Cosplayers rejoice, because a Xena: Warrior Princess reboot is in the works and projected for the 2016 television season. According to The Hollywood Reporter, original executive producers Rob Tapert (aka Mr. Lucy Lawless) and Sam Raimi are working with NBC and NBC Universal to find a writer for the project.
The details are still sparse due to being in the very preliminary stages, so it is unclear whether it will get a 13-episode run like the recent return of 24, or if it will get a full-season treatment. Also unclear is whether or not star Lucy Lawless will return as the titular heroine, especially since *SPOILER ALERT* she died in the original series finale. However, it is reported that the actress is wanted onscreen and offscreen in some capacity, as a Lawless-less Xena is probably not one that would appeal to fans.
Apparently, when Lucy Lawless speaks, the Universe makes it happen. The actress has long been calling for the show’s revival, talking about it as recently as 2015’s Comic Con.
“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. ….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.”
Originally just a spinoff of the show Hercules, Xena: Warrior Princess ran for six seasons and became a cult favorite all on its own. Despite ending almost 15 years ago, the show still has a passionate fanbase, so NBC will have all eyes on them as this project develops.
(Via The Hollywood Reporter)
