Joss-less Buffy 'Reboot' = BIG BAD!

[Smashed]

Hmm. I don't think not using stuff from the show will be that bad. I'm interested to see what they'll come up with! Especially since the writer is a Buffy fan! I hope they cast an unknown or little known (maybe a soap star like SMG! Gotta love All My Children!) star.

I don't get why people are so against the original movie. It should be taken for what it is, a semi-horror black comedy.

I know this is an unpopular opinion on this and many other BtVS boards, but personally having Joss doesn't make or break anything for me. Aside from Buffy and a few characters and episodes from Angel, everything Joss has done has completely bored me. I didn't like Firefly, Dollhouse was...no comment, I can't say anything about the X-Men comics as I'm neither an X-men fan or comic reader (save parts of BtVS S8), and "season eight" of Buffy has totally jumped the shark (Dawn/Xander, forest creatures, Angel and Buffy having space sex and creating a universe called Twilight, and time travel...eek, it's almost as bad as season seven).

Don't get me wrong I think that Buffy was totally genius, brilliantly witty, and even life changing and season 8 has had it's great moments, but other than that I've not been impressed by Joss' works . :\

[Shane]

Nov 29, 2010 14:04:45 GMT -5 patxshand said:

patrickshand.blogspot.com/2010/11/buffy-reboot-leave-whit-anderson-alone.html

I posted my take on the whole controversy here. The attacks on this writer are insane and disgusting.

Also, I'm snarky.

Nice of you to defend her. Are the cross quoted comments from here and Whedonesque? I couldn't find all of them and it's hard to put them in context without links. Some comments do seem to be the typical I-hate-the-new-kid-on-the-playground kind but others genuinely seem to be seeking some sort of assurance that the writer will be able to deliver.

I'm still waiting for some casting and budget info. Not really enthused yet.

Nov 30, 2010 23:35:25 GMT -5 AndrewCrossett said:

If there's still a "Whedonverse" section in the new forum, hopefully this movie won't be under it, since it's not part of the Whedonverse.

Huh! I just noticed that. I thought it was just "Other Shows" or something. Has it always been called that?

[patxshand]

Dec 1, 2010 5:23:31 GMT -5 Shane said:

Nov 29, 2010 14:04:45 GMT -5 patxshand said:

patrickshand.blogspot.com/2010/11/buffy-reboot-leave-whit-anderson-alone.html

I posted my take on the whole controversy here. The attacks on this writer are insane and disgusting.

Also, I'm snarky.

Nice of you to defend her. Are the cross quoted comments from here and Whedonesque? I couldn't find all of them and it's hard to put them in context without links. Some comments do seem to be the typical I-hate-the-new-kid-on-the-playground kind but others genuinely seem to be seeking some sort of assurance that the writer will be able to deliver.

There quotes aren't out of context. They're not abridged. They're entire responses from Whedonesque, here, and the site that announced Whit Anderson as writer. Google will turn up the original site if you search for "Whit Anderson" in quotes. What quotes that I put in the blog made you feel like this "others genuinely seem to be seeking some sort of assurance that the writer will be able to deliver" though? I felt that every comment I quoted was pretty horrible which, unfortunately, seems to be what most of the people in the fandom are reppin' right now.

[Scarygothgirl]

Nov 30, 2010 22:11:19 GMT -5 CowboyGuy said:

Nov 29, 2010 12:48:16 GMT -5 jellymoff said:

Can you elaborate? Do yo think that it should not be discussed here when it comes out?

Since we are a Buffy forum, it will be getting it's own section in the new forum. And discussions are encouraged! But it will be separate from the Joss show. Since it is a separate entity, like Season 8 is.

Why don't we have a separate section for the original movie? It would make sense as it may have been written by Joss but most people see it as completely set apart from the series.

[Shane]

Dec 1, 2010 7:47:10 GMT -5 patxshand said:

There quotes aren't out of context. They're not abridged. They're entire responses from Whedonesque, here, and the site that announced Whit Anderson as writer. Google will turn up the original site if you search for "Whit Anderson" in quotes. What quotes that I put in the blog made you feel like this "others genuinely seem to be seeking some sort of assurance that the writer will be able to deliver" though? I felt that every comment I quoted was pretty horrible which, unfortunately, seems to be what most of the people in the fandom are reppin' right now.

I was referring to the responses at the end of your blog post and general comments against Whit Anderson both here and on Whedonesque.

I didn't mean they were out of context, just that there may be more to it than you saw. Discussions sometimes change direction depending on what others are saying and to emphasise or rebut certain points so posts can't be completely in context unless seen in their original form *and* at their original source.

