A 'Xena' Reboot Is Coming Is the Best News Lesbian Fans Will Hear Today

Lesbians’ favorite warrior princess may soon be returning to television.

NBC is planning a reboot of Xena: Warrior Princess, sources tell The Hollywood Reporter. The series, which ran in syndication from 1995 to 2001, endeared itself to women-loving women (and some gay men) with its strong female leads, Xena (Lucy Lawless) and Gabrielle (Renée O’Connor), and the frequent implication that these kickass ladies of the ancient world were more than just friends.

It’s unclear if the new series, set for 2016, will be a limited-run project or a renewable one, according to the Reporter. It’s also uncertain if Lawless will be involved, but NBC insiders would reportedly like her to come on board, although most likely a younger actress would play Xena.

“Sources say the new Xena would have to have the charisma and charm of Lawless and the smarts of The Hunger Games’ Katniss as producers are said to be looking for a sophisticated and smart superhero for a new generation,” the Reporter notes.

Appearing at Comic-Con in San Diego earlier this month, Lawless told fans she supports the idea of a new Xena series or movie. “There’s a swell of interest still,” she said. “I’m always being peppered with questions [about] when the Xena movie is coming. Guys, I’m pitching my ass off to make it happen, whether it’s with me or not. I think it’d be funny to have a reboot like Ash vs. Evil Dead [the Evil Dead sequel in which she has been cast] — like middle-aged Xena in a muumuu with a bad attitude and a smoking habit.”

Xena, by the way, died in the finale of the original series — but that does not appear to be an obstacle to the reboot. Original executive producers Rob Tapert and Sam Raimi have begun to develop the new series, and a search for a writer is under way, according to the Reporter.

Have you liked us on Facebook?