The Jewel of the Nile (2025)

A Beloved Sequel Still Waiting for a Modern Revival

Four decades after its release, The Jewel of the Nile remains one of the most memorable action-comedy adventures of the 1980s. Serving as the sequel to the smash hit Romancing the Stone (1984), this 1985 follow-up reunited audiences with their favorite on-screen couple—romance novelist Joan Wilder (Kathleen Turner) and rugged adventurer Jack Colton (Michael Douglas).

Today, in 2025, fans still wonder: will The Jewel of the Nile ever return to the big screen in a reboot or continuation?

A Quick Look Back

Directed by Lewis Teague, The Jewel of the Nile continues the story of Joan and Jack as they’re pulled into yet another exotic and dangerous journey—this time across the deserts of North Africa. When Joan accepts an invitation to write the biography of a mysterious sheik, she and Jack are soon caught in a web of political intrigue, betrayal, and a legendary “jewel” that turns out to be far more than it seems.

• Box Office Success: The film grossed nearly $97 million worldwide, following up on the major success of Romancing the Stone.

• Cast: Alongside Turner and Douglas, Danny DeVito returned as the scheming and hilarious Ralph.

• Soundtrack Highlight: Billy Ocean’s hit single “When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going” became a chart-topping anthem.

Legacy and Critical Reception

Though financially successful, The Jewel of the Nile received mixed reviews. Critics felt it lacked the emotional depth and narrative freshness of the original. However, many praised the chemistry of the lead actors and its larger-than-life adventure tone.

Despite its flaws, the movie has developed a nostalgic fan base and remains a defining example of 1980s Hollywood escapism.

Talk of a Reboot or Sequel?

Over the years, several attempts were made to continue or reimagine the franchise:

• A third film—tentatively titled The Crimson Eagle—was once considered, with Joan and Jack heading to Asia. But the project never materialized.

• Remake rumors circulated in the late 2000s and 2010s, with new actors considered for the roles. However, nothing came of these plans.

As of 2025, no reboot, remake, or sequel is officially in development.

Why No Return Yet?

There are a few reasons the franchise hasn’t returned:

• Changing tastes: Modern audiences are more drawn to darker, serialized stories than lighthearted rom-com adventures.

• Creative differences: The original writer, Diane Thomas, tragically passed away in 1985, and attempts to continue the series without her never captured the same magic.

• Competition: Similar adventure franchises (Indiana Jones, Tomb Raider, Uncharted) have filled the genre space.

Final Thoughts

The Jewel of the Nile may never have reached the iconic status of its predecessor, but it still holds a special place in the hearts of 1980s movie lovers. With legacy sequels and nostalgic reboots trending in Hollywood, it’s not impossible that Joan Wilder and Jack Colton could one day return—whether as new characters or older versions of themselves passing the torch.

Until then, the 1985 classic stands as a time capsule of globe-trotting romance, clever banter, and old-school Hollywood charm.