(I'm trying to differentiate between reactionary posts, venting and those of genuine concern for the 'verse.)

[CowboyGuy]

Dec 1, 2010 13:17:43 GMT -5 Scarygothgirl said:

Nov 30, 2010 22:11:19 GMT -5 CowboyGuy said:

Since we are a Buffy forum, it will be getting it's own section in the new forum. And discussions are encouraged! But it will be separate from the Joss show. Since it is a separate entity, like Season 8 is.

Why don't we have a separate section for the original movie? It would make sense as it may have been written by Joss but most people see it as completely set apart from the series.

Because it didn't seem like it would generate that much discussion to give the original movie it's own board. Does it even have a thread?
I think that with the new forum, it will be a "Buffy on the Big Screen" board where you can discuss both the original and new incarnations.

[patxshand]

Dec 1, 2010 15:07:44 GMT -5 Shane said:

I didn't mean they were out of context, just that there may be more to it than you saw. Discussions sometimes change direction depending on what others are saying and to emphasise or rebut certain points so posts can't be completely in context unless seen in their original form *and* at their original source.

(I'm trying to differentiate between reactionary posts, venting and those of genuine concern for the 'verse.)

Gotcha. For me, there's not much of a difference either way. If you say something as awful as what's in those quotes, what does it matter what happened before you said it?

[Shane]

Dec 1, 2010 18:19:21 GMT -5 patxshand said:

Gotcha. For me, there's not much of a difference either way. If you say something as awful as what's in those quotes, what does it matter what happened before you said it?

Oh man, I'm not doing a very good job of explaining this. I mean I agree. They *are* awful. But I can't bring myself to care enough for that part of it to actually complain - it's the kind of thing people rant about on their blogs and stuff and I'm accustomed to it. (Of course, it's not allowed here and I agree with that too.)

I'm just more interested in other aspects of those comments and more comments by the same people to see if there's any objective worth to their overall views - the ranting could just be a stage. Thing is, I don't know what to make of them and I'm more intrigued by the frenzy about the movie than the movie itself.

Sorry, I didn't mean to impose. Nothing wrong with your blog - it was quite a refreshing read. It's just that you blogged regarding the tone of the comments and after reading them I got interested in other aspects. And I've found the original comments as per your instructions. Thanks! Sorry you had to explain it all. /nag

[patxshand]

Dec 2, 2010 5:22:21 GMT -5 Shane said:

Sorry, I didn't mean to impose. Nothing wrong with your blog - it was quite a refreshing read. It's just that you blogged regarding the tone of the comments and after reading them I got interested in other aspects. And I've found the original comments as per your instructions. Thanks! Sorry you had to explain it all. /nag

Nah, you weren't imposing or naggy. No worries.

[usagianddarien]

blastr.com/2010/11/joss-whedon-turned-down-t.php

just found this article. Says joss turned down the chance to work on this movie.

[dravenuk]

Dec 1, 2010 18:19:21 GMT -5 patxshand said:

Dec 1, 2010 15:07:44 GMT -5 Shane said:

I didn't mean they were out of context, just that there may be more to it than you saw. Discussions sometimes change direction depending on what others are saying and to emphasise or rebut certain points so posts can't be completely in context unless seen in their original form *and* at their original source.

(I'm trying to differentiate between reactionary posts, venting and those of genuine concern for the 'verse.)

Gotcha. For me, there's not much of a difference either way. If you say something as awful as what's in those quotes, what does it matter what happened before you said it?

I hold my hands up. A couple of the comments were mine, though not any of the name calling ones I hasten to add.

People get defensive and protective of the things they feel passionately about and sometimes as a result they will say stupid things. So if I said anything in any earlier posts that could be seen as offensive then I’m honestly sorry because that was not the intent.

Having said that, I still have to be honest and say that I don’t like what Whit is doing or what the Kazuis and Warners are doing. And I never will. That’s my opinion. I think it is fundamentally wrong. Many will disagree with me and that’s fine. But just because Whit is the writer doesn’t mean she should be immune from scrutiny and from honest criticism for her professional decisions.

