As the hit fantasy seriesXena: Warrior Princessnears its 20th Anniversary later this year,The Hollywood Reporterreveals that NBC and NBCUniversal are in the early stages of developing a reboot of the beloved fantasy series. The show is being eyed for a 2016 debut, with original executive producersSam RaimiandRob Tapertinvolved in the project, which is being described as a “modern reboot.” Original series starLucy Lawlessis being eyed for a role on screen, as well as behind-the-scenes, possibly as a producer.
It isn’t known at this time if the network is eyeing the show for a 13-episodelimited seriesrun, or if it would get a full 22-episode season. Insiders say that NBC hopes to turn this into an ongoing series that could potentially run for several seasons. Sources claim that the network want the new Xena to have the “charisma and charm ofLucy Lawlessand the smarts ofThe Hunger Games' Katniss.” The project doesn’t have any writers attached at this time, and it isn’t known what roleLucy Lawlessmay have on the show. She did reveal in aComic-Coninterview, while promotingAsh Vs. Evil Dead, that she thinksXenashould come back to the airwaves.
“I’ve been pitching that show because there’s a swell of interest still. 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 likeAsh 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. 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! It’s an insane international character. They’re fools not to bring it back. It’s funny, it’s sexy, it’s action.”
Xena: Warrior Princessran for six seasons in syndication from 1995 to 2001.Lucy Lawless' title character was originally introduced on another first-run syndicated show, Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, before she got her own spinoff. Renée O’Connor also starred as Xena’s companion Gabrielle,Ted Raimias Joxer,Bruce Campbellas Autolycus,Marton Csokasas Borias and a youngKarl Urbanin one of his early roles as Julius Caesar. It remains to be seen if any of the supporting cast members will be asked back for the reboot.
If NBC does pick up the series, it could be the Friday-night companion for the hit seriesGrimmthat they’ve been searching for. The last three shows which the network tried to pair withGrimm, Dracula, Crossbones andConstantine, were all canceled after just one season. Are you excited thatXena: Warrior Princessmay be coming back to the small screen? Let us know what you think.
