Ever since Variety announced that Buffy the Vampire Slayer was getting a reboot minus Joss Whedon, fans have been in an uproar. First off, how could they remake such an iconic franchise that has shaped the youths of many? Secondly, how could they remake it without creator Joss Whedon? It sounds like a travesty, a bad idea, and unfortunately a Hollywood norm.I cannot lie, I did like the original BTVS movie. It was campy, it was fun, and it had Rutger Hauer in it. That equals instant win for me. But as much as I enjoyed the movie, I was in love with the series. Whedon's vision seemed to come through even more and what we got was a show that tackled the horrors of growing up with the horrors of the supernatural. Death, sexuality, careers, and destiny were all dealt with as we grew alongside these characters. And Buffy served as a feminist figure for many, proving to little girls everywhere that they could do anything they wanted because they were strong.
And now, as is the cycle of Hollywood, a good idea that worked before is going to be gambled on to pay out again. Warner Brothers and Atlas Entertainment are teaming up to bring our favorite vampire slayer back to the big screen, but this time without the mark of Whedon. While he has maintained development in conjunction with Dark Horse Comics to continue his original vision, this big screen remake won't involve him. Understandably, Whedon was a bit saddened over the news, as he told E! Online's Kristin Dos Santos.
"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.” ~ Joss Whedon
It does seem that mining well-loved stories has become more commonplace in Hollywood. The idea that if fans love something, they'll love it even more if it's rebooted has sometimes worked and other times failed miserably. The fear is that this endeavor will fall into the latter category. For many fans, Buffy wasn't simply a character, but a part of their lives as they were being shaped into the people they are today. Taken out of Whedon's hands, are we going to like the result?
What do you think of the reboot idea? Will new fans discover the wonders of vampire slaying or is this a story better left alone? Either way, the absence of Joss Whedon will surely be felt and I fear that will translate into a BTVS that I won't be able to recognize anymore. She saved the world...a lot.
Nice article :). Personally, I think it's going to be a flop with old Buffy fans. Most of us will be outraged to the point of boycotting. Why would we go see a lame remake when we can re-watch our old Buffy DVDs (am currently on Season 5 again). Never mind that, Buffy and Angel are ongoing in comic book format. It isn't like we can't get our Buffy fix as is.
ReplyDeleteI think the question is who they plan on marketing the movie to. Will this be a satirical response to Twilight, The Vampire Diaries, and True Blood? Will this be marketed to the current group of vampire obsessed tweens who grew up without Buffy? Will it be marketed to us? I think that's what will determine where this movie goes.
I think it's going to be marketed to a newer generation that missed out on Buffy the first time around. However, why would they go see a movie when they can pop in the DVDs? I'm confused as to the market as well.
ReplyDeleteTo me Buffy shouldn't be remade so early. It would be better if they had a reunion special instead of remaking it. It's too early for this but it could be a good show for the younger generation.
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely not against remakes or reboots when they're warranted, but considering that the generational gap hasn't been that long, it just seems like they're jumping the gun. More importantly, I'm saddened that Joss wasn't asked to be involved because I can't fathom Buffy minus Joss.
ReplyDeleteJoss Whedon was the reason I decided to major in Television Writing and Production at Columbia College Chicago. If people want to reboot it, they should be respectful enough to wait another 10-20 years. This is just silly.
ReplyDeleteIt does seem a bit too soon. The generational gap is not that big currently, so I'm not sure what the intended target audience is.
ReplyDeleteI am still so angry over this. I think this is going to suck. No one is happy about it at all.
ReplyDeleteI may catch this movie on TV someday, but I doubt it.
Buffy..saved the world alot..i agree..when i had my stroke Buffy got me up in the mornings..reruns were on at 7:00am...i sat up in bed and my husband brought me coffee..so yes Buffy had a big inpact on alot of lives..these people better not f**k it up
ReplyDeleteur right Buffy saved the world..alot When I had my stroke Buffy got me up in the mornings..reruns were on at 7:00am..id sit up in bed and my husband brought me coffee...so yeah she had a big impact on alot of peoples lives..so they'd better not screw it up..but i don't think there's a Buffy without Joss
ReplyDeleteO.o
ReplyDeleteThe power of Whedon.
I just think there needs to be a larger generational gap before a reboot is ventured.
ReplyDeleteJoss' influence definitely shaped the vision of Buffy and I can't fathom the character without him.
