News Rebooting "Buffy" without Joss is "Ridiculous" -Marti Noxon

[Buffyverse Fan]

Well Nick Brendon (Xander) just came out saying that the remake is a mistake (http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/movies/buffy-remake-is-a-mistake-20101217-190nd.html?from=smh_sb).

Personally, since last I heard, a Joss-less "Buffy" Reboot would be in name only (Joss owns all of the characters except for Buffy, Pike, and Merrick), I think it could go either way.

The Scoobies & Vamps w/soul are too iconic to be portrayed by others, but from what I understand, they couldn't legally appear anyway.

As someone who thinks Christian Bale is a poor substitute for Kevin Conroy, but adores both the Nolan & Bruce Timm Batman franchises, I think a new Buffy could work--just as something completely different.

 

[dmkrew]

i want new buffy material so i dont really care what happens with this project, same actors and staff or new actors and staff, it's all good in my book because it's a new story besides the comic book which i have yet to try to follow. Either way the reboot needs to happen.

 

[Gotham]

Gah, I'm getting to that age now when the shows/movies I care about deeply are being remade. 😱

I really don't know what to think. For one no Joss immediately rings alarm bells with me. People have mentioned introducing new characters within the Buffyverse and I could dig that, but from what I know they're doing a proper reboot, using the same characters. One of the girls from Glee has been linked to the actual role of Buffy.

I'm open minded about it all, but I can't help but feel that it's an opportunistic move taking advantage of the current Vamp craze.

 

[A Flawed Fashion]

I'm not sure what to think of a new Buffy movie either. I would have to see it to judge, but nothing can hurt the seven seasons of Buffy we already have - not comic books or movies. That's always there and will always be the classic Buffy. I think the fact that they want to continue it on is a testament to the impact the show had.

As for the actors, If Sarah Michelle Gellar was playing Buffy, then of course you need to have Nicholas Brenden, Michelle Trachtenberg, David Boreanez, Alyson Hannigan, Emma Caulfield, James Marsters, and Anthony Head back if any of those roles were to be in the movie. But with a new Buffy comes a new supporting cast and a whole new take on the same story, so I'd be interested to see what they do with it.

It won't be exactly the same; reboots never are and it would be interesting to me to see what they do with it and what happens in a two hour movie form. Buffy may have been based on a movie, but it changed so much that a new movie based on the TV show would be a completely different experience than the first one. I'm curious. I can't say what I think until I see how it will turn out, but I'm curious.

I think that because the show has such a strong fanbase and it is known for its writing, that they will hire a good team to do the movie because the writing was always so important to the original show.

One thing I want to see, is a reboot with the same supporting characters. If it is a reboot with Buffy and not Xander, Willow, and Giles, then my interest drops a lot. I'd also love to see people like Angel, Cordelia, and Anya too, but the core of the cast really needs to be there. I'm curious about what they would do with a new take on those characters and not Buffy alone because those other characters are what makes the show for me.

 

[soulunsung]

I don't honestly think it makes someone narrow-minded, if they truly don't prefer a Buffy re-boot, with replacement actors for all of the original major character's.

Perhaps one of the major things that bothers me about this, would be the fact that it would be a re-boot without Joss and I honestly can't see anything Buffy without him. That's just my personal opinion.

I find it rather frustrating to be told that I'm narrow-minded and can't accept change, when I just have a difference of opinion. Last I heard, I thought we all were entitled to that so long as we reserved respect for the other person's.

I just can't see anyone else portraying Buffy, Spike, Angel, and the rest of the Scoobies other than the original actors who brought them to life even if we are 7 years later and the show is over. To me, these people are these character's, and to bring anyone else in and tell us that this is your "new" Buffy or you "new" Spike or your "new" Angel - that would almost be a jolly big laugh for me before you get a punch in the face.

These character's mean something to me. Their stories mattered and their stories have been told. There's no need to go around messing with something that was already amazing to begin with. Of course, all of this is just my opinion, and I want to make that very clear. I'm entitled to my personal bias. And let's be honest, that's pretty much what this is.

I am un-willing at this time to be objective to a Buffy re-boot without Joss and replacing our original character's with new faces, because the original character's are a great deal of why I love this show so much.

