NBC wants to bring Xena back, preferably with Lucy Lawless

Jul 21, 2015 07:58 GMT  ·  By

Since network executives are starting to pay increased attention to what the fans are saying and consequently bringing back classic series either as reboots or revivals, it was time for NBC and NBCUniversal to begin considering a “Xena: Warrior Princess” reboot.

Indeed, The Hollywood Reporter confirms that “Xena” is currently in the early stages of production, with an estimated air date set for 2016. The degree of Lucy Lawless’ involvement as of right now is not known, but executives are hoping to make her an essential part of the new project, both in front and behind the camera.

Xena is coming back, most definitely

While details might be a bit sketchy right now, what is a given is that Xena is coming back. As it happens, a short while ago, while in San Diego for Comic-Con 2015 to promote “Ash vs. Evil Dead,” Lawless, who played the Amazon warrior in the original series, campaigned really hard for a reboot of some sorts.

You can see her interview with HitFix below. She said that she wanted the franchise reinvigorated so badly that she didn’t even care if they did it without her. Fans could argue though that there would be no point of a new “Xena” without the original Xena.

THR describes the new project as a “modern reboot,” which already has original executive producers Rob Tapert and Sam Raimi on board. Xena will be turned into “a sophisticated and smart superhero for a new generation,” combining her warrior qualities and the brains of other popular female heroes like Katniss Everdeen from “The Hunger Games” movie franchise.

Network bosses are now considering 2 options: either bring “Xena” back as a limited revival series, or as a renewable series that would run for as many seasons as the fans kept the ratings solid.

Xena needs to come back

“Xena: Warrior Princess” was a smashing hit, which, as it happens, started off as a spinoff from “Hercules,” when producers saw the warm response for a female character from the audience.

The series ran from 1995 to 2001, for 6 seasons in total, and remained in the top 5 syndicated programs throughout its entire run.

It also starred Renee O’Connor as Xena’s good friend, road companion and occasional lover Gabrielle. The THR report doesn’t mention O’Connor’s possible involvement in the new project, but just like it wouldn’t make sense without the original Xena, it would make no sense with Xena and no Gabrielle.

As mentioned above, “Xena” was a very successful series, with a strong, very popular lead and engaging stories to tell. The mere fact that the fans have been asking for it to come back all these years is testament to its worth.

“Don’t waste this opportunity; reinvigorate that franchise!” Lawless herself said at Comic-Con 2015. “It’s an insane international character. They’re fools not to bring it back. It’s funny, it’s sexy, it’s action.”

Preach!