Reports from ew.com, The Hollywood Reporter and The Los Angeles Times are stating that Fran Kuzui [director of the cult fave film] and husband Kaz Kazui are looking to produce a new Buffy the Vampire Slayer movie. Word is that they want to do a darker version in keeping with the times. At this time, there is no indication that project would Buffy creator, Joss Whedon in any way [ew.com’s Michael Ausiello quotes Whedon as saying, “I hope it’s cool,” when asked his feelings on the matter].
The Kazuis have held the rights to the character ever since the movie – and received executive producer credits for the TV series, which they produced with Gail Berman and Sandollar Television, bringing Whedon back to the character. They also received executive producer credits on the Buffy spin-off series, Angel.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, “Roy Lee and Doug Davison of Vertigo Entertainment are working with original movie director Fran Rubel Kuzui and her husband, Kaz Kuzui, on what is being labeled a remake or relaunch, but not a sequel or prequel.
The news of the potential Buffy relaunch has already touched a flood of criticism. A poll on the ew.com site sits as follows [as of a few minutes ago]:
How do you feel about a big-screen ‘Buffy’ that doesn’t involve Joss Whedon?
65% – When and where is the riot occurring?
33% – They can make it, but it will never exist to me.
2% – Great! Can’t wait to see it!