[rufio]

don't you think we should reserve judgement until we find out what exactly they are doing with the story? at least wait until we know what the plot is going to be before you jump on either side of the fence. Whit Anderson might have come up with a really great idea/angle for the new Buffy. Hopefully the Kuzuis learned from their mistake in the past with the original. Maybe Joss will throw his 2 cents in eventually and affect the final product. Sure my optimism might make me more disappointed in the end, but I can't help but be happy. To anyone who believes that fans who support the reboot are immature or traitors or whatever: just b/c I'm not stuck up Joss's ass doesn't mean I'm not a true rabid buffy fan. I started watching when I was 13 at the start of season 4 and watched continuously until the series finale. I started reading Season 8 right from the beginning as well.
The concept of Buffy the Vampire Slayer transcends Joss's involvement, even if he is the creator. Sorry, but the more Buffy the better! I just really hope the reboot is spot on.

[midwesternwatcher]

I haven't read every post in this thread ... has anyone linked before to Brian Curry's comment?

hellmouthpodcast.com/movies/buffy-reboot-film-gets-green-light-hellmouth-podcast-responds#comments

Brian Curry does the Hellmouth Podcast, an episode by episode review of the whole TV series. It's a very good, thoughtful podcast IMHO. I'm pleased to say that he agrees with me, rufio above, and a few others who support this new film and hope it succeeds. Here's hoping you all follow this link and what he says.

[deathisyourgift]

My only worry with this movie is that it's helmed by the infamous Kazui's, who we all know altered Joss's vision for the original Buffy movie with Kristy Swanson. I think that's why Joss may have been hesitant. Also, he's kinda got a lot on his plate atm, so it would make sense that he would decline the Buffy movie until he had more time to devote to it (that's the hopeful & dedicated Whedonite in me speaking).

What I don't much care about is the fact that there will most likely be an entirely new cast. I think that, if the movie cast can respect the TV show portrayals of these characters, and use this to synthesize with their own portrayals to create an exciting new characterization of our beloved Scoobies, then it will be a success. If, on the other hand, they totally ignore the character development done over seven years by the TV cast, or they totally mimick the actors in a copy-cat way, then it'll be a fail. I'd love to see how someone else would play Xander, though it would be weird to see not-Nick Brendon in the eyepatch. Because it shouldn't matter who plays the characters, as they are not real and have many qualities that maybe a new actor would be able to summon coming to the role fresh.

About this writer, Whit Anderson...who is she and why was I not contacted cuz this was supposed to be MY GIG! I've been planning on bringing a Buffy movie to Joss and the movie peeps since I was SIXTEEN, COME ON!

Jen

[Eric]

Dec 4, 2010 10:58:09 GMT -5 deathisyourgift said:

My only worry with this movie is that it's helmed by the infamous Kazui's, who we all know altered Joss's vision for the original Buffy movie with Kristy Swanson. I think that's why Joss may have been hesitant. Also, he's kinda got a lot on his plate atm, so it would make sense that he would decline the Buffy movie until he had more time to devote to it (that's the hopeful & dedicated Whedonite in me speaking).

What I don't much care about is the fact that there will most likely be an entirely new cast. I think that, if the movie cast can respect the TV show portrayals of these characters, and use this to synthesize with their own portrayals to create an exciting new characterization of our beloved Scoobies, then it will be a success. If, on the other hand, they totally ignore the character development done over seven years by the TV cast, or they totally mimick the actors in a copy-cat way, then it'll be a fail. I'd love to see how someone else would play Xander, though it would be weird to see not-Nick Brendon in the eyepatch. Because it shouldn't matter who plays the characters, as they are not real and have many qualities that maybe a new actor would be able to summon coming to the role fresh.

About this writer, Whitman...who is she and why was I not contacted cuz this was supposed to be MY GIG! I've been planning on bringing a Buffy movie to Joss and the movie peeps since I was SIXTEEN, COME ON!

Jen

I'm pretty sure the Kuzui's are no longer involved. I think the only reason this project has picked up lately is because they sold the rights.

And sorry, but no television characters will be used in the movie. They don't have the rights to them. They only have the rights to the original 1992 film.

[deathisyourgift]

Dec 4, 2010 20:19:34 GMT -5 Eric said:

I'm pretty sure the Kuzui's are no longer involved. I think the only reason this project has picked up lately is because they sold the rights.

And sorry, but no television characters will be used in the movie. They don't have the rights to them. They only have the rights to the original 1992 film.

Wow, my mind is blown, thanks for the info!

