Rob Tapert, the co-creator of television’s Xena: Warrior Princess, has given up hope that there will ever be a live-action feature film version of the classic show, at least not any time soon or starring series leads Lucy Lawless and Renee O’Connor.
“It’s something that just won’t happen,” Tapert told TheTorchOnline.com in an exclusive interview. “I don’t think it’s going to happen for Lucy and Renee. In twenty years or ten years, in some amount of years, like McGyver, like Charlie’s Angels, it [could] happen like that [with other actresses].”
Rumors of a feature film adaptation of the series, which ran in syndication from 1995 to 2001, have circulated for years, and all the principles had indicated in interviews that they’d be eager to participate.
“I thought for a heartbeat it would [get made],” Tapert said, “but at the end of the day, the rules of motion picture marketing, where they have to commit $25 million to open a movie, in this environment, the momentum you need to get a movie made isn’t there to get a Xena movie made.”
One problem for a film version concerned the fact that NBC Universal Television Group controls the rights to the show, not Tapert or co-creators John Schulian or R.J. Stewart.
Tapert’s pessimism stems from the rights question, which still hasn’t been resolved, and the lack of funding. “It’s a question of [rights and financing],” he says. “All of the above.”
The show was canceled after a six-year run, but still enjoys a huge cult following, both online and at annual real-time conventions.
Over the course of the show, the character of Xena returned from the dead many times; the warrior princess even died in the series finale. But now the character, at least as interpreted by actress Lucy Lawless, appears to be dead for good.
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Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!
I feel sick.
H’wood can make a movie of “Reno 911″, but not Xena?
Something here does NOT add up!
I am EXTREMELY bummed about this…
Major bummer. Major, major, major bummer.
But it’s good to finally have some concrete confirmation from Rob Tapert himself (especially after the continual “maybes” and “subject to agreement on the rights/financing” qualifications which have been given by various people over the years). Thanks for seeking out Rob Tapert for the interview.
It wouldn’t be quite so painful if “Xena” lived on in some other medium, like comic books or novels. I’m pretty sure Buffy still has a continual release of new novels and of course she has her own “official/canon” continuation of the TV series in the form of comic books with the blessing and involvement of Joss Whedon himself.
I realise Dynamite Entertainment tried to resurrect Xena in their own line of comic books, but their re-writing of Xenaverse history (in order to bring Xena back from the dead) was pretty atrocious and the comic books just weren’t all that well-written (not to mention the fact that there’s huge amounts of well written fan fiction which is available for FREE online which probably means that fans are less likely to purchase merchandise (even if its “official”) which is poorer in quality by comparison). It’s not like “Xena” even lives on in terms of any other “new” merchandising (whether it’s toys, statues or similar) either.
Also, I’ll keep a little bit of hope alive for the day pigs fly. Movie studios LOVE to cash-in on the “popular” genres. IF (and that is a very big *IF*) movies like Fathom (with Megan Fox), Magdalena (with Jenna Dewan and Luke Goss), Amazon (with Scarlett Johansson), Sucker Punch (directed by Zack Snyder), Bitch Slap (which features Lucy Lawless and Renee O’Connor in cameos), Wonder Woman and Tomb Raider (with a new actress) are all a success and IF movies like “War of the Gods”, “Clash of the Titans” (the remake) and “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” are also all a success, then NBC Universal would be on the look-out for a movie which features a fierce female warrior roaming around Ancient Greece and “Xena: Warrior Princess” would be a perfect fit (although more than likely they’ll re-cast to appeal to a “young” demographic). Highly unlikely of course. Incredibly unlikely, but I’m an optimist when it comes to getting more “Xena”.
In the meantime, Richard and Kahlan from “Legend of the Seeker” are so very clearly uber versions of Xena and Gabrielle. It’s so obvious in their characterisation and the fact that they’re still not allowed to have sex (or even kiss). LOTS serves as a semi-decent substitute (although it doesn’t come close to the dizzying ehgihts of creativity that Xena did (for better or for worse)).
