Just weeks ago, while promoting her new series, STARZ’s ‘Ash Vs. Evil Dead’, Lucy Lawless confirmed that at one point, NBC was working with producers Sam Raimi and Rob Tapert to create a new version of her legendary syndicated hit ‘Xena: Warrior Princess’, but expressed that she hadn’t heard of any movement on the project in quite some time.

“If there’s anything current going on, we’re not involved — we being me, Rob, Sam.  But they could be doing it without us, they have the right to, don’t they? But we are not. I’d love to see it happen and I know that NBC wants to do it, but they’re just trying to find a way and a time.”

But now NBC is telling another story, stating that the project is still on and that Raimi and Tapert are still attached.  On Wednesday, NBC Entertainment chairman Bob Greenblatt stated:

“Yes, we’re in the early stages of developing a new take on Xena and we’re looking for a writer. We want to do it… There is a deal with Sam and Rob Tapert to produce, and it’s with NBC International.”

The new ‘Xena’ would harken back to Lawless’ engaging performance, but with a younger spin, citing Katniss Everdeen, the resourceful hero of the ‘Hunger Games’ phenomenon as a major influence.  Greenblatt expressed a possibility of Lawless’ involvement, but stressed that she would not return in the title role, which is something Lawless would have no problem with.

Greenblatt explained:

“I don’t think it’s just a continuation, but we haven’t gotten that far. I think it’s a great character, and we should try to figure out how to revive it somehow… We’d love to have Lucy be a part of it — if we felt that her presence didn’t overshadow the direction we take with it. I’m not sure how she could be part of it if she wasn’t playing Xena, and I don’t know if that’s a direction we’ll ever go.”

In her earlier statement, Lawless agreed:

“I really couldn’t live that life [of a regular action series star].  I look back, I’ve got all sort of wear and tear from that lifestyle. That’s just what happens to human bodies when they get used a certain way a lot. I actually couldn’t do it. I’m 47, but there’s somebody great out there.”

Greenblatt stated that the project was looking for a head writer to spearhead the reboot and indicated that NBC was interested in potentially launching the new show in the fall of 2016.

Are you ready for more adventures with a new Warrior Princess?

Source: The Hollywood Reporter