trailing only Florence Pugh, who holds 2/1 odds. Other actresses considered for the role 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 currently seen as a long shot at 12/1.

The original Basic Instinct was a massive success, grossing over $350 million globally. It featured Michael Douglas as Detective Nick Curran, who becomes embroiled in a dangerous game of seduction with novelist Tramell, a prime suspect in a murder case. The film’s most memorable scene, an interrogation featuring Stone, became iconic and solidified her status as a Hollywood star.

Screenwriter Joe Eszterhas, who penned the original film, is returning to write the reboot. Reportedly, he has signed a $4 million deal for the project. In a statement, Eszterhas addressed concerns about his ability to write an erotic thriller at the age of 80, asserting that his creativity remains intact. He remarked, “The rumors of my cinematic impotence are exaggerated and ageist,” emphasizing his enthusiasm for the project.

The reboot follows a less successful sequel released in 2006, which featured Stone reprising her role but only managed to gross $38.6 million, significantly less than its production budget of $70 million.

Interestingly, Stone herself endorsed Robbie for a future adaptation of her life in a 2023 interview on The Lady Gang Podcast. She expressed her admiration for Robbie, stating, “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 the casting process continues, anticipation builds for the film that promises to blend nostalgia with fresh storytelling, aiming to captivate both new audiences and fans of the original thriller. The revival of such a culturally significant film could mark a significant moment in contemporary cinema.