5 replies to this topic

[Ratty Randnums]

Kind of old news, but figured John Roberts and any other fans of the series might have wanted a place to post their thoughts on this.

Kristin, I'm glad you asked for my thoughts on the announcement of Buffy the cinema film. 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. 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.

Leave me to my pain! Sincerely, Joss Whedon.

From here http://www.eonline.c...vie_news_i.html

More details on the remake here http://www.toplessro...in.php#comments

EDIT: Huh, wonder why the board auto-changed the capitalization in my thread title, meh.

[John Roberts]

Buffy already had a reboot, and it lasted for seven years. I am glad this new 'reboot' is now out of the hands of Fran and Kaz Kuzui though, the two that had a hand in butchering the original movie. And as much as I do hate the idea of Buffy without Joss, this article does give me pause. Done well, reboots CAN be good. A fresh perspective on some of the framework, without the ties to specific canon and history. I loved the recent Star Trek/Batman films. To the non-comicbook public, Buffy has been silent for 7 years, which is far better than, say, the next Superman and Spiderman films being reboots. While good reboots are certainly in the minority, they *do* exist, and given how trendy vampire stories have been lately, it does make sense to do it. BUT! I can't raise much enthusiasm for it.

Obviously Buffy without Joss is a huge problem(for me), but so is Buffy without Sarah Michelle Gellar and without all the other characters from the TV show. If a reboot has to be done, then I'd prefer just a remake of the original film. A better version of the origin story would actually be pretty cool. That gives a legitimate reason to recast Buffy, as a 14/15 year old, and to miss out Willow, Xander, Giles, etc. And it would probably appeal more to the target audience that they're going after (which is not me, whatever they say).

"There is an active fan base eagerly awaiting this character's return to the big screen."

Yeah, there is. But not your version, bucko.

Wait... what are the odds they're talking about the Twilight fans? Good God no!

[EDIT]La Times interviews the writer of the new Buffy movie.
Well, it's nice to know the writer is a fan of the show, and speaks so passionately about it.

Look, I'll be honest. I hope this movie is a success, help the Buffy name live on for a brand new audience. I may not be a fan of this new take on my beloved Slayer, but I can at least grow a smile at the idea of her name immortalised into new minds.

[John Roberts]

An funny little tidbit on the whole Buffy Reboot thing:

Joss Whedon Passed on 'Buffy' Reboot

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.
Fox, distributor of the 1992 movie, had first crack, but passed, so Warners slid in, betting that Whedon or no Whedon, Buffy can still slay at the box office.

Source: http://www.hollywood...fy-reboot-54834

What the article happily glosses over is they only offered him whatever level of creative involvement they offered him after there was such backlash from the initial announcement. His first experience with creative disagreement regarding Buffy on the big screen back in '92 was not exactly pleasant. Why on earth would he become involved with a reboot that had already started without him? It would have been useful too if the article had provided enough context for readers to understand how odd it would be for Joss to participate in a project that reboots a character that he has not finished creating stories for in her existing incarnation. Rather than say that "Whedon decided he'd rather work on other projects," it would have been more informative to say that he was and is working on Buffy season 8 and has plans for Buffy season 9. Not the brightest move by Warner Bros to start spinning against Joss (if that's their game plan to deflect criticism).

[GreatCthulhu]

Best-Case Scenario: It turns out to be an enjoyable film and it brings in a bit of money.

Worst-Case Scenario: They turn Buffy into an angsty and semi-helpless character and it brings in a bit of money.

Either way, I think I'll see it.

[Vampfox]

I don't really care. I'm more of an Angel fan then a Buffy fan. But I can't see this doing well.

[henryiii]

I just don't get why were even rebooting a show that ended not even a decade ago. I mean with this and Spiderman, are we really that bankrupted for ideas that we reboot series that just officially ended?!