XENA MOVIE NEWS - LAST UPDATED 21st February 2006

21st February 2006: Rumour Continues on Xena Film
-In a recent interview with Lucy Lawless at contactmusic.com site, Lucy talked about the upcoming Xena movie. This is still un-confirmed and is in no way the official word on the movie happening. Apparently the website isn't the official source of the interview and it isn't stated where the interview has come from. Here is what Lucy is quoted as saying:

"Xena: Warrior Princess star Lucy Lawless is terrified she may be replaced in an upcoming movie version of the Tv series which rocketed her to fame. The 37-year-old beauty can't bear the thought of another woman playing the leather-bound superheroine - and she jokes she will sabotage her replacement if necessary. She says, "I really would mind seeing another actress playing Xena. "In fact, I would poleaxe her on the way to the set."

Mary D (of AUSXIP) argues her point that this is not official confirmation, and also that if Universal are looking to dump Lucy and Renee and re-cast for a film, that this film should be boycotted. "only one woman can play Xena - LUCY LAWLESS. No Lucy, No Xena IMO". I'm sure everyone would agree with this. Heck even Lucy is saying she wouldn't let anyone else play Xena. I think the thought of re-casting never crossed any of our minds, for a film. Although I'm sure this will NOT be the case.

16th January 2006: WRITING CAMPAIGN FOR XENA MOVIE!
-It's time to show our support for a Xena Movie! If this film is going to happen, now is our chance to support it because this could be our LAST chance. This is a letter writing campaign. As reported yesterday, Katherine Fugate reading out a letter from Robert Tapert, which asked the fans to contact Rogue Pictures and let them know you want a Xena movie. A written letter will weigh more in getting this film then a simple email. So no emails, no faxes; WRITE. So every fan needs to write and mail to Rogue Pictures Universal, c/o Andrew Rona and tell him that we want a Xena movie! No matter what country you live in, please show your support. Here are the contact details:

15th January 2006: XENA MOVIE NEEDS SUPPORT!
-Mary D (AUSXIP) has had word from the Xena Convention that is currently on this weekend, that writer, Katherine Fugate read out a letter from Rob Tapert asking the fans to contact Rogue Pictures Universal and show your support for a Xena Movie.

"Katherine Fugate read Rob Tapert's email, and they both ask that we all email Andrew Rona and Rogue Pictures (a part of Focus, that's a part of Universal) to let him know that the fans want a Xena movie. If they get enough emails, they will see that there IS large group of people willing to pay for tickets."

Also use the link banner above to email Universal and show your support.

30th December 2005 Update: Only a False Rumour
-The news posted yesterday about the Official Xena and Hercules Catalog Website spreading news of a Xena movie in 2006 is false. Apparently they are telling people that, but Sharon (from Xena fan club) confirms that the rumour is un-true and there is no Xena movie in the works.

"Fancy a company trying to spread a rumour about the Xena movie to sell more merchandise. I'm shocked. Absolutely shocked." - Sharon

29th December 2005 Update: Xena Movie in 2006?
-Apparently the Official Xena and Hercules Catalog Website have reported that there is going to be a Xena Movie in Autumn of 2006 (end of year). 

"Apparently the official catalog is telling people there's going to be a Xena movie released in Fall 2006. They're apparently discontinuing the Xena (and Highlander) swords because (and I quote, "coming out movies for Highlander and Xena..."

Hopefully with the upcoming conventions early in the new year, we should get an official announcement soon on whether this is true.

UPDATE:25th August 2005 - Mission to Get the Ball Running for Xena Film!
-Nance from The Xena Scrolls Website has come up with a campaign to get things moving for our long awaited Xena film! I and other webmasters received this email today with a banner and link to the Universal Studios contact form. So please click the above link and express your desire for a Xena movie! Everyone should email!

Star's bid for Xena film - The Sun Newspaper (UK)
CURVY Xena actress Lucy Lawless wants to make a movie version of the cult TV show.

She told SciFiwire.com: “I think a movie would be great, and I'd love to do it. I've been wanting to do it for years.

"But nobody can agree who owns the rights, and it's a big fat pain in the ass."

