Warner Brothers is gearing up for a reboot of BUFFY: The Vampire Slayer without Joss Whedon
On more than one occasion when I have interviewed comic book creators and asked what it was like for them to create an original story with original characters; they've replied that it sometimes takes a lot out of them. The endless hours combined where the writer/illustrator sits and wracks his or her brain trying to conjure up unique and interesting ideas with enticing characters isn't easy, and can sometimes become overwhelming. Writing an original story, or creating an original character can often mean putting themselves out there- giving part of themselves to the story and sharing it with the world. Yet, the moment they share is also the moment that the project no longer belongs to them. It belongs to the publisher who published their book, to the agent that got them noticed, to the film company who funded the project and finally, to the audience; to the fans. This project, whatever it may be, suddenly belongs to anyone who has become monetarily or emotionally invested in it in one way or another and the creator suddenly becomes simply a name in the credits of the movie, or on the cover of the book. As a result, the idea that something they conjured up and worked hard to perfect could be taken into a new creative direction without their input, is a concept that can be very hard to swallow. Such is writer/director Joss Whedon's current predicament. On the heels of the announcement that Warner Brothers purchased the rights to Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and that they would be doing a reboot of the film and television series without it's creator; Whedon was quick to reply in a discussion with Collider.
This is a sad, sad reflection on our times, when people must feed off the carcasses of beloved stories from their youths—just because they can’t think of an original idea of their own, like I did with my Avengers idea that I made up myself...
== TEASER == Whedon went on, very honestly, to express that while he always hoped that Buffy would live on long after Whedon, that he was not pleased that a studio would reboot her film without letting him know, first.
l Obviously I have strong, mixed emotions about something like this. My first reaction upon hearing who was writing it was, “Whit Stillman AND Wes Anderson? This is gonna be the most sardonically adorable movie EVER.” Apparently I was misinformed. Apparently I am seldom informed of anything. And possibly a little slow. But seriously, are vampires even popular any more? I always hoped that Buffy would live on even after my death. But, you know, AFTER. I don’t love the idea of my creation in other hands, but I’m also well aware that many more hands than mine went into making that show what it was. And there is no legal grounds for doing anything other than sighing audibly. I can’t wish people who are passionate about my little myth ill. I can, however, take this time to announce that I’m making a Batman movie. Because there’s a franchise that truly needs updating. So look for The Dark Knight Rises Way Earlier Than That Other One And Also More Cheaply And In Toronto, rebooting into a theater near you.
Even though Joss Whedon created Buffy the Vampire Slayer, wrote the script for the 1992 film, independently funded, wrote, and directed the television show's unaired pilot - Buffy no longer belongs to Joss Whedon. Buffy the Vampire Slayer belongs to Warner Brothers, and to you, and to me. However, Joss Whedon, more than anyone, has every right to be upset over a reboot- which will in no way involve him- yet will be based on a character that became wildly popular as a result of his hard work and creativity. To add insult to injury, the screenplay for the film will be written by Whit Anderson, an actress who has appeared in two films ( YES MAN, SAW: REBIRTH) and who's only credentials for writing the screenplay for the BUFFY reboot is that she's a "really big fan." Whedon has a point. It might seem reasonable to bring in a "fan" to write the screenplay- if the writer were dead- but Whedon, who created BUFFY is still very much alive, so why isn't he working on it?
What do you think of the idea of a BUFFY movie reboot without Joss Whedon? Do you think that as creator, he should be involved? Should he have the right to be upset over the future of a property he created
Oh wow. I mean I'm sad that Buffy and Angel are not on tv anymore but they live on in the comics (thank you Dark Horse). I seriously doubt we need a reboot of Buffy. Do I need to call in Caleb???
I bet he wasn't pissed when W/B picked up Buffy and gave him all those nice paychecks. Doing a reboot usually takes a different style approach. If that's the case I can side with W/B, if they're just going to do the same thing using different actors then I'll take Wheddons side. Depends on how they go with it.
@goldenkey: He is also pissed because its his character, he came up with Buffy long ago and even tried making it into a movie before and then into the TV show. Its his baby, now WB is taking his baby and not allowing him to be a part of it. I can understand his being upset. But I still think it could be a good thing in the long run, hopefully. Maybe.
