In a recent interview with ImNotBad, author Gary K. Wolf announced that he has regained the rights to all of his creations, including Roger Rabbit and Jessica Rabbit. He told the host, “I now have back the rights to all my characters, all my books. I can, basically, do my own Roger Rabbit projects.” This announcement sparked immediate excitement among fans who have waited for a fresh take on the beloved cartoon duo.
Plans for a Live Action Jessica Rabbit Film
Wolf wasted no time outlining his first priority. He revealed that the most advanced project in development is a live action Jessica Rabbit movie based on his book Jessica Rabbit: XERIOUS Business. He explained, “The one that is most prominent … is a live action Jessica Rabbit movie based on the book Jessica Rabbit: XERIOUS Business. That was the first project that we took a look at and the first we started developing. It’s probably the one that’s furthest along right now.” This new film promises to bring the sultry cartoon star to the big screen with modern visual effects and a storyline that honors her original charm.
The Unmade Who Framed Roger Rabbit Sequel
While Wolf focuses on Jessica, a separate script for a Who Framed Roger Rabbit sequel sits idle at Disney. Director Robert Zemeckis confirmed on the Happy Sad Confused podcast that a screenplay exists, but Disney refused to move forward. He said, “There’s a good script sitting at Disney, but here’s what you have to know, and you know this: the current Disney would never make Roger Rabbit today… They can’t make a movie with Jessica in it.” Zemeckis added that Disney’s recent changes to Jessica’s theme park appearance, where she wore a trench coat, illustrate the company’s discomfort with her sensual image.
Why Disney Hesitated
Back in 2016, Zemeckis noted that Disney’s corporate culture no longer supports projects like Roger Rabbit. He explained that the studio “has no interest in Roger, and they certainly don’t like Jessica at all.” Jessica Rabbit’s reputation as a major sex symbol has made Disney wary of potential controversy. With Wolf now holding the rights, he can bypass Disney’s restrictions and explore Jessica’s character without corporate pushback.
Potential Future Directions
Earlier rumors suggested that Steven Spielberg once considered directing a sequel titled Who Discovered Roger Rabbit. A young J.J. Abrams reportedly drafted the screenplay. Although the project stalled, Zemeckis believes a final draft still lives in the Disney vault. Wolf’s renewed control could revive these ideas or inspire entirely new stories that blend live action and animation.
Overall, the news that Gary Wolf has reclaimed his characters signals a new era for fans. The upcoming live action Jessica Rabbit movie stands as the most promising development, while the dormant Who Framed Roger Rabbit sequel script remains a tantalizing “what could have been” scenario. Readers should stay tuned for official updates as Wolf’s team moves forward with production.
Source: World of Reel
