Earlier this summer, it was reported not only that the remake of Splash was moving further through development, but also that there would be a significant change in the approach to the story: specifically that we would see it unfold from the perspective of the mermaid. As far as changes go, however, it turns out that this was just the tip of the iceberg, as it turns out that the new film will also be gender swapping the two lead roles.
Deadline got the scoop on this developing project, as the movie has also revealed the two actors who are being targeted to star in the film. Creating a 22 Jump Street reunion, the new version of Splash is being crafted to see Jillian Bell take on the role previously played by Tom Hanks, and it will be Channing Tatum who will play the mermaid once played by Daryl Hannah.
The original Splash, which was directed by Ron Howard and released in 1984, centered on Allen Bauer, a young man who was miraculously saved by a mermaid when he was a young boy. Because of the connection he felt with her, he's never been able to have a real relationship with a woman. As an adult, he winds up having yet another boating accident that leads him to reunite with the fantastical creature. If not just because of the perspective change, we expect that certain elements will be changing for the remake.
While there will certainly be some people who feel the need to gripe about the gender swap, there's an easy argument to be made that the change in the characters and the perspective actually validate the idea of remaking Splash in the first place (why should the studio do it if they're just going to make the same movie?). Plus, both Channing Tatum and Jillian Bell have proven to both be very gifted comedians, and it should be fantastic to see the two of them have the opportunity to play off of each other (given that Bell's 22 Jump Street part had her spending a lot more scenes with Jonah Hill).
There is no word on who Disney is going to hire to take the helm of the Splash remake just yet, but they've hired Marja-Lewis Ryan -- the writer and director of the upcoming comedy Liked - to pen the screenplay. The movie is still very early in development, so it may be a minute before we hear any more details, but be sure to stay tuned for more updates.
In the meantime, hit the comments section below to let us know all of your thoughts, opinions and feelings about the Splash remake and the Jillian Bell/Channing Tatum potential casting.
