Jamie Lee Curtis to Star in "Murder, She Wrote" Reboot Set for 2027 Release

Universal Pictures has announced that a reboot of the classic crime drama "Murder, She Wrote" will be released in theaters on December 22, 2027. The film stars Jamie Lee Curtis as Jessica Fletcher, the iconic amateur sleuth originally portrayed by Angela Lansbury in the beloved television series that aired from 1984 to 1996. The series was known for its engaging plots centered around Fletcher's talent for solving murders in the fictional town of Cabot Cove, Maine.

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The film is directed by Jason Moore, known for his work on the "Pitch Perfect" series, and features a screenplay by Lauren Schuker Blum and Rebecca Angelo, who previously collaborated on "Dumb Money." The production team includes notable figures such as Amy Pascal, Phil Lord, and Christopher Miller, who are recognized for their successful adaptations of various properties, including "The Lego Movie" and "21 Jump Street." This project is part of Lord Miller's first-look deal with Universal Pictures.

IndieWire

The release of "Murder, She Wrote" is strategically timed for the holiday season, a peak period for moviegoing. It will compete with several major films, including Disney’s "Avengers: Secret Wars" and Warner Bros.' "The Lord of the Rings: Hunt for Gollum," both set to premiere shortly before on December 17. Additionally, it will debut alongside Sony’s animated film "Buds" and a romantic comedy directed by Nancy Meyers, featuring a star-studded cast including Kieran Culkin and Michael Fassbender.

Variety Magazine

The original "Murder, She Wrote" series enjoyed significant popularity, attracting an average of 40 million viewers per week at its peak. It ran for 12 seasons and has since inspired several TV movies and even a video game adaptation. The reboot marks the first significant revival of the franchise in decades, reflecting a renewed interest in classic properties within contemporary cinema.

IndieWire

While the reboot has generated excitement, there are concerns regarding its timing and the competitive landscape. Critics may question whether the film can stand out among other high-profile releases during the holiday season, particularly given the legacy of the original series and the expectations surrounding it.

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Jamie Lee Curtis has expressed enthusiasm for the project, indicating her long-standing interest in bringing the character of Jessica Fletcher back to the screen. The production team, including Lord and Miller, aims to infuse a modern sensibility into the adaptation, potentially appealing to both fans of the original series and new audiences.

IndieWire

As the release date approaches, further promotional activities and marketing strategies are expected to unfold, alongside potential shifts in the release schedule of competing films. The film's development has been in the works for several years, and its eventual debut will be closely monitored by industry observers and fans alike.

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