Fox Just Waiting On Joss Whedon For A ‘Buffy The Vampire Slayer’ Reboot

If Fox has its way, viewers could be getting a new “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” series, sooner than later.

Speaking at the INTV conference in Jerusalem, Fox Chairman and CEO Gary Newman said, in no uncertain terms, that they’re definitely ready for a ‘Buffy’ reboot. Saying the series “is probably the most ripe show we have for bringing back.” But it’s a bit premature for ‘Buffy’ fans to celebrate. There’s still one person that is holding the process up – Joss Whedon.

“It’s something we talk about frequently. Joss Whedon is one of the greatest creators we’ve ever worked for. When Joss decides it’s time, we’ll do it,” said Newman.

Joss Whedon is the creator, and creative driving force, behind “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” His work on the series has spawned a rabid fanbase that is still buying up anything ‘Buffy’ related. Whedon has also been the creative brains behind the continuation of the ‘Buffy’ story in comic book form. At this point, with fans still discovering ‘Buffy’ online, it’s hard to see a reason why Whedon would want to bring the series back to life unless it’s purely about money.

However, Fox isn’t interested in doing a reboot just for money. At least that’s what Newman says. “If you do it cynically, if you don’t have a great creative reason to do it, I don’t think it’s going to work,” he said.

Lately, Fox has been one of the biggest reboot offenders. While other networks aren’t shying away from bringing back beloved series, Fox has already done it numerous times, with “Prison Break,” “The X-Files,” “The Greatest American Hero,” and “24” (twice). But according to Newman, Fox isn’t too concerned about reboots.

Newman says, “Reboots isn’t actually a focus for us. Most of the time it starts with a creator coming in. Admittedly, we chased ‘The X-Files’ for a while. But when we first brought it back it was Chris [Carter] and David [Duchovny] and Gillian [Anderson]. The ‘24’ franchise… we’ll always want it.”

One reading of that quote might just show that the Fox exec is talking out both ends of his mouth. While he wants creative reasons to do these shows, he admits to “chasing” “The X-Files” and always wanting a new “24.” And that’s not even counting the fact that he’s clearly putting the ‘Buffy’ desire out in the world, knowing exactly what kind of response fans will have.

Basically, it seems like Newman knows that reboots get eyeballs, and Fox is definitely in the business of getting viewers. No matter the reasons, it looks like a ‘Buffy’ reboot is an inevitability.