Caffeinated Clint
NBC are bringing back Xena : Warrior Princess!
Twenty years after the “Hercules” spin-off first premiered, NBC and NBCUniversal International are developing a reboot. Original executive producers Rob Tapert and Sam Raimi are involved, but Lucy Lawless – though rumoured to have both an onscreen and behind-the-scenes role – isn’t confirmed yet.
A writer is being sought to pen the “modern reboot”, which would air next year.
“Sources say the new Xena would have to have the charisma and charm of Lawless and the smarts of The Hunger Games’ Katniss as producers are said to be looking for a sophisticated and smart superhero for a new generation”, says THR, who had the scoop on the “Xena” redo.
Lawless -essentially confirming she’ll have some sort of involvement with the new show – told HitFix at Comic Con that she’d been pitching a new “Xena” series.
“I’ve been pitching that show … because … there’s a swell of interest still,” she said. “I’m always being peppered with questions [about] when the Xena movie is coming. Guys, I’m pitching my ass off to make it happen, whether it’s with me or not. I think it’d be funny to have a reboot like Ash vs. Evil Dead — like middle-aged Xena in a muumuu with a bad attitude and a smoking habit. … Bring [actor] Ted Raimi [who played Joxer] in … [and maybe] Bruce Campbell.”
“I don’t know what the hold-up is; it’s about who has got the rights,” she added. “But that’s a piss-poor excuse anymore. Find who has got the rights, freakin’ pay it. It’s better to have 80 percent of something than 100 percent of nothing. Don’t waste this opportunity; reinvigorate that franchise!” she said, stressing the show’s international appeal. It’s an insane international character. They’re fools not to bring it back. It’s funny, it’s sexy, it’s action.”
