The long-awaited big-screen remake of Murder, She Wrote, starring Jamie Lee Curtis as the legendary Jessica Fletcher, has taken a significant step forward with the hiring of Jason Moore as director. This development marks renewed momentum for the project, based on the popular CBS television series that originally aired for 12 seasons between 1984 and 1996.
Jamie Lee Curtis Murder Remake builds on the legacy of the original show, which starred Angela Lansbury as Jessica Fletcher, a teacher-turned-mystery writer and amateur detective. The series continued its popularity with four television movies following the original run.
Background on the Project and Creative Team
Previous attempts to revive the franchise, including an earlier reboot featuring Octavia Spencer, did not come to fruition. However, in recent years, Curtis has expressed strong interest in leading her interpretation of the beloved character in a new cinematic version. With Universal Pictures backing the remake, the project has finally moved past development hurdles.
Jason Moore, known for directing the hit musical comedy Pitch Perfect and episodes of TV dramas such as Dawson’s Creek, Everwood, and Trophy Wife, is set to direct. The screenplay comes from writers Lauren Schuker Blum and Rebecca Angelo, who collaborated on the film Dumb Money. The production team includes notable names like Amy Pascal, Phil Lord, Chris Miller, Aditya Sood, Lexi Barta, and Jacqueline Garell.
Jamie Lee Curtis to Portray Jessica Fletcher
Jamie Lee Curtis is confirmed as the sole cast member officially announced at this stage, stepping into the role of Jessica Fletcher, the character immortalized by Angela Lansbury. Curtis is a decorated actress with a versatile career spanning horror classics like Halloween, comedies such as Trading Places, and recent acclaimed films like Knives Out and Everything Everywhere All at Once. Her television credits include notable shows such as Scream Queens and The Bear.
Legacy of Angela Lansbury and the Original Series
Angela Lansbury’s portrayal of Jessica Fletcher earned her multiple Emmy, Golden Globe, and SAG Award nominations, plus four Golden Globe wins. The original Murder, She Wrote series itself received accolades for Outstanding Music Composition and Costume Design at the Emmy Awards, along with winning Best TV Series—Drama at the Golden Globes.
During the original run of the series, Lansbury also lent her voice to the character Mrs. Potts in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. After Murder, She Wrote ended in 1996, Lansbury had a prolific career, including roles in Nanny McPhee, Mr. Popper’s Penguins, Mary Poppins Returns, and the BBC adaptation of Little Women. She passed away in 2022 at age 96, leaving behind a vast legacy in both television and film.
Next Steps for the Remake and Anticipated Details
The plot and additional casting details for the new Murder, She Wrote film remain under wraps as the production moves forward. With Jason Moore now directing and Jamie Lee Curtis confirmed to lead, fans can expect further announcements in the coming months. This remake aims to honor the original show’s enduring appeal while introducing Jessica Fletcher to a new generation of viewers.
