Tom Hanks Mermaid Movie Splash Is Still Getting A Remake Despite Delays

The remake of the Tom Hanks film Splash, which was announced in 2016, is still moving forward, with screenwriter Sarah Rothschild writing a new draft.

The remake of Splash is moving forward with a new screenwriter. The original 1984 film, which was directed by Ron Howard, starred Tom Hanks and Daryl Hannah. It followed Hanks as a young man who reunites with the mermaid who saved him as a child and falls in love with her. A remake starring Workaholics and 22 Jump Street star Jillian Bell was announced in 2016 but still hasn’t materialized.

However, per Deadline, the Splash remake isn’t dead in the water. They are moving forward with a new draft of the script. The screenwriter attached to this retooled version is Sarah Rothschild, who penned the 2020 Netflix film The Sleepover as well as the upcoming Rebel Wilson cruise ship comedy Rocking the Boat.

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Everything We Know About the Splash Remake

The remake of Splash has had a long journey to the screen. The film was originally announced (with Bell already attached) by producer Brian Grazer eight years ago, and it has been consistently delayed during pre-production. The original script, which is no longer in the mix, was penned by The L Word: Generation Q creator Marja-Lewis Ryan.

Channing Tatum was originally set to co-star with Bell, but at this time it does not seem that he is involved in this iteration of the project. This may be due to the fact that, between 2016 and the time of writing, he took a four-year break from acting. The star has now returned to the screen in The Lost City, Dog, and his upcoming film Magic Mike’s Last Dance, but there is no saying if he will see fit to return to this long-gestating project as his company Free Association is still involved in producing the film.

Along with Free Association, Disney and Imagine (Grazer and Howard’s company) are also on board the project. However, little information has been revealed about the film or its original draft. It is unknown whether the new direction for the Splash remake will make huge changes in terms of tone or overall plot, but is likley considering the ground-up reworking taking place.

More: Brian Grazer’s Net Worth

Source: Deadline