Warner Bros To Reboot ‘Buffy: The Vampire Slayer’ Minus Joss Whedon

We’ve been following this one for at least a year now when word first surfaced that a new Buffy: The Vampire Slayer movie was in the works. Now, it looks like the deal is finally going through, although the players have changed a bit, and we will be seeing a brand new big screen incarnation of the character. I’ll let the excitement of that one sink in.

Now for the disappointment: Joss Whedon will have nothing to do with the film. Yes, in the infinite wisdom of Warner Bros. and the new film’s producers, the man who created the character, the entire world in which she resides and guided the successful TV series through seven seasons will be left behind as this new project moves forward.

Instead, the new film will be scripted by newcomer Whit Anderson who’s sole writing credit on IMDB is a film that hasn’t even been produced yet. In other words, she’s done nothing to prove herself or her work. Yeah, that sounds like a good idea. I’m sure her take on the material was really compelling.

In case you can’t tell, I don’t really understand why anyone would think not having Whedon involved is a good idea. And I’m sure I’m not the only one.

In fact, Joss Whedon himself thinks these development are rather strange and has responded to the news in true Joss fashion. He sent the response to E! Entertainment via email. Click through to read the whole thing. . . it’s pretty funny.

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.