The sexy New Zealander starred in the fantasy show, which was created by her husband Rob Tapert, who also produced the long-running programme.

He is hoping to buy the rights for the show from bosses at Universal so he can make a new film.

UPDATE:20th August 2005 - What is going on with this movie??
Well again it seems we are back to legal issues for the Xena film. The Sci-fi Wire / Sci-fi Website have posted an interview with Lucy Lawless about the Xena film:

"Xena Movie Still In Limbo

Lucy Lawless, who starred in six seasons of Xena: Warrior Princess, told SCI FI Wire that a proposed Xena movie remains caught in a legal haggle. "I think a movie would be great, and I'd love to do it," Lawless said in an interview. "I've been wanting to do it for years." But, she added: "Nobody can agree who owns the rights, and it's a big fat pain in the ass."

Xena ended its syndicated TV run four years ago, and her husband, creator and producer Rob Tapert, is trying to get the rights from Universal Studios. "Rob wants to make it anyway," Lawless said. "He wants to make films. He likes making movies. He's like a shark: You only go forward, and you don't want to bite yourself on the tail with regrets."

Lawless said there is a legal wrangle over who owns the rights to the story. Tapert and John Schulian are listed as creators of the series.

As for a storyline, Lawless said that a few ideas for stories have been kicked around. For her part, Lawless said that she would like to see the campy costume series become more of a comedy on the big screen.

"I know Rob can tell a great story and could come up with a really creative new spin on it, much like David Eick and Ron Moore did with Battlestar Galactica, and make it relevant to today's audience," said Lawless, who will guest-star on Galactica on Sept. 9. "But I think it could be a good comedy, because comedy always works."

Universal is owned by NBC Universal, which also owns SCIFI.COM."

UPDATE:10th March 2005 - Lucy Comments to TV Guide Online
This wait for a Xena Movie is really being dragged out. It is proving a bugger of a wait for us Xena fans. Anyway, here is the latest from Lucy Lawless who commented to TV Guide Online about the Xena film.

"Seeing Lucy Lawless brazenly snatch Halle Berry's role on Monday's Two and a Half Men reminded us how much we've missed the Aussie spitfire. Any chance she'll ever reprise her role as that sapphic icon, Xena, Warrior Princess?

"This whole idea of a Xena feature [film] keeps coming and going," Lawless tells TVGuide.com with a sigh. "I've checked out of worrying and wondering and speculating about it. People keep saying, 'It's on! It's off!' I did just this morning hear something about it from my husband [Robert G. Tapert], who was the executive producer on Xena.

"They'd better hurry up," she laughs. "Otherwise, Renee O'Connor [who played Xena's sidekick Gabrielle] and I will be too old — and nobody'll want to see us in short skirts before long. It's gonna be tragic."

UPDATE:24th February 2005 - Xena: To Be Or Not To Be?
I guess that's the question! This small article was posted on the Windy City Times.

"Xena is one of those characters who appeals equally to lesbians and gay men—both camps know a quality ass-kicking babe when they see one. So Romeo was heartened to learn that Katherine Fugate, screenwriter of the “When Fates Collide” episode of the now-dormant Xena: Warrior Princess, along with the series’ executive producer Robert G. Tapert, is working on a script for a big-screen Xena feature. But don’t get too excited just yet. Right now it’s only a script, and there’s no way of knowing if that script will become a bought script and then a green lighted script and then a shooting script. One thing’s certain, though—if it all comes to pass, it shouldn’t be anyone’s but Lucy Lawless’ to turn down first."

UPDATE:27th January 2005- More Movie News
Continuing from the weekend Convention, here is more information that has been said about the Xena Movie:

"Rob Tapert has said the rights are not an issue anymore. He said he wanted to officially announce about the movie but he just honestly didn't know. He tried to get a word from the interested party before the convention but his phone calls hadn't been returned. If they're interested, he'd like them to quit talking about it and start doing it. Katherine Fugate said she thought it would be sooner rather than later. They were trying to get the contracts signed before the convention so they could announce."