The ONLY WAY that I might be inclined to get on board with a Buffy re-boot, would be a completely different SECOND GENERATION with new faces, new character's, maybe bring in some of those bit-part character's from past episodes that didn't get explored quite as much as we liked, those more memorable ones. Maybe it could focus on the potential's who became empowered due to Willow's spell at the end, maybe the show could focus on the damage that said spell caused in the aftermath and then see them sifting through it.

I don't know, but I do know one thing...I am not up for a Buffy re-boot that replaces all of my original beloved character's with new faces and I am not afraid to admit it. So, go on and call me narrow-minded all you want. I do not mind one bit at all, in this situation. Hell, maybe I am, but that's my right.

 

[Christopher]

REBOOT REBOOT REBOOT.

It's all we hear nowadays, why not add to the current universe that's been created instead? Call it 'Slayers' or something and have it focus on a different Slayer or two. This way it can feature some of the cast we know and love either permanently or as guests (possibly performing more Watcher-like duties) so as to ease viewers of the old show in. I'd be up for that, basically treat it as another spin-off Angel style. I'd hate it if we just had a retread of what's gone before starring Zac Efron as Xander, Miley Cyrus as Willow, David Tennant as Giles and Kesha playing at the Bronze etc. Use what's gone before as a template and show some respect by expanding the Buffyverse with new characters, don't ignore the existence of the old ones. Of course this won't happen, all they are interested in is the marketability of the name 'Buffy' 🙁

 

[Sommers Summers]

REBOOT REBOOT REBOOT.

It's all we hear nowadays, why not add to the current universe that's been created instead? Call it 'Slayers' or something and have it focus on a different Slayer or two. This way it can feature some of the cast we know and love either permanently or as guests (possibly performing more Watcher-like duties) so as to ease viewers of the old show in. I'd be up for that, basically treat it as another spin-off Angel style. I'd hate it if we just had a retread of what's gone before starring Zac Efron as Xander, Miley Cyrus as Willow, David Tennant as Giles and Kesha playing at the Bronze etc. Use what's gone before as a template and show some respect by expanding the Buffyverse with new characters, don't ignore the existence of the old ones. Of course this won't happen, all they are interested in is the marketability of the name 'Buffy' 🙁

Well, I'd rather Angel put up a musical. At least there'd be something I would love: Angel's silly face when he's singing. :band: And maybe Angel can do a live band performance. The Angel Tour, anyone?

Anyways, remember this, people: The remake is in Buffyverse, but not in Whedonverse. This is like the first movie. Yes it's Buffy. No it's not canon, because it's not in the region where Buffyverse and Whedonverse overlap in a Venn diagram. Only things in the overlap area is canon, at least to me. Therefore, I'm gonna ignore the movie.

 

[Washburne]

So, we're just going to toss away some of the old fans to make room for new ones?! Brilliant.

Who are we? The fans, Joss, the new producers, all of us combined? You make it sound like all fans want the same but they don't. The most vocal fans really dislike the idea of a movie without Joss or the old cast. That is true. And that's fair enough. I get that. I've said before that it is what I would prefer myself. We're just not going to get that. I won't cry myself to sleep if a new movie never gets made. I'll just shrug, think that it might be for the best and then move on. For some reason it too often seem that not hating the idea of the movie is the same as loving the idea 100%. Not that simple.

Toss away the old fans? Joss himself has made decisions that not all fans are happy about. Both in the show but mostly in the comics. So when he doesn't listen to fans it's not a problem or at the very least acceptable. But when someone else ignore a certain part of the fans it's a disaster? You can't please everyone. That's just not possible. Being most vocal isn't the same as being the majority. It can be but it don't have to. If you decide that you don't like it it's your choice, not someone elses. Don't put it on someone else. You think they intentionally drive away the old fans? I'm sure they're very aware that it's a possibility but I highly doubt that that is their intention.

The movie may suck beyond belief, it may be decent and it can also be pretty good. We can just wait and see. As for not being able to use the characters from the tv-show? How many of them was in Joss's mind when the wrote the movie? Please don't tell me that they came to life when someone, oh the horror, made the suggestion that he took another take on his idea...

