Universal’s big-screen revival of Murder, She Wrote is no longer targeting the holidays. The studio has pushed its Jamie Lee Curtis-led reboot from December 22, 2027 to February 4, 2028.
The studio says it will be easier to play the playability of this type of movie. When you take a look at the holiday box office slate you can see why they made this decision. The original December slot was packed: Disney and Marvel’s Avengers: Secret Wars, Lionsgate’s The Housemaid’s Secret, New Line’s The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, Warner Bros.’ untitled Nancy Meyers movie, and Sony Animation’s Buds.
There aren’t any other major studio titles on Murder, She Wrote‘s new date. This gives the film room to breathe. It can find its audience without getting buried.
An Iconic Show Transformed for Movie Theaters
Curtis is starring as the iconic crime writer and amateur sleuth known as Jessica Fletcher. Previously, Angela Lansbury portrayed Fletcher in the original TV series. An iconic crime drama series produced by Universal Television, the show ran on CBS for 12 seasons from 1984 to 1996. It starred Lansbury as a retired schoolteacher turned successful mystery writer. She had an uncanny knack for solving real-life murders.
Plot details for the upcoming movie are not available. But the basis of the story is familiar to millions of fans.
Behind the camera, the project has a strong creative team. Pitch Perfect filmmaker Jason Moore is directing the reboot. The screenplay is by Dumb Money writers Lauren Schuker Blum and Rebecca Angelo. The film will be produced by Amy Pascal and Phil Lord. Chris Miller and Aditya Sood also produce through Lord Miller’s deal. This is a consecutive win for Lord and Miller. Their latest film Project Hail Mary was a box office success earning $577 million at the global box office and counting.
More in the Works for Curtis
But before she becomes Fletcher, Curtis will also be busy with other projects. Curtis will appear in two 2026 independent releases. These are the psychological thriller Sender and the crime drama The Only Living Pickpocket in New York.
It’s only six weeks difference between premiere dates but it’s a good move. Universal is hoping February will clear its way to the top of the charts. They want to be free from the chaos of the holiday season. With huge IP, a star who delivers, and capable hands behind it, Murder, She Wrote is already looking good for 2028.