Well it seems that the next update the xenaverse could get, could pretty much be the OFFICIAL word on whether the movie will go ahead or not. Things seem to be looking great at the prospect of a movie! So stay tuned!

UPDATE:25th January 2005- HUGE XENA MOVIE NEWS!
Well over the weekend, the 10th annual xena convention was on. Many guests included Lucy Lawless, Renee O'Connor, Hudson, Ted, and so many others. As expected, Rob Tapert dished out an update on the status of the Xena Movie. Here is what has been said and it is very positive news!

"About six months ago a partner was found to make the xena movie but no firm deal has been sorted yet and in the next few months it will be decided either way. Both a story and a budget have been fixed for the movie and it is likely that Universal will probably back the film."

So that is what Rob Tapert has said. So this is awesome news and I would hope that if this partner commits to the film, then a Xena movie will go ahead and I would think that production could start before the end of this year, for a release sometime next year. But that is not confirmed. So now we will have a long few months wait for a concrete confirmation on whether the movie will go ahead or not. Fingers crossed to the likely outcome being YES!

UPDATE:20th December 2004-
According to an interview on Mercury News Website, Terrelle Smith (an American NFL player) could be cast in the Xena Movie. This is a very interesting quote. Yet to be confirmed or denied. Here is what was said: "A new Xena movie is also in the works, and Smith said he's friends with one of the writers, Katherine Fugate." "She told me she's writing it and they're looking for a guy like me. Hopefully, next off-season I can do something like that," Smith said.

And next month is the Xena convention. Both Rob and Katherine are attending, so we may here on the status of a movie. Let's hope so.

UPDATE: 20th November 2004-
This rumour was printed in the Scififilmaker magazine, December issue. This rumour has been confirmed as being FALSE. Here it was:
"Universal Studios is currently in negotiations with representatives of Lucy Lawless and Kevin Sorbo and other original cast members and Sam Rami & Robert Tapert to settle merchandising issues so that work can commence on a script penned by Katherine Fugate (of When Fates Collide 2001 Xena ep fame) on The Return of Xena movie in which it is said Hercules, (Kevin Sorbo) will help Gabrielle (Renee O' Connor) restore her best friend Xena (Lucy Lawless) back to life (Hey Spock did it, why not Xena?) in order that they may attempt to overcome 'an ultimate enemy and challenge.' Hmmm..Sequels anyone?".
-Sharon Delaney from the official xena fan club said this about the rumour:
"I checked with Rob and this article is false. He's still working on trying to get a movie up and going, but nothing in this article is true."

UPDATE: 7th August 2004-
News to report today, it seems un-likely now that there will be a Xena Movie made anytime soon. According to the Xena Movie News Website, the ownership issues are proving to be a problem. There is some big legal battle and Universal isn't sure who has the rights. Katherine Fugate says: "I'm supposed to write the script. I've outlined it, but the deal is not signed and sealed. It was assumed that Robert Tapert was supposed to get the rights back from Universal. Under that assumption, I was approved as the writer with Lucy and Renee signed to reprise their roles. But now there's some big legal battle. Universal isn't sure who has the rights and everyone has a different conclusion." So there we go. Keep checking the awesome Xena Movie News Site for further updates.

UPDATE: 7th February 2004-
Well there is a statement on AUSXIP today from Katherine Fugate which basically says, Rob is currently trying to buy the rights to make a Xena movie, and that both Lucy and Renee have signed to apprise their roles, and that Katherine has penned an outline for a script! To read the full statement, head over to AUSXIP. Here is the direct link: http://www.ausxip.com/news/xwpmovie/rumours.html
Also checkout Katherine Fugate Official Site where the information originated: www.katherinefugate.com
-So I would presume that if Rob manages to buy the rights to a movie, the movie would probably go into production at the end of the year or early next year. As confirmation goes, I guess we can say that it's OFFICIAL! There will be a Xena Movie!

UPDATE: 2nd February 2004-
-Posted over at AUSXIP is a little comment that was made at this years convention that was just on.
Katherine Fugate, writer of Xena episode "When Fates Collide", said Rob Tapert was trying to get the rights to Xena from Universal to make a Xena movie! So another positive comment that things are happening! Well it's now been a year since the first Xena Movie talk was made. Lucy was said to have told a New Zealand radio station that a movie would be within three to four years. So we are now one year closer... and boy did last year fly!