And finally. The obvious point of making money of the new movie is valid but lets face it. That's what most movies are about, or they wouldn't get made in the first place.

 

[soulunsung]

Who are we? The fans, Joss, the new producers, all of us combined? You make it sound like all fans want the same but they don't. The most vocal fans really dislike the idea of a movie without Joss or the old cast. That is true. And that's fair enough. I get that. I've said before that it is what I would prefer myself. We're just not going to get that. I won't cry myself to sleep if a new movie never gets made. I'll just shrug, think that it might be for the best and then move on. For some reason it too often seem that not hating the idea of the movie is the same as loving the idea 100%. Not that simple.

Toss away the old fans? Joss himself has made decisions that not all fans are happy about. Both in the show but mostly in the comics. So when he doesn't listen to fans it's not a problem or at the very least acceptable. But when someone else ignore a certain part of the fans it's a disaster? You can't please everyone. That's just not possible. Being most vocal isn't the same as being the majority. It can be but it don't have to. If you decide that you don't like it it's your choice, not someone elses. Don't put it on someone else. You think they intentionally drive away the old fans? I'm sure they're very aware that it's a possibility but I highly doubt that that is their intention.

The movie may suck beyond belief, it may be decent and it can also be pretty good. We can just wait and see. As for not being able to use the characters from the tv-show? How many of them was in Joss's mind when the wrote the movie? Please don't tell me that they came to life when someone, oh the horror, made the suggestion that he took another take on his idea...

And finally. The obvious point of making money of the new movie is valid but lets face it. That's what most movies are about, or they wouldn't get made in the first place.

No, actually I don't make it seem like all fans want the same thing and it came off that way, well then I'm sorry. Also, I don't believe that I was putting what I do and don't particularly like on anyone else's shoulder's, rather than just sharing an opinion which is the same as everyone else here has been doing.

As far as I'm concerned, this is where we should probably agree to disagree and politely call it a night.

 

[soulunsung]

It's 7 am here but lets call it a night. I hope I haven't given the impression that you're not allowed your own opinion. I'm just way curious and want to get things clear. To me.

No, it's okay. You haven't really, it just drives me a little bit bonkers when I feel someone is telling me what I think or how to feel about something or that I'm wrong because my opinion is a bit different than theirs. Not that I think you were doing that, because I don't at all.

I apologize if I came off as a bit defensive, but I feel pretty strongly about this show and the actor's who played these character's. It's not that I'm necessarily so much against a Buffy re-boot, so much as the fact that I don't like the idea of attaching a completely different person's face to beloved character's.

For me, personally, I think if they are going to do a reboot then it should be about the Second General and maybe bring Dawn back into the fold or give some of the potentials some spotlight time or bring back bit part character's that we loved and didn't get quite as much as we hoped out of them. That's all I'm basically saying.

Because really, the actors who brought these character's to life mean just as much to me as the character's, and I honestly feel they can't be replaced - that magic. It won't feel the same to me, personally. That's all. 🙂

 

[AustCF]

If "Buffy" and "Vampire Slayer" is in the title, Joss should be involved. Period. That is his baby, and it scares me to think what their going to do with it.

 

[AustCF]

If Buffy was ever re-booted with Joss being head honcho of the project I would pass out from utter happiness.

 

[prophecygrrl]

I apologize if I came off as a bit defensive, but I feel pretty strongly about this show and the actor's who played these character's. It's not that I'm necessarily so much against a Buffy re-boot, so much as the fact that I don't like the idea of attaching a completely different person's face to beloved character's.

For me, personally, I think if they are going to do a reboot then it should be about the Second General and maybe bring Dawn back into the fold or give some of the potentials some spotlight time or bring back bit part character's that we loved and didn't get quite as much as we hoped out of them. That's all I'm basically saying.

Because really, the actors who brought these character's to life mean just as much to me as the character's, and I honestly feel they can't be replaced - that magic. It won't feel the same to me, personally. That's all. 🙂

By character(s), do you mean just Buffy/the original movie characters? (Lol, I wouldn't think anyone would be attached to the movie characters like that, so I'm guessing you're not talking about them). Because the people making the movie don't have the rights to the TV Buffyverse characters, only the movie ones. They can use Buffy Summers or Pike, but not Giles or Dawn or the Potentials or Spike or anyone else. Does that change your opinion? How do others who are against the movie feel about this?