[dravenuk]

Dec 2, 2010 20:36:40 GMT -5 rufio said:

don't you think we should reserve judgement until we find out what exactly they are doing with the story? at least wait until we know what the plot is going to be before you jump on either side of the fence. Whit Anderson might have come up with a really great idea/angle for the new Buffy. Hopefully the Kuzuis learned from their mistake in the past with the original. Maybe Joss will throw his 2 cents in eventually and affect the final product. Sure my optimism might make me more disappointed in the end, but I can't help but be happy. To anyone who believes that fans who support the reboot are immature or traitors or whatever: just b/c I'm not stuck up Joss's ass doesn't mean I'm not a true rabid buffy fan. I started watching when I was 13 at the start of season 4 and watched continuously until the series finale. I started reading Season 8 right from the beginning as well.
The concept of Buffy the Vampire Slayer transcends Joss's involvement, even if he is the creator. Sorry, but the more Buffy the better! I just really hope the reboot is spot on.

This new film might very well end up being a good film in its own right. But as far as I'm concerned it won't be Buffy. It will be fake Buffy. Personally, I have zero interest in anyone else's take - not while Joss is still actively involved in real Buffy. If his Buffy was officially no more and/or he was involved or at least had given his blessing to this film, then I'd give it a go. But for as long as Joss is still making any kind of Buffyness then that is the only Buffy for me, the only Buffy I need and I will accept no substitute. Joss's Buffy means far too much to me to be interested in a shiny new corporate product that will share the same name but little else.

But having said all of that, I would never dream of calling any Buffy fan who supports the reboot immature or a traitor. That is simply not on.

We all come to this from our own perspective. And almost all of those will differ. And that’s cool. We’ll all make up our own minds about just who Buffy really is, what she means to us and what version of Buffy is valid to us personally. I may even change my mind in the future about this whole business. And who knows, Joss may end up seeing the film, loving it and giving it his blessing and maybe even want to be involved in carrying it on to future films or even back to TV. Okay, I seriously doubt that, but you never know. In the meantime though, for me at least, there is only one Buffy. And long may she live.


On a related note:

Here’s a link to a great blog post I read earlier discussing the proposed reboot, saying why it is not a good idea but coming from a different angle than most of us who have argued the same. It’s an interesting and thought provoking read.

mannaismayaadventure.wordpress.com/2010/12/05/we-need-more-vampire-slayers-just-not-more-buffy/

[rufio]

I understand your point about Joss doing Season 8 and that is what you consider the 'real buffy', but this reboot is supposedly going back to the very beginning of buffy so it's not even comparable to season 8. Like I said earlier, Whit Anderson claims to be a buffy fan, so her script will most likely/hopefully take the original buffy storyline into consideration therefore making the reboot share more than just the name.
I mean, I wish they would just make it simple and keep the same characters from the original- Pike, Benny, Merrick, Kimberly, Nicole etc.. they should definitely leave Lothos behind though. It needs a fresh new villain.
I stick by my thoughts in my earlier posts about ideas of where they could take it through a trilogy. The world shown in 'Normal Again' would be a perfect opportunity to show a new, darker version of Buffy while still being connected to the original Buffy.
I don't know though, even though I imagine that being amazing, in all likelihood it will not happen. I may be singing a totally different tune about this reboot when we actually discover what the plot will be.

[dravenuk]

Dec 5, 2010 12:54:37 GMT -5 rufio said:

I understand your point about Joss doing Season 8 and that is what you consider the 'real buffy', but this reboot is supposedly going back to the very beginning of buffy so it's not even comparable to season 8. Like I said earlier, Whit Anderson claims to be a buffy fan, so her script will most likely/hopefully take the original buffy storyline into consideration therefore making the reboot share more than just the name.
I mean, I wish they would just make it simple and keep the same characters from the original- Pike, Benny, Merrick, Kimberly, Nicole etc.. they should definitely leave Lothos behind though. It needs a fresh new villain.

Personally, I choose to pretend the original movie doesn't exist as I really don't like it. So much so that it almost stopped me from watching the TV series when it first aired. So, for me, Buffy begins with Welcome to the Hellmouth.

Also, I have a feeling that the reboot won't be using much of anything from the original movie and will probably just take the name and very basic concept (girl who becomes chosen to kill vampires) and do something almost entirely different. From what's been said it doesn't even sound like it will be a high school thing. Fake-Buffy will probably be a professional cheer leader for a football team or maybe a budding pop star. Ugh! It'll probably be like a late teens/twenty-something Hannah Montana with vampires.

[Scarygothgirl]

I don't want to add coal to the fire but when you say 'going back the the origin of Buffy' it reminded me of the blog someone linked to up there ^ that said about how Buffy originated from Joss's head, so to go back to the origin would have to involve Joss.
I'm not saying that the reboot is wrong (though I personally am against it) I'm just saying that it's wrong to say going back to the origin of Buffy, should instead say something more like going back to the idea of the original film.