Wait, Whedonless what now?

Don't ask what we were doing all day, but I'll tell you now that a dark development was revealed in the subject of the long rumored Whedonless Buffy movie.

I'm still calling bullshit on this whole thing, but since Joss himself commented today, let's play the game: Warner Brothers is apparently officially moving forward on a new feature film of the Whedonless Buffy the Vampire Slayer, having secured the rights from KuzuiFail and others. Here's the official press release:

LOS ANGELES, NOVEMBER 11, 2010 – Atlas Entertainment announced today it is rebooting the beloved franchise, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, with Warner Bros. Pictures. Atlas' Charles Roven and Steve Alexander will produce the feature film alongside Doug Davison and Roy Lee of Vertigo Entertainment (The Ring, How to Train Your Dragon, The Departed). Whit Anderson is writing the script.

Warner Bros. Pictures optioned the rights from creators Fran and Kaz Kuzui, and from Sandollar Productions (Sandy Gallin and Dolly Parton), for Atlas and Vertigo to produce. Buffy the Vampire Slayer first appeared as a film in 1992, subsequently becoming a cult hit and spawning the wildly popular television series starring Sarah Michelle Gellar and David Boreanaz, among many others.

"Whit approached us with an exciting idea about how to update Buffy," said Roven. "There is an active fan base eagerly awaiting this character's return to the big screen. We're thrilled to team up with Doug and Roy on a re-imagining of Buffy and the world she inhabits. Details of the film are being kept under wraps, but I can say while this is not your high school Buffy, she'll be just as witty, tough, and sexy as we all remember her to be."

The biggest question there is, did YOU know that Dolly Parton had rights into the Buffy franchise? I KNOW! Neither did we. You learn something new every day....

Anyway, here is El Jefe's response, via an e-mail sent to E! Online:


"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."

For more, check out the Los Angles Times Blog.

This Heather Morris Thing

Where does one get a stake?

If you read this blog, you probably know that I think this Whedonless Buffy Movie is moot and the thing is never going to see the light of day...call it a hunch. But since the world is still a chatter, let's discuss this odd Heather Morris thing that won't die. Apparently, Perez Hilton is getting casting credit on the film as he's the one who suggested Glee's Miss Morris play Miss Summers in the reboot. Originally the reports were denied by all involved, but now the actress claims the "creators" are actually considering her. The whole thing makes her pee on herself. Yeah, us too kiddo!

Sorry to have to share what has to be one of the most boring interviews in recent memory. Most of it has Heather talking to Access Hollywood about Gwenyth Paltrow's children and their ipad apps. I dunno. The Buffy part is in there somewhere. Check it out:

Since she's in Glee and a singer/dancer, maybe they can make the whole Whedonless Buffy a musical? WITH MUPPETS!! Get Jason Segel on there. While we're day-dreaming, can someone make a fanvid out of Heather Morris dancing with Beyonce so that I could brand this post a proper Fanvid Sunday? No? No one feels like doing that? Ugh.:

The 'OG Buffy' Kristy Swanson speaks about this mess!

Now we're talking. Everyone knows how I die for Original Gangsta a.k.a Buffy 1.0 aka Kristy Swanson's Buffy. It didn't make Joss happy (nor should it have) but it is an entertaining mess and has Paul Ruebens, so there. It seems that enough hoopla has surrounded this Whedonless Buffy movie over the past few days that Swanson has finally come out of the woodwork, stating that she'd like to dust off the ole' stake and be involved in the Nuffy reboot (TM The One True B!x).

Swanson tells Entertainment Weekly:
“Let Buffy live. Why not?”

If they wanted me to be a part of it, I think that would be fantastic and that it would be a blast,”

“There are die-hard Joss Whedon fans who absolutely love him to death, and rightly so. He’s a brilliant man, no doubt,” she says. “I love everything Buffy . I don’t care who’s doing it.”

Read the full article at EW.com. Luke Perry, has no comment. I think he's still reeling from this.

