Yesterday, to the dismay of fans still clinging to the nostalgia of a television series that ended seven years ago and a movie that was released nearly two decades ago, Warner Bros. announced plans to reboot “Buffy The Vampire Slayer” with no mention of the series creator Joss Whedon.
E! contacted the writer/director for his thoughts on the new ‘Buffy’ and needless to say, he was not pleased. He called the venture “a sad, sad reflection on our times, when people must feed off the carcasses of beloved stories from their youths.” “I don’t love the idea of my creation in other hands” he said, adding that “there is no legal grounds for doing anything other than sighing audibly.” Showing off his sense of humor, regarding the hiring of writer Whit Anderson to pen the new project he said, “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.’”
We frankly don’t really care about this but lots of people do and it probably would have been in Warner Bros.’ best interest to reach out to Whedon to get his input and give his blessing to the talent they do bring on board. Because really, without the support of the diehard Buffyverse fans, the project will have about as much appeal as a “Veronica Mars” movie to mainstream audiences (oh wait…..) You can read Whedon’s full response after the jump.
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.
