The decade of the ’90s was a classic era for television. Before streaming services such as Netflix and Disney+, audiences tuned in each week to catch their favorite TV shows. Detective shows were a top choice, with classics like Twin Peaks, Law & Order, and NYPD Blue. But, rumor has it that one of our favorites from this time of thrilling mystery shows is being adapted for the big screen with a new leading lady.
The Classic TV Series
If you were a millennial kid who grew up watching television, you’d totally remember catching the hit CBS series Murder, She Wrote. If you don’t remember it or are too young to be around during that time, it was a hit mystery sleuth series that played for 12 seasons between 1984 and 1996. The lead character, Jessica Fletcher, was played by legendary British actress Angela Lansbury.
Angela passed away in 2022, but she was also known for her iconic role in Disney’s Bedknobs and Broomsticks and, of course, for voicing Mrs. Potts in Beauty and the Beast. Regarding her role as Jessica Fletcher, audiences adored her as the charming writer and amateur sleuth who took on an investigation every week.
The Upcoming Film Adaption
It’s been almost three decades since the last episode of Murder, She Wrote, so writers feel it’s time to bring the detective work to the big screen. At the top of the shortlist to reprise the role of Fletcher is none other than Jamie Lee Curtis. The 66-year-old actress is best known for her roles in the quintessential horror film series Halloween, which began in 1978. The latest edition, Halloween Ends, was released in 2022. Curtis is also known for a wide range of TV and movie gems, such as Scream Queens, Knives Out, True Lies, Freaky Friday, and Everything Everywhere All at Once.
With respect to her type-casting in horror films, specifically Halloween, Curtis disclosed in a 2022 People interview that,
I am trying to figure out how to say goodbye to Laurie, who has taught me the meaning of the words ‘resilience,’ ‘loyalty,’ ‘perseverance’ and ‘COURAGE.’
We wait eagerly to see if this adaptation moves forward. Judging from her lengthy and successful entertainment career, Jamie Lee Curtis would be fantastic as the new Jessica Fletcher. This would also be a perfect chance to introduce the thrilling world of Murder, She Wrote to a new generation.
If you’re interested in learning more about upcoming adaptations, check out our article Lucky Adaptation: New Apple Series Starring Anya Taylor-Joy!
To read some books that have made it to the big screen, dive into our Bookshop bookshelf Book to Screen Adaptations for Your Viewing and Reading Pleasure!
