A new version of the 1984 sleeper hit “Splash” is being reimagined over at Disney, TheWrap has learned.
It’s being developed for “22 Jump Street” co-stars Channing Tatum and Jillian Bell by Imagine Entertainment’s Ron Howard and Brian Grazer — who made the first film starring Tom Hanks and Daryl Hannah.
The original “Splash” revolved around a young man (Hanks) who is reunited with a mermaid (Hannah) who saved him from drowning as a boy. He falls in love with her not knowing that it was she who saved him so many years ago.
The remake will turn the story on its head, however, with Tatum in the role originally performed by Hannah and Bell as the Hanks character.
The character swap was devised by Bell herself, according to sources. She just finished filming “Office Christmas Party” with Jennifer Aniston and Jason Bateman and is set to appear in “Rock That Body.” Both films also star Kate McKinnon.
Aside from “22 Jump Street,” Bell and Tatum also collaborated on the 2014 viral video “Dick Graze.”
Marja-Lewis Ryan is writing the script.
Tatum is also producing out of his Free Association, along with Reid Carolin and Peter Kieran.
Anna Culp from Imagine will be an executive producer.
Tatum, Bell and writer Ryan are repped by UTA. Tatum is also represented by Management 360; Bell is repped by 3 Arts and Ryan is at Kaplan/Perrone.