The upcoming film adaptation of the beloved mystery series “Murder, She Wrote” is generating excitement, particularly with the announcement that Jamie Lee Curtis will take on the iconic role of Jessica Fletcher, which was originally made famous by Angela Lansbury. Jason Moore, the director of the new film, believes that Curtis embodies the qualities necessary to revive this classic character.
Moore, known for his work on films like “Pitch Perfect” and “Shotgun Wedding,” shared his insights with PEOPLE about why Curtis, now 67, is the ideal candidate for the role. He praised her ability to connect with others, remarking, “She’s just always curious, always forward, always caring, always very loving.” Such attributes, according to Moore, will bring depth to Jessica Fletcher, a sharp-witted mystery writer and amateur detective who captivated audiences for twelve seasons from 1984 to 1996.
The director elaborated on the essence of the series, explaining that every mystery in “Murder, She Wrote” was unique. This diversity allows a talented actor like Curtis to shine, and he is confident that with her in the lead, the reboot will succeed. “You can take a wonderful character, you can put somebody wonderful like Jamie Lee Curtis in it, and if you have a great murder mystery, I believe we’ll have a great movie,” he asserted.
The film, which was originally scheduled for a release on December 22, 2027, has been postponed to February 4, 2028. However, Moore has already been impressed by Curtis’s performance during early discussions and preparations. He described an example of her engaging personality, noting her inquisitive nature and her tendency to connect with everyone around her, from high-profile individuals down to the busboys. “She stops people to talk to them,” said Moore. “She’s kind of like a nosy, curious person, which works well for a detective.”
Jessica Fletcher, the character Curtis will portray, is known for her relentless pursuit of the truth and her ability to draw out confessions from those around her. Moore pointed out how Curtis’s inherent curiosity and openness make her a natural fit for the role. “Every time I sit down with her, I find myself telling her some secret about my life,” he revealed, reinforcing the actress’s magnetic quality that encourages people to share their stories.
Moore also highlighted the importance of Jessica Fletcher’s character: she serves as a confidant to many, and her ability to extract vital information is a hallmark of her investigative prowess. The director remarked, “I think one of the key things about Jessica Fletcher is that people would tell her things.” He believes that Curtis possesses a similar quality, fostering an atmosphere where others feel comfortable opening up.
Curtis confirmed her involvement in the project back in July 2025. Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, she expressed her enthusiasm for the reboot but tempered her excitement until production officially begins. “We’re a minute away. But very excited. Very excited,” she noted, indicating her eagerness to embark on this new chapter while juggling other commitments.
As the release date approaches, anticipation for the film continues to build. The combination of Curtis’s acclaimed talent and Moore’s directorial vision suggests that fans of the original series can look forward to a fresh yet respectful retelling of this beloved mystery saga. This new adaptation aims not only to honour Angela Lansbury’s legacy but also to introduce Jessica Fletcher to a new generation of viewers.
With its combination of character-driven storytelling and engaging mysteries, the upcoming “Murder, She Wrote” film promises to be a thrilling addition to the genre, and with Jamie Lee Curtis at the helm, the legacy of Jessica Fletcher is set to live on in an exciting new way.