Universal Pictures is moving forward with a new film adaptation of the iconic TV series Murder, She Wrote, casting Jamie Lee Curtis in the lead role once portrayed by Angela Lansbury. The project, reported by Deadline, is set to be directed by Jason Moore, known for his work on comedies like Pitch Perfect, bringing fresh energy to the beloved mystery franchise.
Screenplay and Production Team Behind the Revival
The script for the movie is written by Lauren Schuker Blum and Rebecca Angelo, based on the original CBS series created by Peter S. Fischer alongside Richard Levinson and William Link. Amy Pascal is producing, with Phil Lord, Chris Miller, and Aditya Sood contributing through Lord Miller’s first-look deal at Universal Pictures. Senior Vice President of Development Lexi Barta and Director of Production Development Jacqueline Garell will oversee the film’s progress for the studio.
Legacy of Angela Lansbury’s Jessica Fletcher and Show Background
Angela Lansbury’s portrayal of Jessica Fletcher from 1984 to 1996 made Murder, She Wrote one of television’s most enduring mystery series. Fletcher, a retired teacher turned successful mystery writer, consistently used her intuition to solve complex real-life murders in the fictional seaside town of Cabot Cove, Maine, and various other locations throughout the series. Produced by Universal Television, the show received 41 Emmy nominations, with Lansbury recognized annually for Lead Actress in a Drama Series, though she never won the award. Lansbury reprised her role in four subsequent TV movies.
Director Jason Moore’s Upcoming Projects and Background
Jason Moore, who is directing this adaptation, is best known for his comedies Pitch Perfect and Sisters. He is also involved with the upcoming Legally Blonde prequel TV series on Prime Video as director and executive producer. Soon, Moore will direct the West End revival of the Tony Award-winning musical Avenue Q in London. Additionally, he is set to helm film adaptations of Steven Rowley’s bestseller Guncle and Emma Straub’s novel This Time Tomorrow. Moore is represented by WME and Hansen Jacobson Teller agencies.
Screenwriters’ Previous Work and Future Projects
Lauren Schuker Blum and Rebecca Angelo, the screenwriters for this film, also wrote the screenplay for the 2023 film Dumb Money, which detailed the 2021 GameStop short squeeze and featured actors such as Paul Dano, Seth Rogen, Pete Davidson, America Ferrera, and Nick Offerman. Their upcoming project includes Rise, a story about the historic U.S. women’s national basketball team that helped pave the way for the WNBA.
Anticipated Impact of the ‘Murder, She Wrote’ Reboot
The new movie starring Jamie Lee Curtis aims to reinvigorate the classic mystery series for modern audiences, combining the legacy of the original show with fresh talent and storytelling. With a creative team experienced in both comedy and drama, the film is expected to respect the source material while introducing a new lead for fans old and new. Given Curtis’s acclaimed career and the series’ lasting popularity, the reboot could become a significant addition to the mystery genre on screen.
“Oh, It’s Happening” – Jamie Lee Curtis confirms ‘Murder, She Wrote’ reboot in works
