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The franchise started in 1992 with a feature film starring Kristy Swanson, Donald Sutherland, Paul Reubens (PeeWee!), Rutger Hauer, Hilary Swank, and Luke Perry.

Joss Whedon wrote the movie, then went on to make the "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" TV series, which aired from 1997 to 2003. Most people don’t think of the movie when someone mentions Buffy. They think of the TV series.

Now there’s talk of ANOTHER movie coming to the big screen, but Whedon isn’t involved (at least, at this point). Vertigo Entertainment is working with original movie director Fran Rubel Kuzui and her husband, Kaz Kuzui, on what they’re calling a remake or relaunch, but not a sequel or prequel.

We think of Whedon as the person most aligned with Buffy, but Kuzui Enterprises has actually held onto the rights since the beginning (which shows how important it is to hang onto rights!). She discovered the script from then-unknown Whedon.

I just finished watching several Whedon shows on DVD, including "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "Angel" and "Firefly." It’s hard to imagine a new movie without the input of Whedon, because he’s so interwoven into all of his shows. I’m not ruling out a successful venture, just saying I need time to wrap my head around the idea.

The new "Buffy" film will have no connection to the TV series, and none of the familiar characters, including Angel, Willow, Xander and Spike, will be involved. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the plan is to "make a darker, event-sized movie that would, of course, have franchise potential." (Because, really, it all boils down to money – let’s not fool ourselves here.)

All of this begs lots of questions: Is it too soon to do another movie? Would the movie be any good without Whedon? Should they reach out to him to write or direct the movie? Should any of the original actors be involved? And does the whole idea make you sad or happy?

Discuss!

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Post from: Film Gecko

Whedon has a new feature film coming up, "The Cabin in the Woods." It’s a horror flick that’s already snagged Richard Jenkins and Bradley Whitford to star, and now several more cast members have signed on: Kristen Connolly ("Revolutionary Road"), Anna Hutchison ("Underbelly"), Chris Hemsworth ("Star Trek"), Fran Kranz ("The Village") and Jesse Williams ("The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2").

Joss Whedon is producing and writing the movie, while Drew Goddard is directing. No word on plot or character descriptions. I guess it’s all cloaked in secrecy.

I spoke with Whedon recently, who said about the film, "Ultimately, it’s my take on the classic horror movie … but we also have something specific to say about it – in a different way of saying it than we’ve seen before. I think after everyone sees it, they’ll love it so much that there will be no more need for movies." Now that’s confidence.

Image: © Universal Studios; Source: Hollywood Reporter

Post from: Film Gecko