UPDATE: 31st October 2003-
-This article was posted over at AUSXIP, originally from the USA Weekend.
The question asked; "Xena: Warrior Princess" was one of my favourite TV shows. Is it true there will be a "Xena" movie? Deerdra Reese, Ruidoso, N.M." In reply they said this; "Universal has one in development, but it probably will be years before we see it. Still, you can get your "Xena" fix with new boxed DVD sets of the first and second seasons."

UPDATE: 11th October 2003-
-This article was posted over at AUSXIP, a printed article in the US Mirror and this is what it said:

Return Of Dead Xena from "The Mirror"
XENA Warrior Princess is to return after being killed off in the cult TV show. Fans were outraged when Xena, played by Lucy Lawless, was killed in the last-ever episode. But Lawless, 35, has agreed to film a Xena movie. She said: "I don't want another multi-year contract. I've three kids and it's not an option. A movie is short-term."

UPDATE: 2nd August 2003-
A Xena movie seems one step closer to becoming official as the Yahoo Up Coming Movies have now setup a page dedicated to the movies progress. Heres the link. And a Big thanks to them for linking my site in the links section! YAY

Also from a recent comic convention in which Renee attended, it seems that Renee has gone back to long blonde hair. First speculated that it was because of a Xena movie, apparently that isn't the reason. Travel over to AUSXIP to check out some great convention photos of Renee back in blonde.

UPDATE: 21st June 2003-
AUSXIP posted rumours of a Relic Hunter Xena cross-over tele-movie, but later confirmed that it was false. Here's what it said: "Rumour has it that a televised Relic Hunter movie focusing around the Xena chakram is planned for next summer. According to Cult Times, Sydney Fox will uncover the weapon and two lost Xena scrolls. In a recent interview, Lucy Lawless exclaimed- "Me and Tia always wanted to have the two series' merge, but then Xena ended". It is unclear yet whether Lucy Lawless herself will appear in the movie, which will feature references to Xena episodes. Tia Carrere said: "It's very exciting. It's never been done before. We're taking an established series and weaving a narrative around it". Rob Tapert- executive producer of Xena- has said that this will not hinder chances of a fully-fledged Xena movie in the future."......Confirmed To Be False: "The latest rumour about a Xena movie linking Xena with Relic Hunter is false. Sharon contacted Rob Tapert and he called it a "total lie and fabrication." So much for that rumour."

UPDATE: 20th March 2003-

The rumour about the Xena Soundtrack is obviously false. According to AUSXIP, Sharon from Creation.Net asked Rob about it and this is what she said: "I checked with Rob and although his answer is unprintable <G>, it boils down to there's no truth to this latest rumour." - Well that is good news! Did we really want Mariah Carey to sing in the Xena movie! I don't think so!

UPDATE: 11th March 2003-

From Katherine Fugate's web site - http://www.katherinefugate.com

THE XENA MOVIE: at the pasadena convention, I was asked whether there would be a Xena movie and whether or not I was being considered as the potential writer of the movie. I answered that there had been talks about a potential Xena movie, and that Rob Tapert and I had met about potentially working together on one - SHOULD it come to fruition. as I said at the convention, every movie takes this path. and it's Rob's job, as the producer, to find a writer and suggest that writer to the studio. at the convention, I was very cautious to state any Xena movie, as I understand it, is in the inchoate stages of birth and anything could happen - as it often does. I would also like to add that i was honoured rob spoke with me about potentially writing a movie. as I said at the convention, rob is the biggest ally a Xena movie has and he's a loyal man to those he's worked with. if a Xena movie gets made - it will only happen because of rob and his belief in one..

UPDATE: 21st February 2003-

News snippet over at http://www.darkhorizons.com/news.htm says: "Xena: The Movie: ITV reports that the film will go ahead with not only "a stunning soundtrack provided by the series' original composer - Joseph Lo Duca" but a special Xena and Gabriel relationship them called "When I Look at You" by Mariah Carey."

