When the new ‘Charmed’ reboot on The CW was announced, the announcement read “This fierce, funny, feminist reboot of the original series centers on three sisters in a college town who discover they are witches. Between vanquishing supernatural demons, tearing down the patriarchy, and maintaining familial bonds, a witch’s work is never done.” Those involved in the original incarnation of ‘Charmed’ were not amused. Shannen Doherty, who played Prue Halliwell during the first three seasons of the original series, attempted to remain supportive, but called the wording of the announcement “terrible and a bit offensive.” After all, were they saying that the first version was NOT “fierce, funny, feminist?”
The cast and creators of the new show have attempted to sing the praises of the original series and it appears there are elements in the new ‘Charmed’ that connect it to the older version. But don’t expect Doherty to pop up on the new show. And it has nothing to do with resentment or feeling slighted.
The original ‘Charmed’ premiered 20 years ago! And even though Doherty left the show after three seasons, she says that the fans have continued to show her love over the years. “I’ve been incredibly lucky and the fans have been so supportive,” she said recently, speaking to Entertainment Weekly about this milestone.
But if the creators of the new ‘Charmed’ had wanted to land Doherty for a guest role, they probably should have asked sooner.
“It’s funny, because somebody said to me, ‘Oh, would you do the Charmed reboot?’ And I’m like, ‘Oh my God, I can’t be the reboot queen!’ “
What she means is that she is already appearing on another reboot of one of her classic projects, the Paramount Network’s reboot/adaptation of her 1988 dark comedy ‘Heathers’. In addition to that, she says that she has also been in touch with Kevin Smith, who has long been promising a sequel to his 1995 film ‘Mallrats’. Looks like enough is enough for Doherty. (It probably doesn’t help that she left ‘Charmed’ under less-than-favorable circumstances.)
Are you disappointed that the new ‘Charmed’ won’t get a guest appearance by Doherty? Or do you think the show should succeed (or fail) on its own merits?
The new ‘Charmed’ will premiere on The CW Sunday, October 14 at 9pm EST after ‘Supergirl.’