How do I feel about this, you, irritated reader ask? Not great. But as much as we all abhor the idea of going Whedonless on Buffy, making, say, a sequel to the 1992 cult classic would almost seem like an admission of guilt and there would be a clear, purposeful separation from our DVDs. It's still money-hungry and a slap in our faces, but it's definitely a softer blow. Now don't get me wrong, it can't be some "The Next Karate Kid" style "The Next Slayer" with mama Kristy Swanson doing a 2-bit cameo, coming in to pass the torch. In my Original Buffy sequel we'd see what happened to that Buffy. How many apocalypse did she face? Did she get a new watcher after Merrick's death? Would she die at the end? Then again, that also would need Joss Whedon to be good. Ugh, the WB just doesn't know this fandom at all, does it...

Just watch a young Joss Whedon's disgusted reaction at the Original Buffy wrap party, stating what we already know:

The Top Ten Whedonverse Moments of 2010

Majors spoilers for Season 8 if you're not completely caught up...

Time really flies when you're having a Whedon-filled year and this one was no exception! Over the course of the year, we conducted 35 interviews and published tons of exclusive content and images. But well beyond this place we call our home, the fandom was hit with a slew of information and news this year, both good and bad.

Here's a look back at our Top Ten Whedonverse Moments of the year. Happy New Year to all!

#1 - The Death of Rupert Giles
The wounds are still fresh, but we couldn't leave 2010 behind without acknowledging our favorite Watcher. Giles is a beloved character here at Buffyfest and he will be sorely missed.

#2 - San Diego Comic Con
Seriously, no words can express this experience. There was laughing and excitement one minute and then something akin to four deers caught in the headlights another. No matter what, the hard work paid off because we got to mix and mingle with the "who's who" of the Whedonverse.

#3 - Twilight-Gate
The spoiler heard round the world. That is all.

#4 - Jane Espenson Interview
We were humbled when Ms. Espenson talked with us about all things Buffy and to be honest, we're still feeling a little gitty in the after-glow of that interview.

#5 - Buffyfest 2010
This year we gambled it up with kittens, of course! The annual Buffyfest celebration was "high stakes" with all the usual fun, food and a dash of debauchery for good measure.

#6 - Other Cons without Michelle (NYCC, Big Apple Con, and Philly Comic Con)
It was a busy year for us as we navigated the Convention scene all along the northeastern sea board. With Michelle living in Sunny Los Angeles, these had to be handled East Coast style by Tara and Bits.

#7 - License-Gate IDW has treated Angel well, but with the news of the move to Dark Horse next year, Angel's unlife will be in the hands of 2011's Season 9 umbrella. It was another one of those "-gates" that rocked the fandom hard.

#8 - Joss and The Avengers
The demise of Dollhouse opened the door for Joss's huge directorial debut on The Avengers. We broke the news in San Diego and can't wait to see what Joss has in store for this elite super hero bunch. We still think Buffy could kick all their asses. 

#9 - Space Sex
It was certainly something to talk about. Well, it was porn on paper. Buffy and Angel porn on paper. In space.

#10 - Buffy Movie Reboot
It's possible that by this time next year, the reboot release will be a rumor of the past, but no matter how you feel about this news, shocked or awed, a big screen Buffy movie has to make it on this list. Funny thing is that a year and a half before this news broke, we did our very own recast of a Whedonless Buffy movie.

First Look: Whedonless "Buffy" movie cast revealed

Buffyfest has acquired an exclusive first look at the cast for the new Buffy "reboot" movie. Is it us, or does something seem a little off here?

Starring:

Sandra Michelle Hellar

Ally Flannigan

Brandon

Nicholas

Anthony

Stewie Foot

Davis Boreano

Jimmy Masters

Dazzle Woodworker

Amber Bensonhurst

And Breckin Meyer will be playing "Oz"

More "Megan Fox, to Buffy or not to Buffy?"

"Buffy" waits for Angel or Spike or Xander or Giles (take your pick) in the library.