Finally, is there any chance of submitting some follow-up questions to Rob Tapert? In particular I would like to know what the proposed outline was for the Xena movie which was to be written by Katherine Fugate (the writer of the season 6 episode “When Fates Collide”). I don’t think it actually ever moved beyond Katherine Fugate and Robert Tapert discussing their ideas for resurrecting Xena, although it may have gotten to an “outline” stage, but I’d still be really interested in knowing what their basic plan for the Xena movie was (especially as Katherine Fugate mentioned that it would set in various continents around the world and not just in Egypt as could be implied from the ending of “Friend in Need”).
It’s obviously a sore spot for Rob, not something he wants to talk about. He’s moved on (though he promised he’d tell me the “whole story” sometime…)
Way to make this blog about yourself Agent 86. No one cares what you have to say.
Thanks Chaz.
I was confused by the title of the article - I thought it read: “Self-Important Article About Agent 86: Everyone Cares About What He Has To Say About Himself”.
Next time I comment on an article I’ll try to take the time to actually read and digest the content of the article in order to ensure that my comments are made in respect of the content of the article as opposed to simply making comments about myself.
I’m really disappointed to read that. I would prefer when we had hope.
If Rob gives up, we won’t have a slight chance to get a movie with our preferred team. No point to have a movie in 10-20 years without Lucy and Renée.
As Agent 86 said, it would be nice to know the plan proposed to bring Xena back and get the scenario written by Katherine Fugate.
It’s a shame Universal is not listening to the fans will.
This is really unbelievable and annoying!!
Shame for Hollywood and Universal studios for not making a movie for “Xena”. Xena is most prominent Clut show, if they don’t want make flim on the show they are big time loosers… Who doesn’t like to watch a tall leather woman with chakram kicking all bad ass and fighting for greater good..!! this is amazing insn’t ? we tired to see the super heroes with powers and abilites..Xena was the real time hero… i love to see her action on the hollywood screen now..!!
But this article gave no hope..!!
What a bummer! This was a huge successfull show. A lot of todays TV series have references to it, even that many years after the end of the show. It prooves it still remains a hit series.
I do not understand why the movie cannot take place. Star Trek had it, X-files had it, etc ………….
And I wouldn`t be surprise if BSG will have it movie very soon.
It is because of the huge holibi fans maybe? Cause that would be just so shortsighted and so unadultively of those US multimedia companies.
I can`t understand the US production companies. They have gold in front of them and they won`t have it.
One thing for shore, with other actresses it won`t be a succes at all.
Can`t believe this is happening.
I am so saddened by this interview. I have never given up hope & have been thinking positive thoughts all these years that soon a Xena Movie will be made with Lucy Lawless & Renee O’Connor. But now after reding this & knowing that this came from Rob, thats just crushed my hope totally, I still have a drop of it but it’s not looking good now.
I dont want or need a Xena Blockbuster Movie, even a Xena Direct To DVD Movie would make me happy & I have no idea how this wont happen.
Take the TV show Dead Like Me, It was axed after only two seasons for poor ratings & that just had a Direct To DVD Movie made of it. So how on earth can a show that ran for 6 years with great ratings, has conventions still running to this day after so many years of the show ending not get a movie made but a show which was axed after only 2 years has had a movie made of it??
I really dont understand how this happens. It really upsets me!!!!
I still have an ounce of hope for a Xena Movie to b made with Lucy & Renee.
Xena DESERVES A MOVIE!!!
Also good idea guys it would b great to find out wat Rob & Katherine were planning for a movie.
I’m in agreement with all the comments made here so far. So many bad movies are out there, and here is the chance to make a good one and Universal is not interested? But I strongly hope that Rob Tapert will at least make a movie starring Lucy and Renee (preferably one in which they don’t die gruesomely, however ). Maybe a comedy? The Xena comedies were some of the best eps. That would be the next best thing, imo.
What’s new here, there was never going to be a movie. NBC is freaked with resurecting two lesbians more than likely.
