In the latest bout of 80s nostalgia film reboots, it seems that producer Brian Grazer is looking to remake the classic Tom Hank/ Daryl Hannah film ‘Splash’ for modern audiences. The original film was about a mermaid (Hannah) who saved a man named Allen Bauer (Hanks) from drowning, and then gains legs and follows him to New York City, where the pair manage to fall in love despite the fact that her legs become a tail anytime they get wet. (Fun Fact: The film was originally supposed to be called “Wet” according to Grazer’s book ‘A Curious Mind’ where he discussed the original concept for ‘Splash.’ No surprise that the studio changed the title to something a little more family friendly). The original grossed about $90 million, making it a surprise hit for Grazer and a great career launcher for Hannah, and adding to Hank’s already growing repertoire of great movies.
Now it seems that Grazer wants to get back in the water so to speak, as apparently the original film had some creative choices taken away from him by the studio (not just the title). In the source material for ‘Splash,’ the entire story was seen from the point of view of the mermaid, and apparently that premise is what Grazer would like to return to. In his own words:
“Yes. And that’s what…we’re going to do a version of that. But I can’t tell you the twist.”
Now while reboots of classics are not exactly welcomed by fans and critics, this one might be something different, as Grazer is trying to go back and make the film again the way he always saw it, which in some ways is admirable. Throw in a new twist, and the fact that the special effects in the original seem a bit dated, and ‘Splash’ might actually be an ideal project for a reboot.
What are your thoughts on Grazer releasing a new version of ‘Splash?’ Do you think there’s still a market for it nowadays? Could a new cast possibly compare to the greatness of Tom Hanks and Daryl Hannah? Share your thoughts below!
Source: Screen Rant
Nick is a freelance writer based in Los Angeles, who belongs to the privileged few who enjoyed the ending to ‘Lost.’ For more of Nick’s thoughts and articles, follow him on Twitter.
