Tuesday, November 23, 2010


Trust Twitter to bring in the freshest of all news even before international and local programs manage to pick them up. I just recently read that The WB is moving forward with the once phenomenal TV show 'reboot'. And that Joss Whedon, Buffy's creator, mentor, snappy dialogue God is NOT a part of it.

So that means, a new movie with different cast, storyline and unjoss-like dialogue. Just with the same name. Certainly not the Buffy we have grown with and love.

The idea is so ridiculous that I would have laughed so hard if the news isn't true. But it is. And that someone else will be writing the script. Probably someone who knows nothing about the world Joss Whedon has created.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997-2003), the hit TV show with a massive loyal cult-like following has garnered modest ratings, rave reviews and countless tie-in products including a spin-off show back in its day. It has spawned worldwide attention with its remarkable storyline, relate-able characters and witty dialogue, even landing in Time Magazine's 100 Best TV Shows of All Time and winning 3 Emmys. It is a game-changer for shows in the late 90's and has influenced the direction of other series like Charmed and Roswell.

It originally made Vampires look cool to the teenage population, and now that the fad is barging back, this reboot movie is obviously a money-making ticket to jump in the middle of the undead hysteria.

See, I have spent a tremendous amount of time, far too many than what is considered healthy, watching and obsessing over this particular TV show. I have almost all of the episode titles, bad guy of the season and various quotes memorized. I have all the songs from the musical episode "Once More With Feeling" burned in a CD. And mind you, that was the time before anyone can watch the latest episode online or download all of the seasons and songs in a computer. I had to deal with RPN9 and, later, Studio 23's 2-season late airings. Aside from Harry Potter, this is my childhood, err, teenage-hood. Undeniably geeky period in my life, yes I agree, but it's still part of my past and it's horrific to find out that they will patch all those nerdy memories with a movie flick that would most likely fail even before it shows up in the big screen.

Back to Joss Whedon, here's his reaction to the surprising news. (Joss's email to Kristin of E!)
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. 

 
The cast of BtVS with creator Joss Whedon
 
Just when you thought you could not admire him more, he responds to the annihilation of his life's work with eloquence, dignity and humor. The man is just brilliant.

Twitter is now all abuzz with horror and speculation on the aforementioned news. There are some funny tweets in there but here is my favorite:
 
@sophia537: *cries even harder* they ALREADY made a Buffy movie without Joss Whedon and it was SH*T! Those vampire better not f*cking SPARKLE!!!
 
(Hence the post title.) 

If that ever happens, it will be official. There is no hope left for mankind.

2 comments:

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