Back in July, Lucy Lawless, the original star of Xena: Warrior Princess, cast doubt on reports that NBC was planning to reboot the series. She called it a “rumor” and “wishful thinking.” And as recently as the TCA Press Tour, Lawless insisted that she isn’t involved with any plans to bring back Xena. Lawless is married to Xena co-creator, Rob Tapert, and she mentioned that he wasn’t involved either.
However, NBC is singing an entirely different tune. According to The Hollywood Reporter, NBC’s Bob Greenblatt not only confirmed the Xena reboot, he insisted that “”there is a deal with Sam [Raimi] and Rob Tapert to produce, and it’s with NBC International.”
“We’re in the early stages of developing a new take on Xena and we’re looking for a writer,” said Greenblatt. “We want to do it,”
Related: NBC Plans Xena: Warrior Princess Reboot For 2016
The story on THR also notes that NBC has actually already found a writer that it wants to tackle the Xena reboot, but it did not say who it is. Additionally, the report said “the new, modern 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.”
Xena crossed with Katniss? Potentially, that could work…if NBC finds an actress who can pull that off. As for Lawless herself, Greenblatt was non-committal about what role she might play in the reboot.
“We’d love to have Lucy be a part of it — if we felt that her presence didn’t overshadow the direction we take with it,” explained Greenblatt. “I’m not sure how she could be part of it if she wasn’t playing Xena, and I don’t know if that’s a direction we’ll ever go.”
For her part, Lawless was magnanimous about NBC’s announcement.
“@Snoodit: NBC Boss on #Xena Reboot: “We’re Looking for a Writer” http://t.co/88kJ5ddx0F pic.twitter.com/Hy4J74cDkv” -the power of Fandom!!!!
— Lucy Lawless (@RealLucyLawless) August 13, 2015
If a #Xena reboot gets made, it’s because the fans are beautiful, hardcore nutballs who want what they want.
— Lucy Lawless (@RealLucyLawless) August 13, 2015
NBC is reportedly eyeing the Xena reboot to launch in 2016.
Xena fans, what do you want to see in the reboot? And who would you cast as the new Xena? Throw the Chakram and let us know what you’re thinking!
