In a surprising yet thrilling announcement, Hollywood icon Jamie Lee Curtis has confirmed that she will lead a reboot of the beloved classic TV series Murder, She Wrote, stepping into the iconic role of Jessica Fletcher originally made famous by Angela Lansbury. The revelation came during a red-carpet interview at the premiere of Freakier Friday in Los Angeles on July 22, 2025, where Curtis, with her characteristic flair, teased the project with a dramatic pause before declaring, “Oh, it’s… happening.” This confirmation has sent waves of excitement and debate through fans, marking a bold new chapter for a show that defined television mystery for over a decade. As of 09:30 AM +07 on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, the entertainment world is buzzing with anticipation about what this reboot will bring, blending nostalgia with Curtis’s modern star power.
Murder, She Wrote, which aired on CBS from 1984 to 1996, became a cultural phenomenon, drawing up to 40 million viewers at its peak and maintaining an average of 25 million per episode throughout its 12-season run. The series followed Jessica Fletcher, a widowed retired schoolteacher turned bestselling mystery novelist with an uncanny ability to solve real-life murders, primarily in the fictional seaside town of Cabot Cove, Maine. Angela Lansbury’s portrayal earned her four Golden Globes and 12 consecutive Emmy nominations, cementing the character as a timeless figure. After the series ended, Lansbury reprised the role in four TV movies between 1997 and 2003, leaving a legacy that many thought untouchable. Curtis’s involvement signals a fresh take, with the reboot set to be a feature film rather than a series, produced by Universal Pictures with a script by Lauren Schuker Blum and Rebecca Angelo, and backed by producers Phil Lord, Chris Miller, and Amy Pascal.
The news first surfaced in December 2024 when Deadline reported that Curtis was in early talks to take on the role, a rumor that gained traction given her recent career resurgence. Now 66, Curtis has enjoyed a remarkable second act, highlighted by her Oscar win for Best Supporting Actress in Everything Everywhere All at Once in 2023 and her return to the Halloween franchise. Her confirmation at the Freakier Friday premiere, where she reunited with Lindsay Lohan for the Disney sequel set for release on August 8, 2025, added fuel to the fire. “We’re a minute away. But yeah, very excited. Very excited,” she told Entertainment Tonight, though she tempered her enthusiasm with, “I’m tamping down my enthusiasm until we start shooting. I have a couple other things to hustle, but then I’ll get to enjoy that work.” This cautious excitement reflects her busy schedule, which includes projects like The Lost Bus and the Prime Video series Scarpetta with Nicole Kidman.
Curtis’s casting has sparked a mix of enthusiasm and skepticism. Fans admire her versatility, pointing to her success in thrillers like Knives Out and comedies like Freaky Friday as evidence she can handle the witty, detective charm of Jessica Fletcher. Her personal connection to the genre—through her mother, Janet Leigh, who guest-starred in a 1989 Murder, She Wrote episode—adds a layer of intrigue. However, some worry that replacing Lansbury, who passed away in 2022 at 96, might dilute the original’s magic. Social media posts found on X reflect this divide, with some fans thrilled at the prospect of a new mystery adventure, while others lament the reboot as unnecessary, arguing that Lansbury’s elegance is irreplaceable. Curtis herself seems aware of the challenge, hinting at a reimagined approach rather than a direct imitation.
The reboot’s premise remains under wraps, but early reports suggest it will honor the spirit of the original while updating the setting and narrative. Jessica Fletcher, a character known for her polite yet fearless confrontations with killers—often without backup—could see a modern twist under Curtis’s influence. The film aims to retain the cozy, small-town vibe of Cabot Cove, though there’s speculation about incorporating global travel, a staple of the original series’ later seasons. Blum and Angelo, known for Dumb Money, are expected to bring a fresh perspective, potentially blending humor and suspense in a way that suits Curtis’s dynamic range. No other cast members have been announced, leaving room for speculation about whether new characters or nods to the original ensemble, like Tom Bosley’s Sheriff Amos Tupper, might appear.
Production details are still emerging, with Curtis indicating filming is “a minute away,” suggesting a start date in late 2025 or early 2026. The project aligns with Hollywood’s trend of reviving classic IPs, though it differs from the short-lived 2014 attempt to reboot the series with Octavia Spencer, which Lansbury reportedly opposed, preferring the story remain tied to Cabot Cove. Curtis’s version, as a film, offers a different scope, potentially avoiding the small-screen constraints that limited past efforts. Universal’s involvement, with its history of producing the original, adds credibility, and the producers’ track records with hits like Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse promise a polished execution.
Curtis’s recent projects provide clues to her approach. Freakier Friday showcases her comedic timing, while The Lost Bus, a survival thriller set during the 2018 Camp Fire, highlights her dramatic depth. This duality could translate into a Jessica Fletcher who blends Lansbury’s genteel curiosity with a more action-oriented edge, perhaps reflecting Curtis’s own physicality from her Halloween days. Her comments about tamping down enthusiasm suggest a focus on preparation, likely involving research into Lansbury’s performance and consultations with original writers or crew, ensuring respect for the legacy while carving a new path.
The timing of this reboot feels apt in 2025, a year where audiences crave comfort amid global uncertainties. Murder, She Wrote’s gentle pacing and solvable mysteries offer a nostalgic escape, and Curtis’s star power could attract a new generation. Her embrace of aging gracefully—seen in her gray hair and natural looks—mirrors Fletcher’s unpretentious charm, resonating with viewers who value authenticity. Yet, the film faces pressure to balance innovation with tradition, a challenge Curtis seems ready to tackle given her career-long adaptability.
Fan reactions vary widely. Some see Curtis as a natural fit, citing her genre experience and Lansbury’s blessing of older actors in guest roles as a precedent. Others propose alternatives like Judi Dench or Olivia Colman, arguing for a softer touch. The lack of a TV format has eased some concerns, as a movie allows for a one-off tribute rather than a full series replacement. Curtis’s playful confirmation has kept the conversation alive, with many awaiting plot details to judge its potential.
As filming nears, Murder, She Wrote’s reboot promises to blend past and present, with Jamie Lee Curtis at the helm. Whether it honors Lansbury’s legacy or redefines it, the project underscores her enduring appeal and Hollywood’s willingness to revisit its classics. For now, fans can only wait, imagining Curtis solving crimes with the same wit and warmth that made Jessica Fletcher a household name, all while anticipating her next red-carpet update.
