Cronenberg May Guide Basic Instinct Sequel

November 9 -- It might be time to stop snickering about that Basic Instinct sequel. According to Variety, cutting-edge Canadian director David Cronenberg — who's pushed the boundaries of filmmaking with dark, edgy films like eXistenZ and Crash — is in final talks to take the 1992 Sharon Stone thriller into the future.

He might just be the only one who can haul ice pick-wielding novelist Catherine Tramell away from her ancient word processor and pop her up on-screen in a delicious halo of high-tech effects that today's moviegoers would love.

Though Stone signed on to the project back in June, Basic Instinct 2 has had some difficulty getting the original cast and crew to rally around the next chapter. Michael Douglas has pooh-poohed the idea of returning, as did screenwriter Joe Eszterhas.

In August, original BI director Paul Verhoeven told Empire Online that he had "many, many doubts" about the project, adding that in addition to script considerations, he was concerned by the challenge of answering the $117 million-grossing original, which created an international sensation in 1992 and launched Stone to stardom.

A mid-February start date is expected for the sequel.

Cronenberg, known for his unflinching eye for society's underbelly, could add the creepy touches BI2 would need to pass for bankable eye candy. Dead Ringers, anyone?

If Cronenberg is chosen as the Basic Instinct 2 director, he'll have to be approved by Stone before signing on the dotted line. Ditto for whoever co-stars as her hapless foil.

Stone is rumored to be receiving $15 million for recapping the role of alleged murderer Tramell.