WB To Reboot Buffy, Whedon Not Happy: "
On more than one occasion when I have interviewed comic book creators and asked what it was like for them to create an original story with original characters; they've replied that it sometimes takes a lot out of them. The endless hours combined where the writer/illustrator sits and wracks his or her brain trying to conjure up unique and interesting ideas with enticing characters isn't easy, and can sometimes become overwhelming. Writing an original story, or creating an original character can often mean putting themselves out there- giving part of themselves to the story and sharing it with the world. Yet, the moment they share is also the moment that the project no longer belongs to them. It belongs to the publisher who published their book, to the agent that got them noticed, to the film company who funded the project and finally, to the audience; to the fans. This project, whatever it may be, suddenly belongs to anyone who has become monetarily or emotionally invested in it in one way or another and the creator suddenly becomes simply a name in the credits of the movie, or on the cover of the book. As a result, the idea that something they conjured up and worked hard to perfect could be taken into a new creative direction without their input, is a concept that can be very hard to swallow. Such is writer/director Joss Whedon's current predicament. On the
heels of the announcement that Warner Brothers purchased the rights to Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and that they would be doing a reboot of the film and television series without it's creator; Whedon was quick to reply in a discussion with
Collider.
“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...'
Whedon went on, very honestly, to express that while he always hoped that Buffy would live on long after Whedon, that he was not pleased that a studio would reboot her film without letting him know, first.
"l 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. 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.
Even though
Joss Whedon created
Buffy the Vampire Slayer, wrote the script for the 1992 film,
independently funded, wrote, and directed the television show's unaired pilot- Buffy no longer belongs to
Joss Whedon. Buffy the Vampire Slayer belongs to Warner Brothers, and to you, and to me. However, Joss Whedon, more than anyone, has every right to be upset over a reboot- which will in no way involve him- yet will be based on a character that became wildly popular as a result of his hard work and creativity. To add insult to injury, the screenplay for the film will be written by Whit Anderson, an actress who has appeared in two films (
YES MAN,
SAW: REBIRTH) and who's only credentials for writing the screenplay for the BUFFY reboot is that she's a 'really big fan.' Whedon has a point. It might seem reasonable to bring in a 'fan' to write the screenplay- if the writer were dead- but Whedon, who created BUFFY is still very much alive, so why isn't he working on it?
What do you think of the idea of a BUFFY movie reboot without Joss Whedon? Do you think that as creator, he should be involved? Should he have the right to be upset over the future of a property he created"
CLICK "FOLLOW" BEFORE YOU GO!
Search Amazon.com for buffy
"