BRUTAL!!!! This is terrible news, and he should be pissed, because I sure as hell am. Just make something new, why ruin something that is already so amazing. Oh WB if you didnt put out 2 good batman movies, where would u be now? Still putting out crap like steel and catwoman. Stupid twilight ruining vampires and now ruining this
okay right now im very pissed of sry for this diction but the comic world is.... in the last few months going on my nervs first : kitty pryde was lost, lian (the daughter of roy harper) died, wonder woman the wonder woman got a new origin (blöööhhh) -.- and what now a new blondie chick which wants to act buffy are they totally out of their minds ...... im gona to be very deeprest i think is not a good idea buffy without whedon ...... is like superman without cape or spider man without mask ..... -.- buffy is/was my childhood hero :( :( :'(
Everything thats wrong with media and the politics involved is summed up in this story. The whole idea of resurrecting somebody elses idea, without telling them, and then not allowing the creator to work on it, but instead have some dumb hack write the sceenplay is just plain wrong. I have no doubt in my mind that this reboot will fail miserably
Considering the lame situation that existed when the series was cancelled to begin with; I really think this is a real slap in the face to Whedon. The series will be crap, because Sarah Michelle Gellar IS Buffy and you can't just fill a role like that. As we all know with Superman. I can't believe the lame television and movie makers can't get it together and make new stuff. I'm SO TIRED of REBOOTS, Earn your pay people, ACTUALLY CREATE SOMETHING!
That kinda sucks for Whedon. feel bad for the guy especially since I finally watched all of Firefly and he is such a great writer and stuff and now they just kinda leave him in the lurch on one of his biggest things.
Even though it'll prolly be terrible regardless....what they SHOULD do is just call this new series "Vampire Slayer" and revolve around an original cast and an all new slayer, Muffy or Coco or some other silly name. Of course they won't do that, it takes too much work. Instead they'll just stab Whedon in his heart and then pee in the hole like the Christmas Critters did to Strawberry Shortcake.
No Joss Whedon, No Buffy! I can't say I wouldn't try watching a new Buffy movie or TV show, but I can say this right now, there is no way it would be anywhere near as clever or awesome as the Whedon TV series (or without SMG). Besides the show hasn't even been off the air for a decade, and they already want to redo it. I figure alot of people will veto it, being Whedon fans, but there is a whole new generation of unoriginal idea loving, fang-bangers, so it could work. Gosh coudln't they just to the animated series, that was never picked up? PLEASE.
Not a Buffy fan but my mom is a huge fan... Hollywood is really starting to give creators a bum deal. I don't support this at all. Most recently what happened when a property got out of the hands of the creators? Street Fighter the Legend of Chun Li............'NUFF SAID
Joss Whedon welcome to the world of Money over art. Remakes & Reboots over Original thinking and new ideas. Hollywood would sequel the hell out of something great than let it go down in history as a Great Story or Idea.
"I was just thinking about the life of a pumpkin. Grow up in the sun happily entwined with others, and then someone comes along, cuts you open and rips your guts out." Buffy, Season4
"There's only one thing on this earth more powerful than evil. And that's us. Any questions?" Buffy, Season7
These are a couple of my favorite Buffy quotes. I felt they were appropriate. I love/d Buffy the Vampire Slayer for all its witty, campy lines, humor and pop culture. I'm not happy Joss won't be a part of it because I think all of what I love about Buffy will be lost. I imagine I'll watch to see if they can capture that magic Joss gave it. Without bringing in Joss or the old writers I don't see how it can work. The show is too fresh to change EVERYTHING and expect it to be sucessful. (without Joss or any of the old writers-they are changing everything.) They should have waited longer to reboot or brought Joss in. My opinion.
" Why does WB try to piss off every creator known to man? "
They wan't to cut out the middle man! "
Business is Business, but if WB pisses off Whedon, would he walk like Alan Moore, or Brubaker or Rucka? WB needs to start caring about creator owned property again and not screw with people to piss them off.