This is total fluff but Perez is spreading it around now like an STD, so I guess we'll address it...but there's really not much to address. I mean, we already knew this whole "Megan Fox as Buffy" bizniz was a rumor. So, the fact that the producer of the Whedonless Buffy movie (Roy Lee of Vertigo, not the Kuzuis) says it's a rumor, but also doesn't deny it,  just seems like more fan-torture simply for PR sake.

IGN's exact quote from Lee was:"The rumors of Megan Fox being involved with Buffy are just rumors. As with any film project with a female lead under the age of 30, Megan is the actress that most studios want so it is no surprise her name is mentioned. While I think she would be great for our project, we are still in the early stages of developing the script."

Oh, I didn't realize that Roy Lee was the exec producer/producer of The Grudg, The Grudge 2, and Possession - all starring our very own SMG. Hmm, the plot thickens.

source

Newsies

WTF else is happening in the Whedonverse you ask? Well here's a week end run down:

So are the Kuzui's nervous or what? Apparently the Whedonless Buffy movie producers did reach out to Joss after all (most likely after all the internets exploded in a frenzy of hate.) Joss told EW: “I believe [the producers] did ultimately reach out to my agent after the news broke.” Then goes on to say, “I think that’s something better left untouched by me. So, I wish them luck.” Yeah, good luck with that.

From the same article, Joss talks about how fabulous the new writing is going on Dollhouse, the status of Alpha, Summer Glau's appearance speculation and more. He says it's 'Back with such a vengeance'. The man certainly seems excited! I think that's reason for all the haters and worriers to chillax just a little.

If you're going to San Diego Comic Con, you'll be pleased to hear about the awesomeness announced. Not only will there be a Dollhouse Q&A panel in Ballroom 20 with Joss and Eliza, but the final season 1 episode surrounded in mystery - 'Epitaph One' - is now confirmed to be shown...and this all in a 2 hour mega-panel. 

And don't forget to pre-order the fancy shmancy Dollhouse Comic Con Special Edition DVD set from FoxStore.com when it goes on sale July 6 at 10am PST. It will be sold until July 20 on there and because of that, it's probably not a good idea to press your luck and try to get one on sale at SDCC itself. 

Also at SDCC, there will be a sing-along screeing of Dr. Horrible and Commentary! The Musical. California Browncoats will be hosting. Fun!

Probably best to check out the LA times Comic Con Survival Guide if you're going to be doing all that.

Alyson Hannigan says "Oh Hell No"

Well...in so many words. When asked about appearing in the Whedonless Buffy movie for a cameo, Alyson Hannigan told CinemaBlend.com the following:

"Not without Joss. Joss is the only reason that we would go back."

Hmm. "We." Notice the big little word in that statement. Is she talking about "we" in the sense of "my smoldering rogue demon hunter of a husband and I"? Does she mean "we" in the sense of "My old friend Smidgie and I"? Does she mean to say "The full cast have all had the discussion many-a-time and 'we' all agree that the collective 'we' would all totally go back for a movie"?

That statement drives me crazy with curiosity!

More here at CinemaBlend.com (Michelle - "the cinema" hee!):
http://www.cinemablend.com/new/Alyson-Hannigan-Says-No-Thanks-To-The-Buffy-The-Vampire-Slayer-Remake-15952.html

Perez reports the Whedon news, wackiness ensues

Perez Hilton speculated (or tried to anyway) the other day about Joss's Statement to Ausiello regarding the Whedonless Buffy Movie. This is not new news to us at this point, but I still chuckled upon reading. The post is filled with misinformation (Tv Guide? Entertainment Weekly? Huh?) But the very best thing about Perez's site is the ridiculous comments. His readers are something else. I'm not sure half even read the post. Check out this sampling then click through to his site for the full shebang:

dickbreath says: I WANT MY MONEY BACK!!! I WOULD RATHER WATCH BIKINI GIRLS WITH MACHINE GUNS!!!
cherrymuffinlove says: – Re: dickbreath – how inspirational.