UPDATE: 13th February 2003-

The Creation.Net Website has posted a Xena movie poll on their main site. It pops up when you hit the homepage. Here is what they say in the poll and what it's about: "The "powers that be" have asked for the Creation audience's input on a Xena feature film. In what time period would you like a Xena movie to take place? (Select one...)". Options are: 1. After "Friend In Need" that brings Xena back from the dead. 2. After the 25 years in the ice cave, but before "Friend In Need." 3. Before the 25 years in the ice cave. At the time of posting, option one is in the lead. I'll bring you later updates on this poll and results.

-Plus also Katherine Fugate, writer of fan fave season 6 episode "When Fates Collide" spoke of the possibility of penning the Xena movie herself. Katherine told at the Pasadena Convention last weekend that while the Xena movie is far from going into production, meetings between the studio and herself are a strong indication that there IS going to be a movie. She apparently indicated she was thinking of an Egypt story line, taking advantage of the resurrection mythology from that ancient culture.

UPDATE: 1st February 2003-
Australian NW Magazine has featured a small news article on the Xena movie:
"Could Lucy Lawless be about to launch a comeback? Kiwi sources claim a movie version of her successful fantasy TV series Xena Warrior Princess is in the pipeline. Lucy - last seen in a cameo in Spider-Man has long talked about bringing the battling babe to the big screen and has stated on New Zealand radio she has a Hollywood studio and an $80-100 million budget behind her. Now that's what we call girl power!"

UPDATE: 29th January 2003-
The Z movie review site have now listed the Xena movie and created a Xena movie page for details and updates. This site is really good for reporting on upcoming movie details, exclusive images and up-to-date news. Nothing new posted there yet but worth a bookmark and to keep an eye out for future updates!
http://www.thezreview.co.uk/comingsoon/x/xenathemovie.htm

UPDATE: 22nd January 2003-
"Xena" coming to the big screen?"
Xena is coming to the big screen. Universal Pictures has enticed star, Lucy Lawless, to don the historic get-up again, for a feature version that is said to be costing anywhere near 50-60 million dollars. As part Lawless's deal to do the film, all her regular co-stars - plus a few new faces - will be involved. Might one of those faces be "Hercules" himself Kevin Sorbo?
http://www.moviehole.net/news.php?newsid=854
Plus keep an eye out on this page and AUSXIP for more Movie News as the upcoming Xena Convention in the US on February 7 - 9 may reveal some more facts from the stars about this movie. Both Lucy and Renee will be attending!

UPDATE: 11th January 2003-
The Dark Horizons web site, which covers movie gossip is reporting that the hopes for a XENA movie might be on! "Xena: The Movie: The warrior princess herself Lucy Lawless was on nationwide radio station 91ZM in New Zealand yesterday according to TheFlikSpot where she apparently indicated a movie based on the Xena series is in the works, although its in early stages as yet. A decent budget (around $50-60 million) seems to be on the cards with the film to be treated like a big budget blockbuster for Universal. She didn't apparently elaborate on a story or cast but did confirm a few of the regulars would return along with some new bigger names."

UPDATE: 10th January 2003-
Today has revealed that there is talk of a Xena Movie in the possible near future.
It's not completely confirmed as such yet, but in the recent January 2003 issue of Lesbian News Magazine featuring an extremely interesting interview with Lucy Lawless, Lucy expresses her future plans and hopes of doing a Xena Movie within the next 3 years. A recommended read, AUSXIP have posted up the scan.
Go Here to read: http://www.ausxip.com/lawless/articles/lesnews03/index.html
Plus apparently guesting on a local radio station in New Zealand, Lucy indicated that a Xena movie was in the works! And according to Creation Entertainments Sharon Delaney, she stated that; "Rob would love to do one and has been working toward that end. But nothing definite has been set yet. It's still in the "3 or 4 years down the road" stage."

LINK: Petition: We Want A Movie
http://www.oocities.org/codmonster14/wewantamovie.html
Visit the above website and sign this petition for a Xena Movie.
This petition was created not long after the series finale was screened in the US.