 

[soulunsung]

By character(s), do you mean just Buffy/the original movie characters? (Lol, I wouldn't think anyone would be attached to the movie characters like that, so I'm guessing you're not talking about them). Because the people making the movie don't have the rights to the TV Buffyverse characters, only the movie ones. They can use Buffy Summers or Pike, but not Giles or Dawn or the Potentials or Spike or anyone else. Does that change your opinion? How do others who are against the movie feel about this?

Honestly, even that doesn't change my opinion. When I think of Buffy the Vampire Slayer the names Joss Whedon and Sarah Michelle Gellar come to mind and when I think of a re-boot the word: "NOOOOOOOOOOO!" screamed really loud and emphatically comes to mind.

And to clear up your confusion, I wasn't speaking of the movie characters but more along the lines of the character's from our beloved show. 🙂

 

[prophecygrrl]

Honestly, even that doesn't change my opinion. When I think of Buffy the Vampire Slayer the names Joss Whedon and Sarah Michelle Gellar come to mind and when I think of a re-boot the word: "NOOOOOOOOOOO!" screamed really loud and emphatically comes to mind.

And to clear up your confusion, I wasn't speaking of the movie characters but more along the lines of the character's from our beloved show. 🙂

Speaking for myself, that information totally changed my opinion. I was kinda up in arms over it at first (more so because of the characters than on Joss's behalf, to be honest) at the thought of Spike, Anya, Giles, and Buffy being played by other actors, who are among my absolute favorite characters ever. But they would, in this case, only be taking the mythology of the Slayer, the vampire lore (which isn't even owned by Joss, only appropriated. So goes most vampire tales, right?), and Buffy herself. And the movie characters, but I kinda doubt they'd use those when they can create their own. Like I said, I doubt the original movie is really that cemented in our popular culture, lol. 😛 After I realized most of my favorites would be safe, I think I became a lot more open to a Buffy reboot.

While Buffy would still obviously be recast (unless they just take Joss's Slayer mythology and leave the characters, including Buffy, alone), I've reconciled myself with the idea of a new Buffy too. Buffy's my absolute favorite character and SMG is totally queen of my heart with her acting as Buffy, don't get me wrong. But I can definitely see a *new* Buffy. Not necessarily one to replace SMG or anything, but another interpretation of Buffy and what she means. Maybe even one that is from a different demographic altogether- maybe she's a woman of color, or maybe she's lesbian/bi/pansexual, or maybe she's working class, etc. I think that'd definitely be interesting working as both social commentary (in the spirit of BtVS's original intent, too!) and some great storytelling. Granted, this movie would be more appropriate to make further down the line when the TV series is not so recent and a few social conventions have changed, but I'm just trying to say that I'm personally open to the idea of a new Buffy. I see some really exciting possibilities down that way. Buffy Summers was (is) awesome as she was, but the concept of Buffy Summers, I think -our spunky, unconventional girl superhero- is both awesome and progressive. It's capable of change, and though I admire SMG for the role, I think I, too, am capable of change when it comes to seeing Buffy Summers as separate from SMG.

ETA: geez how dorky am I, right? LOL. Just wanted to add that I understand the Joss loyalty, but to be fair, the studio DID approach Joss first about the project and he turned it down, probably to work on The Avengers. I'm not sure about when they approached him on it though, so don't quote me on that. Maybe they shouldn't have gone ahead without him, but as I understand it it's fully within their rights and they asked Joss first anyway.

 

[Taake]

Prophecygrrl: I'm personally open to the idea of a new Buffy. I see some really exciting possibilities down that way. Buffy Summers was (is) awesome as she was, but the concept of Buffy Summers, I think -our spunky, unconventional girl superhero- is both awesome and progressive. It's capable of change, and though I admire SMG for the role, I think I, too, am capable of change when it comes to seeing Buffy Summers as separate from SMG.

I see what you mean and in a way knowing that all the other characters are 'safe' has comforted me as well.
A *new* Buffy could work, perhaps, all very much depending on quality of script and production and most importantly - actress of course.

