'Xena: Warrior Princess' Reboot Will Not Move Forward, Says NBC Exec Jennifer Salke

Queer women everywhere, join me in my despair. The "Xena: Warrior Princess" reboot is officially out for the count. In an interview with THR, NBC executive Jennifer Salke confirmed the show isn't moving forward, saying:
Nothing is happening on that right now. We looked at some material; we decided at that point that it didn't warrant the reboot. I'd never say never on that one because it's such a beloved title, but the current incarnation of it is dead.
The news comes after Javi Grill-Marxuach's announcement in April that he'd left the reboot due to creative differences. In a previous interview with THR, the "Lost" producer had supported fans' interpretation of Xena and Gabrielle's relationship as romantic, saying:
There is no reason to bring back Xena if it is not there for the purpose of fully exploring a relationship that could only be shown subtextually in first-run syndication in the 1990s.
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For some, the news that the reboot isn't happening might be a relief. According to The Mary Sue, original "Xena: Warrior Princess" star Lucy Lawless ("Salem") had wanted to return to the role alongside original Gabrielle actor Renee O'Connor ("Beyond the Farthest Star"), but the idea was shot down by NBC execs. The reboot would have featured new actors, and with Grillo-Marxuach's departure, it's unlikely the pair would've been an out married couple. As his main goal had been to flesh out their romantic relationship in the reboot, his departure was probably over arguments with NBC about portraying Xena as she was: a happily married bisexual woman.

Running from 1995 to 2001, "Xena: Warrior Princess" was a spinoff from sibling show "Hercules," and followed Amazonian Princess Xena on her quest to fight for the greater good. After meeting Gabrielle, the lovebirds journeyed across the ancient world to defeat warlords and gods alike.

Bummed about the news, or relieved Xena won't be tarnished by a possibly subpar reboot? Let us know in the comments below!

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