Although Dark Knight was hardly the first Hollywood reboot to hit theaters, it was certainly one of the more successful examples. It’s also one of the most often cited by prospective creators who wish to make their mark on the back of previous works and don’t have the energy to change all the names. (It’s not theft, it’s creative borrowing. And it’s not even that if no one catches you at it.)
One of the most recent projects of this sort to be green-lit is Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Apparently the Warner Brothers did approach Joss Whedon with a stick and a dead horse, but he politely declined, so they opened the project up to other interested parties. Actress turned writer Whit Anderson, who is admittedly much hotter than Joss, (a sure sign of writing ability) entered the picture with her slightly older, more updated vision of our dear Miss Summers.
Although I haven’t read it anywhere, I cannot imagine that this movie is not intended to be a pilot for a possible TV series. While it would be a really tough sell to long-time fans for whom a Whedonless Buffy sounds about as appealing as a toilet that flushes backwards, there is now an entire new generation of kids out there who think that vampires are supposed to sparkle and the proper role for young women is to moon about and sigh. I agree that the thought kind of gives me hives, but if there’s any chance at making a good role-modely show for today’s kids… even if it isn’t a show for me… I guess I say go for it.
Can it possibly keep up with its namesake? Well, no. I doubt it. TV Guide ranks Buffy third for all time best television series, and Empire Magazine puts it at number two… right ahead of the Sopranos. But, that doesn’t mean they can’t make a good show, or movie, or whatever the hell they’re planning on doing. Personally, I’m planning on rebooting myself, as a twenty nine year old lotto winner who fights crime as he travels the world in his jet black sailboat romancing women and lifting up their skirts behind their backs with his telekinetic powers.
You know… just like Dark Knight.
P.S. I thought you might be interested in Mr. Whedon’s official response to the news. Poor guy…
“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.”
