The beloved Disney fantasy movie, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, is getting an unexpected and major sequel update that will delight '70s and '80s kids. Robert Zemeckis' iconic blockbuster, which seamlessly blended live-action and animation, was a hilarious and innovative take on film noir and detective stories. It paired the titular cartoon rabbit with human private investigator Eddie Valiant, who solved a case to clear Roger's name. Despite its success, a sequel never materialized, and Zemeckis doubted it would ever happen. But now, the future of Toontown is looking bright.
In a recent interview, author Gary K. Wolf, who wrote the novel Who Censored Roger Rabbit, revealed he has regained the rights to his Roger Rabbit works, allowing him to pursue new projects. One of these projects is an adaptation of Wolf's novel Jessica Rabbit: XERIOUS Business, an origin story for Jessica Rabbit, who was once a human named Jessica Krupnik. Wolf stated that the most prominent project is a live-action Jessica Rabbit movie based on the book, which is currently the furthest along in development.
A Jessica Rabbit spinoff would be a great idea, as it offers an opportunity to explore a different genre. While Who Framed Roger Rabbit paid homage to film noir, XERIOUS Business could delve into the world of spy action movies. The plot revolves around Jessica Krupnik joining the XERIOUS agency, where she works with operative Robbe to stop The Klown's schemes. This shift in genre minimizes the risk of retreading familiar ground and provides a fresh take on the original.
The focus on a new main character is also a smart move. Eddie Valiant, played by Bob Hoskins, is a key figure in Wolf's sequels, and replacing Hoskins would be challenging. The film's potential to fill a void in the Hollywood landscape is significant. With the Mission: Impossible series seemingly concluded and the James Bond franchise in transition, XERIOUS Business could offer high-octane spy action to fans waiting for the next Bond film. Who Framed Roger Rabbit, despite being nearly 40 years old, remains a fan favorite, and building a film around Jessica Rabbit makes sense. Perhaps XERIOUS Business could kickstart a new franchise, providing an actress with a signature role.
What are your thoughts on this exciting development? Share your opinions in the comments below and join the conversation in the ComicBook Forum!
