Lower Decks

According to the Hollywood Reporter, a new feature film based on the Buffy the Vampire Slayer franchise could make its way to theaters. Buffy creator Joss Whedon hasn’t been approached and the movie won’t be a big screen version of the television series that ran from 1997 to 2003:

The new “Buffy” film, however, would have no connection to the TV series, nor would it use popular supporting characters like Angel, Willow, Xander or Spike. Vertigo and Kuzui are looking to restart the story line without trampling on the beloved existing universe created by Whedon, putting the parties in a similar situation faced by Paramount, J.J. Abrams and his crew when relaunching “Star Trek.”

How can a Buffy movie be produced without Whedon, you ask?

Apparently the rights to the character, or at least those relating to the 1992 film, are owned by Fran Rubel Kuzui, who directed that version, and her production company Kuzui Enterprises. Kuzui and her husband, Kaz, were credited as executive producers on both Buffy the Vampire Slayer and its spin-off Angel.

I’ve never seen the original 1992 movie and frankly I don’t ever intend to. I am a big fan of the television series (and Angel) but I’m of the opinion that the franchise really doesn’t need a reboot or a remake or a reinterpretation or a reimagining. And certainly not so soon after the television series ended. It hasn’t even been 20 years since the 1992 movie was released. Does anyone really want or need a “darker, event-sized movie,” as The Hollywood Reporter referred to the project?

The article makes it clear that plans for the movie are in the early stages and suggests that Whedon could be brought in at a later date. If he is, will that make a difference? Hit the comments with your reactions.

Update: Joss Whedon’s response to the idea of a Buffy movie without him? “I hope it’s cool.”