Back in June, Brian Grazer told the world that he was still working on a new version of classic Tom Hanks/Daryl Hannah comedy Splash, but with a twist. Disney is now developing the idea, with Channing Tatum and Jillian Bell in the lead roles.
According to Deadline, the twist is that Tatum will be the sleek aquatic creature and Bell as the everywoman from the land who falls for him. Bell, who worked with Tatum in 22 Jump Street and has several writing/producing credits to her name, reportedly developed the idea into a pitch and Disney took the bait.
Grazer and Imagine partner Ron Howard (who directed the original) are on as producers, with Marja-Lewis Ryan writing the script. It's still in the early stages at the moment, and could yet change, but the gender-swap sounds might work to make the reboot feel a little fresher, and was actually part of a script that Imagine bought that featured the Merman's point of view...