UPDATE: After news of a ‘Xena: Warrior Princess’ reboot was in development made the rounds, Lucy Lawless took to Twitter to dispel the rumors:

Lawless would definitely know if a reboot was in the works as she is, after all, married to Rob Tapert who was listed to be on board as one of the executive producers. On the other hand, this could also be a smoke screen as the news may have came out a bit premature and nothing is yet set in stone or signed on the dotted line. Time will tell…

Original story below: 

NBC is hoping to revive the 90s syndicated action-adventure classic ‘Xena: Warrior Princess’ for a new audience in 2016 and original executive producers Sam Raimi and Rob Tapert are on board.  The network has struggled with fantasy/genre shows, recently axing the DC Comic-based ‘Constantine.’  This follows cancellations of other ambitious projects like ‘Dracula’ and ‘Crossbones.’  This fall, NBC is reviving prior success ‘Heroes’ as a limited series ‘Heroes Reborn’ and still has the fan favorite ‘Grimm,’ so it’s possible ‘Xena’ could fit right in with these programs.  The new ‘Xena’ is expected to consist of 13 episodes, but it is not known if that is all that is planned (i.e. a limited series) or if the door is open for additional seasons/episodes.

‘Xena: Warrior Princess’ was, of course, a hit action-adventure set in ancient times, starring Lucy Lawless in the title role.  The series ran from 1995-2001 and originated as a spinoff from ‘Hercules: The Legendary Journeys’ but ‘Xena’ quickly surpassed ‘Hercules’ in popularity and duration.  The original show was created by Tapert (Lawless’ husband) and John Schulian and produced by Tapert and Raimi.

Despite Tapert’s involvement, it is unknown what, if any, role Lawless will play in the reboot, but NBC is obviously looking to recast the lead with a younger actress, with Lawless’ charisma meshed with a heavy dose of Katniss Everdeen, the iconic hero from ‘The Hunger Games’ books and movies.

This news comes at an interesting time, as Lawless, just days ago, expressed a desire to see ‘Xena’ revived in some capacity.

“There’s a swell of interest still.  I’m always being peppered with questions [about] when the Xena movie is coming. Guys, I’m pitching my ass off to make it happen, whether it’s with me or not. I think it’d be funny to have a reboot like Ash vs. Evil Dead — like middle-aged Xena in a muumuu with a bad attitude and a smoking habit. … Bring [actor] Ted Raimi[who played Joxer] in … [and maybe] Bruce Campbell.”

Campbell is a longtime collaborator of Sam Raimi’s and his Renaissance Pictures was a co-producer of the original series.

Lawless expressed some frustration, stating:

“I don’t know what the hold-up is; it’s about who has got the rights.  But that’s a piss-poor excuse anymore. Find who has got the rights, freakin’ pay it. It’s better to have 80 percent of something than 100 percent of nothing. Don’t waste this opportunity; reinvigorate that franchise!  It’s an insane international character. They’re fools not to bring it back. It’s funny, it’s sexy, it’s action.”

“The fans really do want that, and I’ve met some people who’ve crowdfunded some things, and I’m just like, ‘Why don’t we just do that?’”

This was presumably before the ball really got rolling with NBC.  Something tells me, even though it isn’t confirmed, Lawless will be a part of this remake.  Or else!

Are you a fan of the original?  Do you think NBC can faithfully update it for a modern audience?  Should ‘Xena’ be revived or is it better to leave the classic version alone?  Sound off below!

Source: The Hollywood Reporter