Report: Jessica Rabbit Movie in Development as Roger Rabbit Creator Regains Rights
The world of Toontown is set for a major comeback, and one of its most iconic residents is finally stepping into the spotlight. Gary K. Wolf, the creator of Roger Rabbit, has confirmed that a live-action movie centered on Jessica Rabbit is now in active development. This news comes after the rights to the Who Framed Roger Rabbit? characters reverted to Wolf after more than three decades under Disney’s control.
Jessica Rabbit Movie In Development
During a recent interview, Wolf revealed that he is now free to pursue new projects with his characters and that a Jessica Rabbit film is the furthest along in the development process. The planned movie is based on his book, Jessica Rabbit: XERIOUS Business, which places the famous femme fatale at the center of her own story.
A High Bar for a New Era
Wolf made it clear that any new project set in the Roger Rabbit universe must meet the high standards set by the groundbreaking 1988 film. “Any sequels that we do have to at least match the quality of the original movie,” he explained, emphasizing the need for strong production values, tone, and character development.
This commitment to quality is significant, especially given the long and difficult history of getting a sequel off the ground. For years, a direct sequel has been stalled, with the original film’s director, Robert Zemeckis, expressing doubt that a new movie could ever be made under the modern Disney banner.
Disney’s Discomfort with Jessica
A major obstacle for any new Roger Rabbit project at Disney was the character of Jessica Rabbit herself. With her sultry design and famous line, “I’m not bad, I’m just drawn that way,” Jessica pushed the boundaries of a family-friendly film. Zemeckis noted last year that the current studio would “never make Roger Rabbit today,” pointing to modifications made to Jessica’s appearance in theme parks as evidence of the company’s discomfort with the character’s original portrayal.
With the rights now back in Wolf’s hands, the project is free from the constraints that may have held it back at Disney. This creative freedom opens the door for a film that can honor the edgy, noir-inspired tone of the original movie—a quality fans have been missing for decades.
While it is still early in the development process, the confirmation of a Jessica Rabbit movie is the most significant news to come out of the Roger Rabbit universe in years. For fans who grew up with the beloved characters of Toontown, the possibility of seeing Jessica Rabbit lead her own film is a long-awaited and exciting prospect.