NBC could make 12 eps and make a nice killing on TV. It would do VERY WELL…TV loves lesbians!! Float that idea and they’ll jump on it. But I doubt Tapert is doing that pitch??? Does Tapert even need to be involved since he hasn’t any rights?
Rob is married to Lucy. It would NEVER happen without him, nor should it.
This is totally depressing, what great role models. It unbelievable, hopefully this will change. Come on NBC don’t you know a good thing when you see it. Bring on the XENA movie.
this is not happy news..especially after xena was murdered in the final episode..we should have a movie to resolve that in the least..how can our hero be dead with no consolations.
Noooooooooo
I’m from Brazil
We love Xena and Gabrielle want them back! Do a force.
Has a nation out here is that these two passionate in their aventuras.E and not something silly!
We love it.
Grateful for the visit of Rennes O’Connor in Brazil waiting for Xenacom!
ps: I do not speak English very well the
nooooo
I´m from Brazil
We love Xena and Gabrielle want them back! Do a force.
Has a nation out here is that these two passionate in their aventuras.E and not something silly!
We love it.
Grateful for the visit of Rennes O’Connor in Brazil waiting for Xenacom!
This stem is not want the two on paper if not, no grace …
Not need to do!
I’m totally sick to my stomach right now. How can this be? Who owned the rights to ‘Charlie’s Angels’ to get a movie made? We REALLY NEED to have Xena and Gabrielle back together again with only Lucy and Renee. We really need to find a way to get those rights of the show in the hands of Robert, Lucy and Renee to have a movie made. Come on, fans, let’s find a way to get a movie made with Lucy and Renee!!! Battle On, Fans!!!!!!!!!!
The comic eps were nice (I enjoy watching Lucy playing several roles at a time so masterfully), but I wouldn’t like a Xena theatrical comedy at all, that would be bullshit, Xena deserved a real action-packed movie like the TV show, one which would have ended the series properly, not a lesbian show nor a bloody buffonery.
I’d say Tapert is VERY needed since he’s the creator of the character and the show, and a Xena movie wouldn’t be the same without him, I consider myself a big fan, but after what he did, I wouldn’t mind at all if someone else would have fixed what he very much spoilt (that is, as long as Lucy’d has played Xena, of course).
Anyway it’s over now, but I’m not surprised at all, I never doubted it would be like that, as sure as I know that (unfortunately IMO) they WILL do a freaking fake Xena movie some day, one that will stink all the way and that of course I’ll never watch -even if they’d pay people to watch the stupid thing, I wouldn’t watch it anyway.
What a news to receive on this Earth-day-Lucy-Birthday combo.
I still cant believe after six years following Xena adventures,
Tapert just killed her and turn away. Dont he understand he
backstabed all Xena fans at once. It seem to me the greatest Evil
ennemy of Xena is Tapert. We seen through the years many way a
dead Xena can use to come back to Earth, even from the Paradise or
Hell, it is easy to imagine a way back for our favorite sword and
leather female warrior. I can see Xena be back on Earth as a Paladin
fighting for God, with granted special powers to seek out and destroy
any evil for the greater good. Im still stun by that news…
You’re insane. He’s worked his butt off to make this happen and is crushed that it won’t. He CREATED this character that you claim to love. Without him, she would not exist.
Your right Brent, well consider its sure not Tapert fault if the
movie is in the dead-end line, sorry I was so upset with the news.
Legend of the Seeker, with some actor from Xena we can recognize is
a little moral booster for now.
