‘Xena’ to be more like ‘Hunger Games’ Katniss

NBC Entertainment chairman Bob Greenblatt has confirmed a reboot of Xena: Warrior Princess  is in the early stages of development.

Despite former lead Lucy Lawless, dismissing the reboot as “just a rumor”, Greenblatt confirmed to THR the future return of the Warrior Princess looks positive, “Yes, we’re in the early stages of developing a new take on Xena and we’re looking for a writer. We want to do it.”

Adding: “I don’t think it’s just a continuation, but we haven’t gotten that far. I think it’s a great character, and we should try to figure out how to revive it somehow. There is a deal with Sam and Rob Tapert to produce, and it’s with NBC International.”

The new, modern Xena is said to have the charisma and charm of Lawless and the smarts of The Hunger Games‘ Katniss.”

Lucy Lawless fans may be disappointed to hear that when asked about the chances of Lawless appearing the new series, Greenblatt thought it more likely she would play a part creatively behind the scenes, commenting: “We’d love to have Lucy be a part of it — if we felt that her presence didn’t overshadow the direction we take with it. I’m not sure how she could be part of it if she wasn’t playing Xena, and I don’t know if that’s a direction we’ll ever go.”

NBC is hoping for a 2016 premiere for the reboot.