Business is Business, but if WB pisses off Whedon, would he walk like Alan Moore, or Brubaker or Rucka? WB needs to start caring about creator owned property again and not screw with people to piss them off. "
As long as there money to be made from it, the creator's can take a walk.
My biggest problem with this whole thing is that WB wound not be making this movie Reboot if Wheadon hadn't done something few people had done before; take a bad movie and make a overwhelmingly successful TV show from it. To me, WB should take some lessons from the Fox's failed attempt to make a USA version of Simon Pegg's Spaced without ever bother to consulting the creators. The Fan backlash was overwhelming.
Why restart a franchise by pissing off the very people that would be most likely to watch it? That might work with a less loved franchise but come on...Wheadonites where able to get a Firefly movie made when little thought it would happen. That fan base is well organized. Sounds counterproductive and odd for a company like Warner Bro. to do. I can't help but wonder if this is more about the past history between Wheadon and the WB then sound choices to invest in. I'm a casual fan of the series and really liked Angel even more so this news doesn't excite me at all.
OK NOW I´M REALLY PISSED OFF !!!!!!! >:( !!!!!!! Why is every second b**ch doing a reboot ???? That`s really not fair cause Buffy is the best series EVER that has been on Tv , and now they totally screw it up ! Why don`t you make your own series and do what ever the f**k you want with it !? Whedon HAS the right to be upset ! Cause he is the person who made Buffy to such a adorable character and series ! I really don`t understand why everyone has to do all these reboots . ( Sorry for the language. )
it shameful enough that WB are jumping o the whole vampire / twilight bandwagon by re-booting Buffy, but to do it without at least discussing script writing with Joss seems daft. while I know that Joss' recent work hasn't always been great (Dollhouse) it was the character dynamics between the 'scooby gang' that made Buffy great - not the vampires and sfx. i'll keep an open mind as obviously things evolve over time, but 'm skeptical to say the least
As a fan of both Buffy (and the scoobies!) as well as Joss Wheadon I'm pissed, so I can only imagine how pissed Joss is feeling right now. It pains me to say this, but I won't be going to see the movie and I kind of hope it bombs!
Buffy without Joss? I would rather there be no new Buffy at all!
I used to enjoy the show, but dropped it around the last few seasons. It lost a lot of the fun.
After Buffy's forced revival when the series moved to the CW, she became so depressing. Buffy was sleeping with Spike, who was using her like a plaything and humiliating her; and she was pretty miserable to be alive.
Part of me is feeling a bit sick in the stomach, because I have a bad feeling what motivated this action. Seems as if every network is creating some new vampire property due to the popularity of Twilight. The WB might be looking to make Buffy their new Twilight.
@Babs said:
" My question is, why are they getting a Buffy Fan-girl to write the script? If I were Whedon, I'd be a little upset, too. "
Sounds to me as if they are creating a fan outrage buffer. WB is well aware that without Whedon, they need to give an "impression" that they care about the story. The die hard fans are going to side with Whedon, and they might not of been able to get anyone who was working on the original series.
Essentially, this movie and reboot are fan-fiction.
It's a sad sad world when you have to take someone else's creation and make a movie for the sake of profit! It's ok Joss, come write for the X-men again! You made Kitty Pryde like-able again! Screw WB!
I don't blame Whedon for being pissed, but this could be all the better for him. This could be a serious train wreck and this way he can say, "Wasn't my idea".
On one hand Boo freaking hoo they paid Whedon, he laid in bed with them, and when they kept something from the wallet he left, he's mad sorry my pity just will not sympothize on this case. Whedon should have known what he had gotten into or at least protected his property better but nooo he was riding the gravy train and all he could get out of it and when it ended he was left blinded in a stupor of the other gravy trains that were almost better, never suspecting anyone would dig their ladle in it. I know how he feels creations no longer belonging to you, left with any old thing that needs the money buts thats the risk you take in hollywood it can't all be smiles and multi-million dollar business deals. On the other Boo reboots suck!
Is this even a relevant marketing idea in the age of "Twilight"? Even a "Blade" movie would be nauseating right now. I am mofoin' sick of all these mofoin' vampires at the mofoin' movies! Give me my damn Captain Marvel movie and Y:The Last Man tv show!
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