Nici says: …Kristy Swanson IS Buffy the Vampire Slayer…f**k SMG BRING BACK KRISTY!!

EwithawYe says: You can't have Buffy without Sarah Michelle Geller!!! It's like having a white Fat Albert

http://perezhilton.com/2009-05-27-joss-whedon-talks-buffy-film-revamp

Buffyfest's Top Ten Moments of 2011!

Major Buffyverse spoilers for Season 8 & 9 if you're not completely caught up...

Another year is gone. And listen, we were definitely confused about compiling this year's Top Ten list. Did Giles get killed this year or end of last? Did Buffy and Angel conceive a baby universe this year? When did she even have random lesbian sex? Well the answer to all of that is: Not in 2011! Oh no, 2011 was all about restructure and transition in the Whedonverse. The Buffy and Angel stories are all back under one roof, living at Dark Horse, and Joss Whedon was off creating new and wonderful projects for us to feast our eyes on in 2012. Helping us with what will be the Top Ten moments of 2012, assuming the world doesn't end before that.

So now that we have that all figured out, here's a look back at our Top Ten Whedonverse Moments of this year. And a very Happy New Year, readers and friends!

#1 - Photobombed!
This was one of the most embarrassingly huge things that ever happened to us as Buffyfest, so it was definitely landing the top spot this year. Joss Whedon officially became our White Whale. While doing an interview at SDCC, Andrew Chambliss is actually saying the words "Joss is busy with The Avengers" and dude, Michelle, Joss is right behind you. Doesn't get sillier than this!

#2 - The End of All Magic
2011 marked the fallout of Angel and Buffy's universe-creating space sex, which ultimately ended in Giles' death and Buffy needing to break the seed, thus ending the flow of magic on earth. What a long, strange trip it's been.

#3 - Buffyfest 2011
This year we had a fancy brunch featuring Funny Shaped Pancakes, Mr. Gordo Bacon, Oh Hey! Juice!, and coffee from the Espresso Pump, along with all the morning fare one could dream up for a Buffy Breakfast event. Michelle even made a fanvid using the Wham! classic "Wake Me Up Before You Go Go." Good times.

#4 - Dark Horse Goes Digital
With Dark Horse taking over the Angel license, 2011 not only marked the year that Buffy and Angel were back under one roof, but the company finally digitized their full range of Whedonverse titles old and new. Which brings us to....

#5 - Angel & Faith
We're not sure if anyone was prepared for the fabulosity that the Angel & Faith series has become. Angel is arguably one of the most hated characters in the entire Whedonverse at this point (after basically killing Buffy's dad), but man smashing these 2 anti-heroes together has created a seriously compelling story to watch unfold.

#6 - Much Ado About Nothing
Joss writes, directs and produces a whole movie entirely in secret. He may have an evil clone.

#7 - Buffyfest at Comic Cons
Buffyfest once again made the pilgrimage to Geek Mecca SDCC 2011 and it's little cousin NYCC 2011.

#8 - Buffy's Birthday Bash
Buffy had a big birthday on Januray 19th this year, coinciding with Season 8's grand finale...and there were bashes all over the country to celebrate! Our spot? Forbidden Planet in NYC.

#9 - Joss Whedon's Favorite Shirt
Joss wore that two-toned henley to death, from Comic Cons (it's in the photobomb!) to parties to film sets. 'Twas funny.

#10 - Buffy Movie Reboot: DOA
Funny thing is, last year's #10 spot of this here list had the news of the Whedonless Reboot along with the line "It's possible that by this time next year, the reboot release will be a rumor of the past". And now it looks like it is. Life's cute like that sometimes.

Oh jeez, Megan Fox to play the new/fake Buffy?

Megan Fox as Buffy in the Library.

And hot on the heels of that last ridiculous post is this one. That was a joke. This...well I have no idea WTF to say about this. Flickcast speculates about this latest Whedonless Buffy movie rumor.

True? False? Blasphemy? Good idea? What say ye?

http://theflickcast.com/2009/06/10/megan-fox-is-the-new-buffy/