BUFFY AND BEYOND
Buffy's creator Joss Whedon was celebrating last week after it was
announced he had signed a new four-year, eight figure deal with 20th
Century Fox Television - the show's production company.
Variety reports that the deal, worth well over $20 million, will ensure
that Whedon will continue to oversee production of both Buffy and Angel,
as well as develop new shows. Cast negotiations and ratings permitting,
there is now a very real possibility that Buffy could now run for eight seasons.
Speaking to Wendy Shanker of Bust magazine recently, Joss discussed the
future of Buffy:
'I think it goes until you run out of stories. If you can keep it fresh,
keep it vital - that's incredibly hard to do... It's tough to find the
next really emotional bit between all these people without either
increasing it too much or becoming static. Luckily, we keep landing on
new people, like James [Marsters], who are incredibly good, and who feel
so integral.'
Joss is rumoured to be already developing a new show for the 2001/2002
US TV season. Let's just hope it isn't a Riley spin-off (although Faith:
Rogue Slayer would get our vote!)
HAPPY VALENTINE'S FOR DAVID
It's been a big weekend for David Boreanaz - his first major film, the
scary Valentine, opened in America on Friday and looks like being a hit.
Although the press - perhaps getting a little tired of so many
post-Scream slasher movies - may have been underwhelmed, the public
flocked to see to the movie. Grossing over US$ 10.1 million, Valentine
was the second most popular film in America this weekend - not bad
considering it is 'R' rated.
The film's premiere - at the legendary Mann's Chinese Theatre in
Hollywood - saw Boreanaz, Amber Benson and Julie (Darla) Benz all in
attendance. Star of the show was undoubtedly Charisma Carpenter,
sporting new blonde hair. The bleach is back!
TALES OF THE SLAYERS
Joss Whedon and co-producer Doug Petrie have confirmed that the majority
of the Buffy writing staff are working on Tales of the Slayers - a
special eighty page graphic novel due later this year. Marti Noxon has
ducked out, but Amber (Tara) Benson - fresh from co-writing a one off
Willow/Tara comic - will team up with a host of hot artistic talent to
tell the stories of several different Slayers throughout history.
Oz fans will be pleased to hear that the teen werewolf will be getting
his own three part comic miniseries, written by Christopher Golden,
starting in June.
Also on the merchandise front, it now appears that the proposed Buffy
Chess Set will take a while to appear, if at all. The manufacturers
revealed that the set wasn't exactly on fast track at a recent UK toy fair.
WIN, WILLOW, WIN!
Sarah Michelle Gellar may have missed out on a Golden Globe recently,
but the Buffy cast will have another opportunity to add to their trophy
collection if Alyson Hannigan scoops Supporting Actress of the Year in a
Drama Series at the TV Guide Awards.
Alyson, who will be filming the sequel to American Pie this summer
according to co-star Nicholas Brendon, was the only cast member to make
it through to the final nominee stage. Good luck Alyson!
STAND BY FOR ACTION (FIGURES)
The second batch of Buffy action figures have finally made it to the UK.
Buffy in her red leather trousers, Giles, and Oz are now available from
specialist shops. Oz is particularly impressive - he sports two stakes,
two crossbows, a guitar and amp plus an alternative set of hands! The
figure's T shirt even sports a logo designed by Seth Green himself!
Limited supplies of the hard-to-get Spike figure are also expected to be
available soon, with Cordelia and Xander now due in the spring.
SCOOBY DOO
For those of you wanting news on Scooby Doo, Doug Petrie's interview is still available (RealMedia).
Rob Francis edits UK fan site The Watcher's Web.
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