Update: “Buffy” reboot
Remember this:
A Buffy the Vampire Slayer movie… without Joss Whedon?!?! Here’s Whedon’s response:
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.
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. Then I thought, “I’ll make a mint! This is worth more than all my Toy Story residuals combined!” 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…
Apparently there’s more to the story per this article in THR:
The Internet exploded in anger Thursday at news that Warner Bros., Atlas Entertainment and Vertigo Entertainment are planning a new Buffy the Vampire Slayer film without Joss Whedon, maestro of the 1992 film and 1997–2003 TV series.
Whedon himself fanned the flames, advising fans to “leave me to my pain” in a witty missive.
But Whedon was offered a chance to be involved with the new Buffy — and passed.
According to studio insiders, he was approached last year after Buffy rightsholder Fran Rubel Kuzui and husband Kaz Kuzui began developing a remake with Vertigo. After presented with the opportunity, Whedon decided he’d rather work on other projects (he’s making Marvel Studios’ The Avengers). Producers then began searching for a writer and late last year hired actress-turned-scribe Whit Anderson. The unknown Anderson, with only bit film appearances to her credit, came up with a take on the Buffy myth that was strong enough after a couple of drafts to lure Atlas, which partnered with Vertigo to set it up at a studio.
Not sure that news will change any of your minds about the reboot.
UPDATE: Ah, appears a PR battle is in progress and Mr. Whedon is being misrepresented. Per the site Whedonesque:
Seemingly stung by internet criticism, studio insiders told The Hollywood Reporter yesterday that Joss turned down the reboot last year. The press run with this story but fail to notice that Joss commented on it to EW.com back in June of 2009 “I believe [the producers] did ultimately reach out to my agent after the news broke. I think that’s something better left untouched by me.”
Clearly how Whedon feels about this BTVS reboot is important, at least in the court of public opinion. Hence the counter-offensive.
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