I understand. I was crushed too when he told me.
ok, what I don’t understand is WHy the blazes don’t they make something like Xena warrior princess meets Captain Janeway? Two fan bases and that Xena spawned a strong character who became a star ship captain is so right. I think there is more going on here then what is being said. It all smells to me. definite odor.
hola,una pelicula de xena,,nosa vendria bien,por que se las estraña mucho,a las chicas,,aca,en latinoamerica la seguimos mucho,lastima que no tenemos el privilejio de ser elegidos para las convensiones que se hacen cada año,acuerdense de latinoamerica,por que somos parte del mapa tambien,y somos parte de xena,,yo soy el guerrero solitaio,que de las sombras,espero el momento de pegar el golpe,para rescatarla de ese castillo en donde la tienen presa,a ella,que la voy a resctar,es seguro,en el momento menos esperado,la voy a rescatar,del gigantezco dragon que la domina,que gracias a ella tiene el poder y la gloria,veremos el dia de nuesrta gloria,la libertad de ser uno en dos,no se elviden de latinoamerica,somos parte del mapa,y xenba oicupa n lugar hermoso en nuestros corazones,y lucy en mi ser,el mas preciado de los tesoros,see you,one day,byeeeeessstotales.
Leo the Maori sez:
Hello. A Xena film. (?? nosa vendria bien ??) .. because the girls are missed a lot. Here in Latin America they have a great following.
Pity we are not priviliged to follow the Xena-related conversations which take place every year. Bear in mind Latin America is also on the map and a part of Xena.
I’m the lone warrior in the shadows. I await the moment to strike the blow that will rescue her from the castle where they hold her prisoner. It is a done deed that I will rescue her when least expected, from the gigantic dragon which dominates her; which because of her, has the power and the glory. We shall see the day of our glory, the freedom to be one in two.
Do not forget Latin America. We’re part of the globe and Xena occupies a beautiful place in our hearts. Lucy, in me is more precious than treasures.
See you one day.. (total good-byes)
(end)
There must be more to the story behind the prospects of a Xena movie NOT being made. Perhaps Universal is bearing a grudge because they were sued by principals - for was it a share of merchandising or something like that? . [I believe Lucy settled and Kevin Sorbo's case dragged on longer.] I don’t have any inside knowledge, but my opinion is that the only way to pave a path toward a Xena movie is if another studio [entity] bought the rights from Universal. Clearly the work on Spartacus demonstrates Rob and Lucy still enjoy the sandal/sword genre. There’s no dearth of writers. Rob/Sam have made movies with other studios. Who knows? Perhaps Bollywood is the answer, though that would take things back to India and that’s a whole other can of worms.
Yup. “There must be moer to the story”.. like maybe the lesbian contingent are their own worst enemies. Allow me to suggest an alternative approach. Instead of trying to persuade Rob to resurrect Xena/Gab, he should attempt a female buddy film. No lesbian subtext. Just give fans another chance to see Lucy and Renee together on the screen again. Like Starsky and Hutch, Napoleon Solo and Ilya Kuryakin, Scottie and Kelly.. see? a neglected genre where Rob and Lucy could still make a difference. The female buddy flick. Sell him on that idea and he might like the idea. It stands a better chance to see the light of day than any idea by or about lesbians.
GUTTED for us fans & gutted for Rob!!
Lucy & Renee= Xena & Gabrielle END OF STORY!!
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
XENA THE MOVIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I know. This is EXACTLY how I feel.
algo mas,creo que es algo ya rebuscado,pensandolo bien,creo que ya le saco demasiado el jugo “the chief”,creo que ya fue,que venga a vernos a latinoamerica,con eso nos conformamos,otra pelicula?,creo que,,,ya fue,siiii,no da para mas,demasiado trabajo tiene lucy en teatros y the hollywood,el tiene la gallina que pone huevos de oro,dejala descansar roberto,no te alcanza con hacerla trabajar tanto?,dejala que descanse un ratito,que valla a su pais,por que ya te dio bastante,(ella),te dio hijos,plata,y movistes un dedo?,ninguno,solo para contar los billetes,el indice y el pulgar,casi se vuelve loca de tanto laburar,ok?,me voy,saludos a todos,un abrazo cordial,para todos los amigos que entran a esta pagina,lurele,asi la llamo yo a lucy,im love you,always,in my soul,te amo,desde lo mas profundo de mi ser,see you lather,in the dreams,my love to god,byeeeeeesssssssssssssssssssssssssssssstotales.