Disney plans to move forward with the re-imagining of the 1984 sleeper hit Splash, with Channing Tatum and Jillian Bell attached to star in the upcoming film. The original movie launched the acting careers of Oscar Winner Tom Hanks and superstar Daryl Hannah. The idea for the story was hatched by producer Brian Grazer, with Imagine company partner Ron Howard directing the film. However, the re-make will reportedly have one major plot twist that should make for an intriguing take on the classic movie.
The movie is being developed with Channing Tatum set to take on the role that Hannah played, with Jillian Bell in the Hanks’ role. Yes, you read that right. Channing Tatum will be playing a mermaid. The idea for the switcheroo was reportedly pitched by Bell, who worked with Tatum in 22 Jump Street, and recently wrapped filming on Office Christmas Party.
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Imagine’s Anna Culp will be the executive producer with Ron Howard and Brian Grazer producing alongside Tatum’s Free Association, Reid Carolin and Peter Kieran, according to Deadline. Screenwriter Marja-Lewis Ryan has been tapped to pen the script for the remake. She most recently wrapped production on Liked, which she wrote and directed. Ryan also writes for HBO and Tatum’s Free Association show Unsupervised, which seems to be ready for a pilot episode. The finishing touches to the deal were inked on Friday night by Walt Disney Motion Picture president Sean Bailey.
The production is well aware that there will inevitable groaning about Hollywood running out of fresh ideas, but the new twist on the fish tale sounds like a fun way to re-introduce the lovable story to a new audience.
Does the upcoming Splash remake with Channing Tatum and Jillian Bell re-invigorate your interest in this classic 1980’s movie?