I guess, for me, that it all hangs in the balance of whom gets cast. (Personally I'm hoping - if they go ahead with this - that they'll find some unknown new talent rather than a 'known' actress that might pull in a crowd)

 

[Gotham]

How would y'all feel about Heather Morris (of Glee fame) as she has been linked to the role? I have to say, it's a step up from the initial horrid Megan Fox rumours. I've watched Glee from time to time, and Morris does remind me in a way of SMG. She has that whole sarcastic/snappy one liner thing going on. However, her role on Glee isn't that demanding and we don't know if she can handle the more dramatic demands of the role. It's a curious one alright.

 

[Taake]

How would y'all feel about Heather Morris (of Glee fame) as she has been linked to the role? I have to say, it's a step up from the initial horrid Megan Fox rumours. I've watched Glee from time to time, and Morris does remind me in a way of SMG. She has that whole sarcastic/snappy one liner thing going on. However, her role on Glee isn't that demanding and we don't know if she can handle the more dramatic demands of the role. It's a curious one alright.

I would deny the existence of the move 😛 just kidding... only almost
Can't stand the idea of her as Buffy, I hardly like her on Glee though so not so strange, she's a good dancer but that's about it.

 

[Sommers Summers]

I would deny the existence of the move 😛 just kidding... only almost
Can't stand the idea of her as Buffy, I hardly like her on Glee though so not so strange, she's a good dancer but that's about it.

Worst choice, really.
But anyways, if the movie producers are SO persistent, I have a B-list, if they can't get ANY of the TV originals.

:buffy_buf Buffy: Drew Barrymore
:buffy_wil Willow: Christina Hendricks
:buffy_xan Xander: Jimmy Kimmel
:angel_ang Angel: Arnold Schwarzenegger (Imagine Angel proclaming HASTA LA VISTA, BABY!) 😛
:buffy_ril Riley: Jimmy Fallon
:buffy_gil Giles: Alexis Denisof (technically, I'm cheating here, but... AD's free, right? No other Brit can fill this one...)
:buffy_fai Faith: Lindsey Lohan (backup: Chelsea Handler)
:buffy_spi Spike: Jon Stewart
:angel_cor Cordelia: Olivia Munn

These, I think, are most likely to appear.
What do you think?

 

[VisionGirl]

REBOOT REBOOT REBOOT.

It's all we hear nowadays, why not add to the current universe that's been created instead? Call it 'Slayers' or something and have it focus on a different Slayer or two. This way it can feature some of the cast we know and love either permanently or as guests (possibly performing more Watcher-like duties) so as to ease viewers of the old show in. I'd be up for that, basically treat it as another spin-off Angel style. I'd hate it if we just had a retread of what's gone before starring Zac Efron as Xander, Miley Cyrus as Willow, David Tennant as Giles and Kesha playing at the Bronze etc. Use what's gone before as a template and show some respect by expanding the Buffyverse with new characters, don't ignore the existence of the old ones. Of course this won't happen, all they are interested in is the marketability of the name 'Buffy' 🙁

Worst choice, really.
But anyways, if the movie producers are SO persistent, I have a B-list, if they can't get ANY of the TV originals.

:buffy_buf Buffy: Drew Barrymore
:buffy_wil Willow: Christina Hendricks
:buffy_xan Xander: Jimmy Kimmel
:angel_ang Angel: Arnold Schwarzenegger (Imagine Angel proclaming HASTA LA VISTA, BABY!) 😛
:buffy_ril Riley: Jimmy Fallon
:buffy_gil Giles: Alexis Denisof (technically, I'm cheating here, but... AD's free, right? No other Brit can fill this one...)
:buffy_fai Faith: Lindsey Lohan (backup: Chelsea Handler)
:buffy_spi Spike: Jon Stewart
:angel_cor Cordelia: Olivia Munn

These, I think, are most likely to appear.
What do you think?

It's interesting to think about these options, but again, the Kuzui's do not have the rights to the characters from the TV show, only the original movie. So, no Willow, no Xander, no Giles, none of the other TV characters. Only Pike, Merrick (who dies anyway), and do Buffy's parents appear in the movie? I've only seen bits & pieces of it, and not in a long time. I doubt they can even use Sunnydale as a setting, since it's a fictional town.