ReplyDeleteI can see why the want to capitalize on the hot vampire market. Sure it snot as white hot as it was 2 years ago or so, but it still is a loyal demographic that is grwoing.I am a vampire movie/book/series fan and I will hopefully like it without Joss. For me it is just a vampire hunter (Slayer) movie and not a continuation of my much-loved BTVS series. A girl(or slightly older youngwoman) that has been chosen to be a vampire killer... wow, that sounds like a great idea! It was on BTVS for 7 seasons, why wouldn't a movie be as good? Well honestly there are many reasons it will not be able to capture the magic that was BTVS ( I won't get into them), but for me it could still be a good movie on its own... maybe even spawn another series. One that has a completely different vibe and atmosphere thanthe Buffy we all love. Personally forme that would not be a bad thing at all! Would I prefer the original creative team and actors? ABSOLUTELY! But I prefer a vampire movie or series to any reality TV show or gross out comedy. I guess it comes down to whether or not you are a fan of BTVS or a fan of vampire media.. or both? IF you like vampire media, then it should be a good thing another vampire movie is being made.
ReplyDeleteIdeally, they could do the story of another slayer. That would both honor the original character and introduce a whole new generation to the concept.
ReplyDeleteI loved Buffy the show and the way Whedon made it his own. However, naysaying the movie before it comes out is doing a disservice to it. Buffy wasn't Whedon's to begin with and while I would be sure to see a Buffy movie with him involved, it sounds like this is a Buffy for a new generation. People who have no preconceived notion of who Buffy is will probably like the idea of a tiny teenage girl taking out monsters. It's empowering whether in the Whedon verse or not. Anyone who has not seen the originals won't be disappointed if it isn't as brilliant. Who knows? If the movie is successful you may have teens, who would have no reason to watch the series now, NetFlix-ing them after the movie came out. In all, this is a good thing for the franchise.
ReplyDeleteI am not saying the movie will fail outright, I'm saying that without Joss I don't know if it will be a Buffy I recognize. If this was indeed meant to be a reboot for a new generation, I think that more years should pass between the two projects because the generational gap isn't so much that the current culture doesn't know the prior movie or television series.
ReplyDeleteAnother slayer would be interesting. :D
ReplyDeleteBuffy IS Whedon's creation. He wrote the script for the 1st movie, the only reason why they can do a 2nd movie (now without Whedon) is because Whedon sold the rights to bloodsuckers Fran Rubel Kuzui and Kazi Kuzui that's the reason why they have been executive producers on the show. They did nothing but got money. the tv show made Buffy famous and a franchise in the first place, if Whedon wouldn't have done the tv show because he hated what they had done with his script in the movie, nobody would know who Buffy Summers is today. This is just gonna be like Dragonball: Evolution. People who have no clue what the franchise they're trying to remake/reboot is about turn it into a crap movie and expect fans to like it. Sorry, if this sounds a bit rude, I'm just so angry that they're trying to portray this reboot as a God-given gift to fans.
ReplyDeleteI think the only thing I think about this is 'WUT' and 'Hasn't Hollywood learned from Dragonball: Evolution'. A crap movie stays a crap movie even if it's part of a franchise.
ReplyDeleteI think the networks are exploiting the success of Twilight and the other vampire things. But i dont think it will be a good movie since a lot of the stars refuse to be in it without Whedon and I totally agree with them on this point.
ReplyDeleteI spoke on franchise fans vs show fans in an earlier article and it seems to be like history repeating in this case :(
ReplyDeleteThough Kristy Swanson has stated that she's available, if the need arises ;)
ReplyDeleteI always thought reboots were meant to remake something that flopped hugely. Doesn't seem like it now. They are remaking things that did well just a few years ago. Granted the Buffy movie wasn't perfect but the show was and that's what most people remember. Why don't they just make it another slayer and not Buffy who is well known and known as being played by SMG. Just make up another name and make it a different slayer getting all chosen. I'll probably watch out of morbid curiosity but I doubt I'll enjoy it, it's just not Buffy.
ReplyDeleteI think they should definitely go for another slayer, since that could both bring in new fans and honor the old ones.
ReplyDeleteWell i was thinking of the series but Swanson never crossed my mind, I remember that Alyson Hannigan said she wouldnt be on board without Whedon. I dont know, how big of a success will it be with Swanson as the lead?
ReplyDeleteIt would be awesome if it was a satirical response type movie.
ReplyDeleteWell, at least it could give the movie some brownie points, if it fails all else.